Jesus, she won’t let me get a word in edgewise so I interrupt her before she can say all of my names, “I introduced her to them, yes. But it’s not what it seems.”
My mother isn’t listening, as usual. “Did you already propose, Hudson? Am I the last to hear about some whirlwind romance with a common junior accountant? Did you get grandmother’s ring out of the safety deposit box without speaking to your father about it?” She makes a shivering sound. “A junior accountant withnoconnections?”
“No connections?” What she means by that is that I’ve found myself a commoner. Who cares about connections? My mother does and my father to a certain extent. She’s more concerned about that than my happiness. That I know for sure.
“Whois her family, Hudson?
“I don’t––”
“You don’t what?”
I don’t know anything about her or her family, but I can’t admit that. I’m in too deep now. So, I commit verbal suicide as far as my mother is concerned. “I don’t think that matters.”
Mother croaks. “What did you just say?”
“Mother…”
“It matters, Hudson James, to everyone in this family. I demand an introduction to this woman prior to this weekend. We’re attending Barbara and Mac’s silly garden party, and I will not be made a fool of again.”
I sigh into the phone. “Fine.”
Fine?I just agreed to introducing Willa to my mother? How am I going to accomplish that? The only thing I’m sure about is that she works at McAllister Accounting.
Okay, well, that’s something. I know where she works, which means I can just show up there. I’ll take flowers. Surprise her. Sure, it sounds a bit like I’m stalking her, but the more I think of this plan, the more I believe it could help Willa out as well. It could keep that guy Spencer at bay. Besides, I wouldn’t mind seeing Willa again. As a matter of fact, the idea makes me downright giddy.
My mother is still chattering on the other end of the line, but I’ve tuned her out. “I’ve got to go, Mother.” I disconnect the call and look at the time on my phone. It’s just after two in the afternoon. Perfect.
I press my intercom button linked to my assistant, and she answers immediately, “Yes, Mr. Adler?”
“Call the car service, please, Karen. And cancel my three o’clock.”
“Right away, Mr. Adler.”
Before I hang up, I ask, “Is there a florist close by?”
“Yes. In this building, first floor. Would you like me to order flowers for you, sir?”
“No. I’ll take care of it. Thanks, Karen.”
“You’re welcome, sir. I’ll let you know when the car is downstairs.”
“Great.” I hang up and look down at the work on my desk. “This can wait.” Standing, I pull on my suit jacket from the back of my chair and slip it on over my white dress shirt. I’d loosened my tie earlier, so I step into my en suite bathroom to readjust it. Running a hand through my hair, I notice I need a shave but there’s no time. “My appearance will have to suffice for now.”
My intercom comes to life. “Sir. The car will be downstairs in fifteen minutes.”
I speak loud enough for her to hear. “Thanks, Karen.”
“Absolutely, sir.”
ChapterSeven
WILLA
“Psst. Willa?”I look up at Bonnie who’s peeking at me from above my short office partition, except she’s not tall enough, so I only see her eyes. Eyes that are round with surprise.
“What?”
I sure hope she’s not going to tell me about another dream. I’ve got a lot of work to do before the end of the day, and one of her stories usually take a while. Like the one from this morning. Just as I logged in for the day, Bonnie appeared at my door with, “Oh. Em. Gee. Willa. I had the hottest dreameverlast night.” This one was about Hemsworth, Chris not Liam, while she was Jennifer Aniston.
