Hudson
Only because I gave her access and ignored the red flags you pointed out.
So far, his replies had been everything I had hoped for. Forgiveness wasn’t that easy, though. And I wasn’t sure I’d ever forget.
Me
You’re saying all the right things now, but I’m not sure how much I can trust you.
Hudson
Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere. I’m done making excuses. You come first. Always. And Avery too because she’s important to you.
Just tell me what you need from me. Anything.
I set the phone down before I could type anything else. My hands were shaking, and I was starting to wonder if we’d actually find our way back to each other. But today was too soon to knowfor sure. So I needed to stop texting before I asked for something I wasn’t ready for yet.
16
HUDSON
Three days after the interview dropped, the world was still buzzing, but the worst of the frenzy around Serena had finally eased. The headlines had shifted from wondering if we were breaking up to me being open about my feelings. The paparazzi who’d been focused on getting photos of her had cleared out from in front of her house, chasing new stories that paid better.
She and Avery were back home, but I still hadn’t seen her.
We’d been texting and even talked on the phone a few times. Short, careful exchanges that felt like walking across thin ice. She was guarded, and I was trying not to push. Every word from her felt like a small victory I didn’t deserve.
This morning, though, I was done waiting on the sidelines.
Avery had texted me late last night. The speech and debate tournament her team was hosting needed extra hands. The coaches were short-staffed, and having two recognizable faces helping out would earn Avery major points. She’d volunteered both of us.
I replied yes without hesitation.
Now I stood on Serena’s front porch at seven thirty in the morning, holding a tray with two lattes and a matcha lemonade from her favorite spot and a small paper bag with the chocolate croissants Serena couldn’t resist and the breakfast sandwich Avery liked.
When the door opened, Serena stood there in leggings and an oversized sweater, her hair in a messy bun, looking surprised and wary.
Behind her, Avery peeked out with a guilty little grin. “Thanks for letting me volunteer you.”
“I’m happy to help.” I lifted the cup holder higher. “I brought a peace offering—your favorites from Beachwood Café.”
Serena’s gaze flicked from the cups to my face. “Avery asked you to help with the tournament?”
“She did,” I confirmed. “But I wanted to stop by first, make sure you were okay with me being there. I don’t want you to feel awkward in front of everyone else if you’re not ready yet.”
Serena crossed her arms, but the corner of her mouth twitched. “You agreed to spend your Saturday judging high school debates and running the snack table?”
“I’d judge kindergarten finger-painting if it meant spending time near you two.” I held her gaze, hoping she could see how much I meant what I was saying. “You and Avery are my priorities. Both of you.”
Avery snorted from behind her sister. “He’s trying, Sis. Give him a point for showing up with caffeine.”
Serena exhaled a soft laugh that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I guess it’s better than burning your stuff on the lawn.”
I blinked. “Burning my stuff?”
Avery grinned. “Inside joke. You had to be there.”
Serena shook her head, but she stepped aside. “Come in. We leave in twenty minutes. And if you make this weird for Avery, I will personally escort you out.”
