Page 46 of Promise Me

CHAPTER TWELVE

HUDSON

It’s official. I’m buying a new couch.

I sit up with a groan and then rub my lower back.

I hate sleeping during the day, but after I woke up with Sadie, I knew I would be trying to catch up on a few hours as soon as we got back.

I twist to look back at the bedroom. The door is wide open, and from the angle I can see, the bed is made too. The kitchen is empty, and the bathroom light is off.

Sadie isn’t here.

We still need to discuss her plans for staying here, but this morning wasn’t the time.

I already know I’m going to let her stay as long as she wants.

Which is completely nuts.

I chuckle and drop my head to the back of the sofa.

If you had asked two weeks ago—hell, even a week ago—if I ever thought I could be friends with her, I’d have laughed in your face.

Look at us now.

I push to stand. My leg feels stiffer than usual, so I take a couple of minutes to do some stretches. I’m just finishing up when my phone buzzes.

There’s no missing the red circle with a sixteen inside it next to my text messages.

I open it quickly to see a group chat between Linc, Luca, Miles, and myself.

As kids, Linc and I didn’t hang out with Luca and Miles a lot. We are three years apart. But as adults, these are the guys I’d trust with my life.

Linc

Has anyone seen Hudson today?

Miles

Nope. Why?

Luca

He was closing the bar last night. He’s probably still asleep.

Linc

Okay. I just wanted to check in on my sister.

Miles

Why would Hud have that answer?

Luca

Oh shit, you don't know, do you?

Miles

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