Hudson: I’m sure she’ll appreciate it. How are things going there?
Me: Very good. Mission accomplished.
Hudson: Are you enjoying yourself?
Me: Very much so. You’ll be happy to know you can stop trying to set me up on dates.
Hudson: That’s it? You’re going to leave me hanging?
How could I put this so he would understand without me actually saying it?
Me: I don’t kiss and tell, governor. You know that.
Hudson: Enough said.
Me: I’m going to go. I’ve got work to do.
Hudson: How’s Mason? Evan is going to ask. And I’m worried about him.
Me: He’s fine. Met his mother today, and is currently at the pub with his brother.
Hudson: OMG! I’m so happy for him.
Me: Me too. I’m sure he’ll share the story when we get back.
Hudson: You could tell me now. I’m good with confidential information. I have clearance.
Me: Good try. But it’s his story to tell.
Hudson: Fine. Talk soon.
Me: Night, Hud.
Hudson: Night.
I put the phone down on the table and opened my laptop. Logging into the computer, I began my deep dive into the life of Davis Kennerly.
Chapter 20
Mason
The sheer number of admirers male twins could draw was inconceivable. The moment we settled onto the barstools, people flocked to us. I thought it was just Axel, being a DEL hockey star in Germany, but I was wrong. They engaged me in conversation as much as they did him. Some were flirty, some just curious. But if they were looking for something more, they were too late. I already had the person I wanted.
Leaning in, I spoke quickly. “If you want to hook up, just say the word and I’ll happily go back to Thomas.”
Axel waved me off. “I’m not in the mood after all that today. I just want to spend some time with you.”
I understood that more than he knew. “Yeah, me too. Speaking of today, do you think she was lucid? Thomas and I thought she was.”
“What she told us matches up with what she put in the letters. Makes me hope the therapy might be helping. It could be what I want to see.”
His eyes were sad as he finished the whiskey, then signaled the bartender for another one. “How are you feeling about all that?”
I sighed. “Surprised that he could keep it a secret. How do you do that? How do you look at someone for all those years and know you’re withholding the truth? Part of me wishes I’d gotten his side of things, but I couldn’t stay there another minute. I was afraid of what I might do.”
Axel agreed. “It’s understandable.” The bartender brought another glass and took the old one away. “Was he a good father at least?”
I circled the rim of the glass with my finger. “Yeah.” I smiled, thinking about Maddie and Makenna. “You’re going to love our sisters. They’re protective, like you. They used to run interference for me with Melinda. Her mood changed every time he came home from a business…” I trailed off as things began to surface in my mind. Things I’d pushed away.
