I nod. “I’m here with my company.” With air quotes, I explain, “It’s called ‘Cultural Team Building.’” I add an eye roll.
The laugh that erupts from Hudson makes my heart go pitter pat. He’s got a deep, infectious sort of sound. One I like. Very much.
“Well, thanks again. It was nice meeting you, Hudson.”
I turn to leave and take one, maybe two steps when he asks, “Whatisyour name?”
“Oh.” I giggle. “We never got to that. I’m Willa. Willa Clariday.”
“Willa.” He says my name softly. “That suits you.”
I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not, but I prefer to think it is. “Thanks.”
I take a few more steps when he says, “Hey–Willa….”
“Yeah?” I spin on my heel to face him once more.
“Isn’t that guy going to expect me to sit with you?”
I blink a few times as I think about his question. “It’s fine. I’ll tell him you had a work emergency.” It’s then that I remember. Reaching into my pocket, I retrieve what I need. “Here.” I hold out the twenty-dollar bill.
“What’s that?” He nods at the bill and smiles.
“I promised you twenty bucks if you helped me out. You certainly held up your end of the bargain.” Leaning a tad closer, I add, “I appreciate it so much. He sort of gives me the creeps, and he can’t seem to take a hint.”
Ignoring the money, Hudson takes a step closer. “Then let’s go prove to him that we’re together, yeah? After that, he’ll leave you alone. If not, I’ll kick his creepy ass.”
A startled laugh escapes my lips, but I get it under control. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.” Hudson places a palm on my back which is unexpected. It’s a nice feeling, though. “Let’s go. We’re missing a good game.”
I snicker. “I never pay much attention to the game. It’s all about people watching for me.”
Hudson slaps a hand over his heart. “You wound me, Willa. You really wound me. Baseball is the greatest sport in the entire world.”
“Meh.” I shrug. “I’m more of a hockey fan.”
He shakes his head. “Wounded again.”
He makes me laugh all the way back to my seat.
ChapterTwo
WILLA
A senseof foreboding washes over me as we approach our seats. This isn’t going to end well. That sensation gets a little less so when I feel a big, warm hand take hold of mine. Hudson gives it a little squeeze as we approach my row. I glance at the person seated in the first chair. It’s a guy who works in the maintenance department. “Hi, Sam. Can you excuse us?”
He grumbles, but he stands. My eyes flick up and meet Bonnie’s. Hers aren’t on me though. They’re on the man next to me. She releases a gasp that gets everyone’s attention.
Hurray. I love attention.Not.
With all eyes on me and Hudson, erm, I mean Hank, I’m about to repeat “excuse me” five times until I reach my seat, except Bonnie jumps up before I get the chance.
“Oh. Em. Gee. This must be Hank.” Her smile is beaming, and her eyes haven’t left the man. She waves at people to her left. “You,” she snaps. “Move over one so Willa can sit next to her boyfriend.” My co-workers aren’t quick enough for Bonnie. “Now,” she snaps. That seems to get the ball rolling. Everyone in my row stands. I turn sideways, because my hips aren’t going to fit any other way and begin the scooting walk to my seat.
Sitting next to Bonnie, I realize I’m sweating profusely. That could be due to the effort it took to get to the seats, but more likely it’s the fact that I’m certain this lie of mine going to end up being causing the match to ignite in the dumpster fire I call my life.
Cue sad trombone.
