“Yeah, I like this girl in the mirror.” My only regret? I wish she’d been around while Spencer was firing me. I’d like a do-over of that day.
With my new-found confidence, I open the door and step out into the hallway, and that momentary blip of confidence drops like a lead balloon. Because the person who knocked on the front door is none other than… “Hello, Mrs. Adler.” Behind her is Hudson’s dad, so I add, “Mr. Adler.”
“What on earth areyoudoing here?”
“Mother. That’s enough.” Hudson sounds angry.
I’m glad. I need for him to step in where she’s concerned. I’m not sure I have that much confidence just yet.
“Willa? My parents decided tosurpriseme, us, with brunch.”
“Brunch.” I chose to repeat one word. At least it was something.
“Since Hudson would not deign to join us at our home, we brought brunch to him.” She looks me up and down. “I’m not sure we brought enough for a fourth, however.”
“That’s fine. I’ll just go back…” I point at the guest bedroom.
“Now, now. Let’s enjoy this beautiful Sunday.” Mr. Adler smiles at me. “I’m glad to see you again, my dear. You look lovely.”
“Uh, thanks.”
“In that same dress, I see,” Mrs. Adler interjects.
She’s right. I’ve got on the only clean thing I own, my Kate what’s-her-name dress.
I notice that Hudson is now wearing a shirt with his pajama pants. Too bad, really. Seeing him shirtless was a bright spot on this now bummer of a morning. “Come along.” Mr. Adler waves me over. “Let’s eat at the dining table.”
I follow him to the table and gasp at the spread. There’s every kind of food you’d expect to find at a fine dining restaurant that serves brunch. I see croissants, a meat and cheese platter, some sort of quiche, fresh fruit, and a whole lot more. I look around, half expecting there to be someone making made-to-order omelets. “Where did this all come from?”
“Mother had it catered.”
Okay. That’s it. I can’t help that laugh that escapes. I cover my mouth, but more giggles erupt.
“What’s so funny?” Mrs. Adler asks angrily.
I quickly gather myself. Clearing my throat, I shake my head. “Nothing. It’s just…” I glance at Hudson who looks surprisingly calm. Is he smiling at me? “I could have made breakfast. Brunch, I mean.”
“You?”
“Yes.” I smile at his mom because I can’t stand fighting. I’ll throw in the white towel before I go to battle against the likes of her. I’ll lose.
“Next time, my dear.” Mr. Adler pulls a chair out for his wife as I make my way around the table. She sits elegantly, and I sort of wish I could be like that. A little bit, anyway.
Hudson pulls a chair out for me as well, but I’ve already taken one for myself, as far away from his mom as possible.
“It’s time to retire the dress. It was already last season when you wore it the first time.”
“Mother,” Hudson snaps again. “Enough.”
“It’s okay, Hudson.” I look his mother in the eye. “I don’t know about seasons for clothing, but it doesn’t matter. I like it.”
With her gaze on her son, surprisingly, she says, “Maybe it’s time you took her shopping, Hudson.”
“I’m more than capable of buying and choosing my own clothing, thank you very much.”
“Obviously not, my dear.”
I’m going to do my best to change the subject. “This is a wonderful brunch, Mrs. Adler.”
