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“What is it?” he asks, sounding annoyed, like he hasn’t got the time, even though he called me.
“I’m just wondering where you are lecturing these days?” I try to ask casually, like I’m making small talk, which is something we have never done.
“Willowstone. Why?” There’s an edge to his tone I don’t miss, and my eyebrows rise.
I know I shouldn’t ask, but he is a good contact, having been in the education system for years.
“Just wondering who I need to speak to in order to report a crime against a student?” I can call the university directly, but I would rather go through personal channels. Things move quicker that way.
“Pfft. Stop wasting my time. Clearly, you have too much time on your hands these days, Hudson. You need to move back to the city.” His arrogance hits me immediately. That and the fact that he doesn’t answer or acknowledge my question.
I scoff, about to ask another question to get further information, but the call ends without even a goodbye.
The fucker hung up on me.
Rolling my phone in my hand, I think about Lacy. I don’t want to talk about it with her until she is ready, and I don’t want to push her, but the whole thing makes me upset.
It doesn’t take much more spiraling thoughts from me to press my contacts and make the call I’ve been debating.
“Hudson. How’s things?” Sawyer, Tanner’s lawyer from the city, who is often in Whispers, answers almost immediately. His upbeat tone is much more refreshing than the last call.
“Sawyer. I’m doing good. And you?” I ask as I pace again, wondering if I’m doing the right thing.
“Fine. But Tanner has me looking at the contracts for Victoria’s goat milk soap business. Apparently, it has picked up and they are really busy. That and my asshole of a brother is in Capri with that new leading lady of his,” he says, huffing, and I smile. From what I see on socialmedia, my friend is living his best life in the South of France.
“When are you in Whispers next? I need some advice,” I say, taking in a breath. I feel bad for a beat that I am doing this behind Lacy’s back, but it’s just advice. All confidential, and if I can get things ready for when she wants to make a move, it will be all the easier for her.
“I will be there soon, actually. Within the next few weeks.”
Relieved, I nod, even though he can’t see me.
“Great. I would love an hour of your time if you can spare it,” I tell him.
“No problem. I can make it work. Everything okay?” he asks, and I drop my head.
“Hopefully. I just need some advice on a personal matter.” I keep it simple, not wanting to delve into it on the phone.
“Okay, well, I will speak to you then,” he says, and we say our pleasant goodbyes before I end the call.
I look out the window toward my parents’ house, where my son is, wanting to join them but still feeling uneasy. I made Lacy a promise, and for the first time in my life, I’m not sure I can keep it.
37
LACY
Irush into the diner, my Saturday morning blood donation all done. It's been a week since New York, and aside from seeing Hudson most days, my life has gone back to being somewhat normal. Hudson and I flew back in his private jet and then both hit the ground running with work. Now as I get back into my routine, we decided to meet here for the weekly sundae together, my mom resting and getting ready for a big week as her first transfusion nears.
“The boys are already here waiting for you,” Rochelle says to me the minute I walk in, and I hold my breath and glance around. In the far corner of the room, I spot Hudson and Harvey sitting in a booth, both looking at me expectantly. My smile grows as my shoulders relax, just being around them.
The looks Hudson and I are getting are less and less as the locals are now so used to seeing us together. That, plus our mothers have been settling the rumor mill for us, knowing that I hate being the topic of conversation inthis town. Even though it has been happening for most of my life.
“Thanks, Rochelle.” I offer her a smile, and her cheeky wink makes me laugh.
“I’ve missed that laugh, darlin’. It’s good to hear it again,” she says before walking off and refilling the coffees for patrons nearby. I swallow, thinking of her words. These past weeks with Hudson have been like I am walking on air. He calls me and checks in with me every day, and when I get his sweet text messages, I can’t stop smiling. I feel so much different, so much better, more like a version of me I want to be since he came into my life. My to-do list is full but not as long because we now have Jennifer, and work is still busy but even more exciting because I love working on our new projects. I don’t feel as wound tight anymore, and I like that I have someone else to talk to about it all. I’m still on edge, though. Still waiting for something that I know is coming, yet I have no idea whatheis going to do next. My nerves are frayed, jumping at noises during the night. The only time I feel safe is when I’m with Hudson.
“Well, if it isn't Miss Perfect walking in to get her weekly ice cream,” Jolene snarks, sitting close by in a booth with her team of gremlins. I didn’t see her at the hospital this morning, so she clearly has the day off.
“Hi, Jolene,” I say, looking at her, then at the gaggle of girls around her. I don’t see these girls much and haven’t spent any time with them since school. But they are here, every Saturday, just like I am, and on occasion seem to like ruffling my feathers.