Page 21 of Fragile Heart

His eyes widen. “Wow, so you’re like a super fan?”

I get the heat going under the skillet before turning back to him. “Yeah, is that weird?”

“It’s not weird. It’s still so surreal for me that some many people are so affected by the series,” he answers. “But it’s cool. At least you aren’t creepy about it.”

My brows crinkle in confusion. “What do you mean by creepy?”

He takes a seat at the kitchen table. “You wouldn’t believe some of the things people do and say when they see me.”

“Like what?” I ask, pouring batter into the skillet.

“Well, one time, I had this girl run up to me in the middle of a store and ask if she could kiss my shoe.”

A laugh explodes from me. “What did you do?”

“I told her no because I didn’t know how dirty my shoes were. I signed something for her instead. Another time, I was out at a bar with Vaughn, and a woman came up and asked if she could have some of my hair.”

“Your hair?” He nods. “Did you give her some?”

“Hell no. She’d probably try to clone me or some shit.”

“I can’t believe people are actually like that,” I say, laughing.

“People are weird,” he replies, shaking his head.

“Well, I promise I’m not like that.”

“I figured you weren’t. You would’ve already shown your crazy by now if you were. Especially when I was passed the fuck out in your bed.” He watches me flip the pancakes.

“It must be tough, always being recognized when you go out.” I try to empathize with him because I have a feeling not many people do.

“You have no idea. I feel like I’m constantly being watched. Actually, being here in this town is the first time in a while I haven’t felt people staring at me. People would stare the first day or two after I got here, but it was more like they were just trying to figure out who the outsider was. But then people started ignoring me, and it’s been really nice.” I can’t help but smile. I know almost everyone in this town. The people are wonderful, and I’m glad we made Hudson feel comfortable, even if it was by being ignored.

“Well, I’m glad.” I grab two plates from the cabinet before serving up the pancakes.

I set the syrup down when Hudson asks, “Have you always lived here? In Blue Mountain?”

“Yes. My parents moved to Florida for my Dad’s job when I was seventeen, but they let me stay here so I could finish my senior year.”

“Really? They let you just stay by yourself?”

“I stayed with Holly and her mom. I went to college in Atlanta but came back here after I graduated. This is home, you know?” He nods, taking a bite of his pancake. “Is LA home for you?”

“I guess so. It’s all I’ve ever known.” His voice sounds sad, and my heart breaks a little for him.

“You don’t sound happy about that.” I glance at his face, but his expression hasn’t changed. It’s blank, emotionless. He’s a hard person to read. I’ve always been pretty good about reading emotions, but Hudson is a different animal. Either he really doesn’t feel anything, or he’s really good about hiding it.

“Yeah, I don’t know. I’ve always lived in LA, but it’s never really felt like home.” He shakes his head. “That doesn’t make much sense.”

“No, I understand.” And I do. Maybe Hudson just hasn’t found his home yet. Maybe he’s still searching for his place and his people. Somewhere he belongs.

He stops chewing and looks at me, his eyes searching mine. Something passes between us. I’m not sure what it is, but it feels important. I let him look without looking away.

A few more seconds pass before we return our attention to our plates. I never imagined I’d be sitting at my kitchen table across from this larger-than-life man. Any awkwardness from our other interactions is gone, and it’s surprisingly nice having him here. He’s still closed off but not as harsh as when I first met him.

We finish our breakfast in silence, and Hudson speaks first once we’ve finished. “Do you like to hike?”

“I’m not an avid hiker or anything, but I’ve done my fair share,” I tell him, wondering why he’s asking.

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