Page 42 of Abyss

Clearly, Belinda made him feel guilty, and he did it out of obligation. It’s probably why he was so reserved and quiet on the flight back and the ride he gave me back home.

I thought maybe he was reconsidering me moving in today, but when I asked if that was the case, he simply said, “I don’t make decisions I have to take back. The movers will be at your place early tomorrow.”

And with that, he’d simply driven off, with me watching after his truck in silence for a few moments.

I barely had time to think more about his words. As soon as I walked into the house, Mom was on my tail, bombarding me with questions. “How was the trip? Did you fly on his personal jet? Did you like Portland?”

And, of course, the last one that wasn’t much of a question at all. “I only got a glimpse of your boss. You never told me he was so handsome.”

To which I answered,“I must have forgotten between all the times I told you what a prick he was.”

I won’t say it was easy to explain why I was moving in with Hudson to my mother. She understood that it would significantly reduce my commute to work, but she had her concerns about me living with someone who, up until now, I’d only complained about. She also didn’t love the idea of not having me around for what she called “my last summer”.

As if I was going to die by the end of it.

In the end, though, Mom’s always trusted my decisions, so she went along without giving me more grief. Plus, she had more pressing things to discuss, like the fact that she’d accidentally broken our garbage disposal.“It’s possible a couple of avocado pits dropped in there.”

Yes, because avocado pits just loved jumping into drains and causing technical failures.

I spent the next hour trying to get that thing to work again before finally deciding to call a plumber to fix it.

Hudson waves to the kitchen. “Feel free to use anything here. The fridge is always stocked, but if you need anything, I have a running list attached to the front. You can always add whatever you want on there, and my personal shopper will get it for you.”

I nod, taking in the grand kitchen and the beautiful appliances. I’m not planning on using his shopper. The fact that he’s already paying me enough to take care of my family for the rest of the year is plenty for me. “Do you cook?”

He shrugs. “Being a single dad, I learned a few recipes over the years.”

After showing me around the living and dining rooms, both with beautiful views of the Bay, Hudson takes me to one wing of the apartment with several rooms.

He throws a thumb over his shoulder. “My room is on the other side. Here are a few open rooms. I’ll have the movers put your stuff in whichever one you pick.”

I look through each one and walk into one with a double-sized bed instead of the king-sized ones like in the others. “I’ll take this one.”

His brows pinch. “You don’t want one of the others? This is the smallest of the three.”

I shake my head. “It’s double the size of any room I’ve ever stayed in. It’s plenty for me.”

The corners of his eyes soften for a moment before he nods. “There’s an attached bath right through that door. Again, if you need anything, just let my shopper know.”

I settle my purse and backpack on the bed, noting the high thread count sheets and the beautiful headboard. The room is modern and tastefully decorated.

Hudson seems to linger in the doorway for a moment. But, right before he leaves, he clears his throat. “If you need a ride anywhere, just let Aaron know.” He refers to his driver. “His number, along with the shopper’s, is on the side of the fridge.”

“Thank you,” I reply, knowing I won’t be utilizing either. I plan to wake up early and walk to work every day, and if I need to go anywhere farther, I’ll use the subway or grab a taxi.

The lesser I get roped into Hudson’s lifestyle, the better. I won’t have it after this summer, anyway.

Speaking of which, I really do need to find an apartment in Portland.

I make a mental note to look for places online after I go out for groceries today.

I’m hoping to make the cheesy jalapeño cornbread from my recipe book tonight and take it with me to class tomorrow. The kids are always excited when I bring in goodies I’ve baked.

Having freshened up fifteen minutes later, I leave my room, only to find the house empty. Or I think it’s empty. I can’t really tell since it’s so quiet. Despite my curiosity, I don’t have the courage to go searching for Hudson on the other side.

Nor do I have a death wish.

With the curt and abrasive way he came off today, I’m inclined to stay as far away as possible.

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