“So how are things going in Montana?” Jordan asks,obviously trying to shift the topic, but I’m interested in Cody’s answer so I don’t call him out for doing it.
“They’re okay given the circumstances. The psychologists and cult specialists have started talking with everyone, but there are so many people that they’ve had to start with large, mostly informative, sessions, and I think a lot of people are having a hard time separating that from the Kyla presentations.”
“Ugh, that has to be so hard.”
“Plus so many people are without work now. It’s been really difficult to figure out the next steps. The donations that have been coming in from all over the world have been a huge help, and we can’t thank you both enough for everything you’ve done to help set everything up and spread the word.”
“Eh, it was mostly Jordan,” I say with a shrug.
“You both have been a huge help,” Beck insists. “We’re trying to figure out a replacement company or not-for-profit, something that would be able to employ all the people who were displaced by Kyla’s shut down, but we’ve only just been allowed to begin the process of acquiring the campus.”
“It’s a great setup. Maybe an existing company looking for new headquarters could move there?” I suggest.
“Yeah, that’s one of the options we’re exploring.”
“What about you, Adrian?” Cody asks. “How are things going with Hudson? I feel like I haven’t gotten to talk to you in person in so long.”
“Oh my god, I thought you’d never ask! Things with Hudson are… annoyingly perfect,” I respond with a sigh. “Other than the fact that he’s straight, he has continued to be the ideal roommate, even now, months later. He also doesn’t seem to own any shirts, which I’m definitely not complaining about. Honestly, the more time we spend together, the more I never want him to leave.”
“Does he have a move-out date planned?”
“No, but he did finally close on that house rightby me a few days ago. It needs quite a bit of work to get it how he wants it, though, so he’s asked to stay with me until the remodel is done.” And when it is, he’ll no longer need me in his life. I sigh again. “Would it be wrong to tell him it’s delayed forever so he never moves out?”
“Probably.” Cody nods seriously.
“The wayhewants it?” Jordan teases.
I glare at him. “Just because he asked me to make the design decisions, doesn’t mean he doesn’t agree with my choices. He’s going to love it.”
“He wantsyouto make all the decisions forhishouse?” Cody clarifies, and I nod.
“Wow, he really does sound like your dream man,” Beck adds.
“Well, his dream is to move into this gorgeous house, adopt a bunch of kids, and meet the perfect woman to raise them with, so I won’t be a part of the picture for much longer. He also officially applied to adopt now that he owns the house.”
“Really? Good for him for knowing what he wants and going after it,” Cody says with a huge smile.
Jordan leans over to nudge my shoulder with his. “That was all Adrian’s encouragement, too.”
“I just pointed out that he didn’t need to wait to be happy, and he agreed. No big deal.”
“It is. You’re completely changing his life and whatever kids he ends up adopting.” Jordan insists, and I feel my cheeks heat, but I don’t know how to respond, so I just shrug again. “It’s a great thing, Adrian. Even if I think you’re treating him like your boyfriend without benefits.”
“What’s he up to today? He should have come here,” Beck says, interrupting Jordan’s teasing.
I roll my eyes. Obviously, I wish there were benefits, but I’m also very aware that Hudson isn’t my boyfriend. “I did invite him since there’s less than forty-eight hours between games, and hedidn’t have time to see his family, but as soon as I mentioned it was at your family’s house, he turned down the offer. I think he’s planning to video call his parents for their Thanksgiving meal.”
“What’s wrong with my family?” Beck asks, sounding offended.
“How many times do I have to tell you that the players are afraid of you?”
“Even Hudson? He’s older than me! He’s been on the team since I was in college. I’m not even scary,” he huffs, crossing his heavily tattooed arms. Combined with his glare, he very much does look scary right now if you didn’t know he was such a softy underneath the resting bitch face.
“You’re still the boss,” I remind him.
“Whatever. He could have come.”
“It’s probably for the best since he doesn’t get to see his parents much. Plus, you all have given me enough shit over the past few months about us acting like a couple. I didn’t need to show up today with him at my side and have your entire extended family thinking we’re secretly together, too.”
