“Jesus, might want to be armed when you go over there.I’ll be there in five.”
Clearly, Goodie’s reputation preceded her, which didn’t surprise me.
“Thanks, honey.I can handle her.See you in a sec.”I laughed as I pulled into a parking spot in front of the restaurant and ended the call.Unsurprisingly, the lights were off, as it wouldn’t be opening for another few hours for the lunch shift.
I decided to run in while I waited for Hudson.
“I’ll be like five minutes, guys.Don’t eat anything you’re not supposed to,” I told the dogs as I swung out of the car and headed for the building.
I was already walking out, folder in hand, when Hudson’s truck pulled alongside mine.When he jumped out, clad in blue jeans, a white Henley, and a ball cap, I nearly lost my ability to speak at the sight.
He gave me a knowing grin, clearly catching me ogling him, and slid his cap backward before pulling me in for a long, lingering kiss.
“I’m all sweaty,” I protested weakly as he held me close.
“I’ll save you a shower then.”He patted my behind and moved to open my hatch, guiding the dogs into the back of his truck.
“Later, baby.”He flashed that dimpled grin that always made me melt.
“Later.”I waved before climbing back in my car and heading off to try to tame the beast named Goodie.
“You should be resting,” I grumbled a little while later as I sat at my aunt’s counter, watching in dismay as she cleaned out her fridge.The woman barely sat still, a tendency that had only intensified over the last few years.
“Rest, schmest.”She waved a dismissive hand, congestion evident in her voice and her eyes red and watery.
I studied her thoughtfully, realization dawning.“Do you worry you’ll think about him too much if you stop moving?”I asked quietly, thinking of my uncle.
She sighed, the sound deep and weary, and regarded me.“Oh honey, no amount of distraction takes him from my mind.”
“I’m so sorry you lost him, Goodie.”
A sad smile touched her lips.“The way I see it, I was lucky to have him for the time I did.”
“I get that.”I understood wholeheartedly now, knowing I’d relish even a short time with Hudson if—God forbid—it meant heartbreak for the rest of my life.
But I was counting on a lifetime together.
“So, you had some surprise guests in New York?”She arched a brow.No doubt she’d heard the news from Daphne.
“We did.I’ve been thinking about it ever since,” I admitted.“They were almost remorseful…” I trailed off, searching for the right words.“They were saying all the things I’ve been wanting to hear, but it all felt too… neat.”
“You’re smart to be skeptical.”She wrinkled her nose in thought.“I don’t know what to think of it myself.Your father reached out to me too, saying he wanted to make amends.”
My eyes widened in shock.“He did?And you took his call?”
She shrugged lightly.“He caught me at the right moment.We talked for a short time.It was awkward.We’re so different, and we haven’t spoken in years.”
“Do you think… do you think I should give them another chance?”The question came out in a whisper, as though I were afraid to voice it too loudly.
“Honey, I would never dream of telling you what to do.If you chose never to speak to them again, I’d respect and understand that—just as I would if you wanted to try again.I hate to say it, but that decision has to be yours and yours alone.”
“What do you think caused the sudden change of heart?”
“Well, Lulu… you,” she answered simply.“They didn’t handle you with care—they didn’t take the time to know the person you truly are.But that doesn’t mean you weren’t important to them.Now, I’d imagine they’re staring down the barrel of their older years, and it likely looks fairly bleak.But that’s not your responsibility to repair—that’s their own doing.”She reached for a tissue and blew her nose.
“I don’t even know how I would go about a first step.”
“God knows they’re awful on the phone.”She snorted softly.“I felt like I was talking to my banker.But I could tell he was trying,” she added, “and he’s my brother.I just have to decide if that’s enough.”She turned a knowing gaze to me, soft with understanding.“I’d imagine it’s not all that different for you.”
