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“Hey.”
“We’re already done. We were just talking about Hope and Toby’s wedding.” My mom grabs her plate and my dad’s.
“I got it.” I push back my chair and reach for the plates in her hand, stacking them with mine. “I’ll bring out dessert, too.”
“I can help,” Hudson offers. “It’s the least I can do for inviting me over.”
“I’ve got it.” I nod.
Memories flood me seeing him sitting at the table. All the holidays where he chose to stay in Hartville to celebrate with my family instead of traveling with his to whatever fancy resort they were heading to. Those were the times he put me first.
I place the plates in the sink and turn on the faucet so they can rinse before putting them in the dishwasher. Steps echo behind me.
“I’ve got it, Mom. I’ll grab the platters in a second.”
“I brought them in already.” Hudson’s deep voice washes over me, and I turn from the sink to see him placing the platters on the counter.
“I hope it’s okay that I’m here. I thought you knew, which is why I didn’t tell you myself.” He keeps his eyes on mine, holding me captive with those green orbs.
“She mentioned it while we were eating. I also suspect you not mentioning it was purposeful,” I arch an eyebrow. “You weren’t going to set yourself up to be uninvited.”
“Ah…” he nods, failing to find the right words.
“Thought so,” I pat his chest and open the dishwasher.
“Let me help you, and we’ll finish faster.” He moves to the dishwasher and reaches for the plate in my hand, sliding it into its spot.
“Thanks,” I smile. My chest constricts. Something as silly as filling the dishwasher together shouldn’t get a reaction out of me.
We’re done in no time, and I take the desserts out while Hudson carries the plates and spoons. Seated at the table, my mom cuts the flan while I slice the pumpkin pie, serving everyone a slice.
“No offense, Lex, but I’m here for the flan,” Hudson says as I’m about to plate a slice of pumpkin pie for him. I pause mid-serve and stare at him.
“Okay.” I nod, and apparently, gravity had other plans at that moment to make the slice of pie fall off the spatula.
“Oh, no!” I try to catch it, but it’s no use. It slips through my failed attempt and lands in Hudson’s lap.
“Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry.” I go to reach the slice and stop myself. That would just make this entire situation more awkward.
“It’s okay,” he laughs and picks up the pie. “I guess the pie wanted me even if I didn’t.”
My parents laugh across the table while I blush.
“It’s really okay, Lex.” Hudson stands. “Sorry to the pie police, but I should throw this out.” He eyes me with a smirk.
“Yeah.” I nod, mortified, and sit down. “That’s so embarrassing,” I cover my face as my parents continue to chuckle.
“And what a waste of good pie, too,” I add, causing their quiet laughter to ring louder.
“It’s not a big deal. You’re making it more than it was in your head.” My mom attempts to ease my embarrassment.
Hudson returns, and I notice a wet spot on his thigh.
“I ran a wet rag on the spot so it wouldn’t stain,” he explains.
“Of course,” I nod. “I really am sorry.”
“It really is okay,” he smiles, teasing me.
