Page 95 of Best Kept Secret

“Don’t mention that I’m coming. I really need to talk to Kelsey, and this might be my best chance.”

“No problem.”

Then he realized he was asking Nick to lie for him, something he’d already done too much of. “If it’s too much to ask, just tell me. I’ll understand if you don’t want to lie for me.”

“I don’t have to lie. I talked to Kelsey before I called you, and your name didn’t even come up.”

No surprise there. “Thanks, buddy. I really appreciate this.”

“Like I said, it’s no problem. Besides, ever since I met Stacy, I want everyone to find love. I’m like a walking billboard for it.”

Hudson chuckled, feeling better than he had in days. “I don’t want to ruin your party, so I’ll play it cool. If she refuses to talk to me, I’ll just leave.”

“Is it really that bad?”

He sighed again, and then he decided that being open with his friend was another step in the right direction. “It’s about Annie.”

“Your niece?”

“She’s not my niece. She’s my daughter.”

Nick let out a big breath. “Whoa!”

“I kept it a secret from everyone except my family and Jared. Kelsey found out this past weekend, and now she won’t talk to me.”

“How’d she find out?”

“Annie’s mom showed up unexpectedly, and the truth came out before I had a chance to explain.”

“Wow,” Nick said.

“Sorry I didn’t tell you earlier, but I was having a hard time wrapping my head around it. It’s not a good excuse, but it’s the truth. I just wish I had told Kelsey a lot sooner.”

“Why didn’t you?”

Hudson was used to the question by now, but it still pained him. “I was an idiot. I was afraid she wouldn’t want anything to do with me once she found out, and I didn’t want to take that chance. I was working up the courage to tell her, but then… Anyway, it was a huge mistake because now she won’t even take my calls.”

“I’m no expert when it comes to women, but maybe she’ll give you another chance.”

“No expert? You got Stacy, didn’t you? I’d call that an expert move.”

Nick chuckled. “It wasn’t easy, though. She resisted for a long time. Thought I was too young for her.”

“Well, I’m glad it all worked out.”

“I have a feeling it will work out for you too.”

“Not if she won’t even talk to me.”

“Maybe Saturday will change that.”

“I hope you’re right.”

Hudson could hardly wait for Saturday. Since he knew he’d be seeing Kelsey then, his mood had improved, and he smiled at his coworkers again. He also got a boost when Sonia asked him to watch Annie on Friday night so she could go out with some friends. He asked if Alex was going too, but she shook her head.

“He’s at home, but I thought you might want some extra time with her.”

“I do. Thanks.”