“I believe we need to discuss something,” he announces.
I scratch my cheek and make an awkward attempt at a grin. “Don’t you have a football team to coach?” I hold the door open as he walks right in.
My neighbor, friend, and April’s uncle. I knew this moment would come, and somehow, I knew he wouldn’t want to kill me either.
“I have a few hours off before I need to catch a flight for our next game, and I welcome the opportunity to investigate why I hear rumors around town that my niece is temporarily living with you, and my wife isn’t spilling the tea.”
“April isn’t here, by the way.”
“I know, I saw her leave with the dog for a walk. That’s fine. I wanted to talk man to man.” Hudson leans against the window wall of my living room.
I roll my eyes in entertainment. “April is heading back to the city, probably tomorrow.”
“Why is she staying with you to begin with? I thought you two detest one another.” It feels like his eyes are trying to catch me out.
I clear my throat. “She’s using my kitchen.”
His look tells me that he is waiting for more.
“Helping with Hadley.”
Still no response.
“Can we leave it at that?” I try my luck.
He studies me for a second, looks down at his daughter, and his face softens. “Fine.”
I blow out a breath of relief.
“Was it the baby shower?”
My eyes snap to him and panic sets in. “Baby shower?” My voice is uneasy.
“Yeah. I sent you back for a gift that I might not have really forgotten.” He winks at me. “Was that the start of whatever you two young ones are up to?”
I chuckle a laugh. “You could say it’s something like that.” I kind of figured he was attempting a setup, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt.
“The thing is, I think this is great, you could use someone like her, and April deserves to move on from that little punk who I think we are all happy didn’t lock her into marriage. But April is…”
“Feisty?”
“Yes, but I think she is still recovering a little from the last year. So, all I can say, and I know you know this, is that April isn’t one of those girls who will wait for you after your games for a good time. She can give a lot if that’s what she receives. You’d be lucky.”
I stare at him intensely, more because I’m lost in thought of her visiting me at a game.
“I hear what you are saying.” Boy, do I hear him. He now has wheels turning in my head because I’m already trying to figure out what’s happening.
“It’s kind of big… I mean, she is involved with Hadley now.”
“We’re friends,” I reiterate.
Hudson holds up his hand. “So you said.” I hear the disbelief. “But I’ve never seen you bring any woman around Hadley that is just a friend.”
I adjust my neck as he points out all the facts that I already know, and I’m well aware that anyone on the outside can see my predicament too.
“Uncle Bay!” April calls out as Pickles walks in before her. I forget she sometimes calls him a nickname, something about studying the Hudson Bay in school.
Hudson is quick to meet her halfway and offers an arm for a side hug. “Hey there. Heard you’ve been shaking up my neighborhood.”
