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“That great, huh? Toby is gonna owe me dinner,” she giggles.
“What?” I scrunch up my nose, settling in my chair and holding the phone.
“Nothing. Tell me what happened.” She changes subjects.
“No, wait, did you and Toby bet on how it’d go?” When all I get is silence, I push. “Hope…”
“Fine. He swore you two would get along and work together without any issues, and I told him he was crazy if he thought that.”
“Why would he think that?” My chair creaks as I lean back on it.
“Right? Has he been living in a different universe than us? Anyway, what happened?” Her question rushes out impatiently.
“It was okay at first, but then he brought up a resort that’s out of our price range. I want the best party for you, I swear I do, but we have to consider all options and possibilities.”
“I get it, trust me. We knew having a trip was a bit riskier because it’s more expensive, but we’ve gone on a budget in the past, so it’s possible to do so. What resort does Hudson want to stay at?” I’m so grateful she understands and isn’t offended.
“Astoria Resort. He said he’s friends with the manager, so he could probably get us a discount.”
“That’s a beautiful resort,” Hope sighs. Hearing the way she says that, all dreamlike, I know I’m going to have to set my pride aside and let Hudson have this win if it’s feasible for everyone.
“He also mentioned the penthouse, but I assumed we’d stay in separate rooms—guys and girls.”
“Yeah, definitely. It’d be easier and less crowded. We can still have our girl time like that.” I knew she’d agree.
“Did you discuss anything else?”
“Nope. I told him to let me know what his friend says. I had all these things lined out, but if we don’t stay at any of the hotels I found, we’d have to start all over again.” My thumb strokes the edges of a stack of papers on my desk.
“I mean, did anything about you guys come up?” I stare at my phone and place it back to my ear.
“Are you insane?” I raise my voice. “What would come up? We dated years ago and broke up. As simple as that.”
“You and I both know it’s not as simple as that. We all saw your reaction at the engagement party.” Hope’s voice softens.
“I was caught off-guard. Had I had time to plan, I could’ve been prepared to face him,” I defend, though I know nothing would make seeing Hudson again easier.
“If you say so,” Hope appeases.
“It’s true,” I argue, feeling defensive.
“I’m sure things will work out. I understand why you’d get upset about Hudson’s suggestion. Let’s see what his friend says. If not, we can go to dinner at the restaurant in the resort. Toby and I have gone, and it’s great. Doesn’t break the bank either.”
“That’s a great idea,” I smile, jotting down a note on a post-it to look up the restaurant. “I’ll do some research, and I promise I won’t let my past with Hudson ruin this for you. I want you to have the best time. I can put my differences aside with him to make that happen.” The last thing I want is for Hope to think that my personal issues will interfere with her wedding.
“I know that, Lex. I trust you, and I know you love me. We’re best friends for life. Sisters through it all.”
I smile, choking up at her words. “Forever,” I add.
I’m so happy for Hope, though I know marriage will change our dynamic. It’s expected, and I accept it. Seeing Hudson has just dug up a lot of feelings and memories I had pushed aside and ignored for far too long.
“I gotta go. I need to make sure everything is set for the first class.”
“Of course, we’ll talk later. Keep me posted.”
“I will. Bye.” I hang up and look around my office before standing and preparing for the first class. I’ll be teaching the younger ballet group first, and they’re some of my favorites. There’s nothing like seeing the awe on little girls’ faces when they learn a new dance step.
My phone buzzes, and I roll my eyes, thinking it’s Hudson. I smile when I see my mom instead.
