Page 94 of Best Kept Secret

“Yes, but that won’t stop him. I’d be fine with a quiet night at home, but he insists on doing something special.”

“That’s so sweet.”

“He is pretty sweet,” Stacy admitted, her eyes sparkling.

“Among other things.” Kelsey wiggled her brows.

“Hudson’s sweet too.”

She sighed. “I used to think so.”

“You still do. You’re just angry right now, and you have every right to be.”

“Thank you. I was beginning to think nobody was on my side.” She set down some money, and then they left the restaurant.

As they were driving away, Stacy said, “Suggesting you talk to him doesn’t mean I’m not on your side. It’s because I know how you feel about him, and I’d hate to see you throw away a chance at happiness.”

“Like you almost did with Nick,” Kelsey said softly.

“Exactly. You and Jenna convinced me to give him a chance, and I’m so glad I did.”

“That doesn’t mean things will work out for me and Hudson, though.”

“Maybe not, but isn’t it worth a try?”

Twenty-Eight

By the middle of the week, Hudson was a wreck. He hadn’t been sleeping well, so he’d been snapping at his coworkers for no reason other than they were there. He’d also been avoiding Jared like the plague. Luckily, Jared didn’t seem in a hurry to talk to him, either, so there’d been no further confrontations. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could take Kelsey’s silence, though. He’d tried apologizing, gone to her apartment, and given her space, none of which had worked. He’d thought about showing up at her office, but he didn’t want to cause a scene.

Then Nick called.

“Hey, Nick. How’s it going?”

“Great. I’m calling to invite you to a party.”

“Sorry, man. I’m not really up to partying.”

Nick chuckled. “It’s not just any party. It’s Stacy’s surprise birthday party.”

“Oh.” Stacy was Kelsey’s best friend, which meant she’d be there too. Hmm…

“Wait a minute. What did you mean about not feeling up to it? I thought you were always up for a beer or two with friends.”

Friends. Something Hudson was in short supply of these days. “Forget I said that. When’s the party?”

“This Saturday at seven. Like I said, it’s a surprise party, so keep it between you and Kelsey.”

Her name made his heart hurt.

“Speaking of Kelsey, Stacy mentioned you two hung out this past weekend. How’d it go?”

Hudson sighed. “Not so good. In fact, I doubt she’d want me showing up to Stacy’s party.”

“Ouch. Is there anything I can do?”

He liked that Nick hadn’t asked for the details but had simply offered to help. “Actually, maybe there is.”

“Name it.”