Page 39 of Crash and Burn

She had tears in her eyes and pleaded, “Can you just take me home?”

I looked at Sheila, standing on the other side of the counter with a worried look on her face and said, “I’ll take her to her apartment. Can you help me bring her stuff to the car, please? It’s in the booth.”

“Of course, honey.”

I carried Amelia to the car and fastened her seatbelt. I needed to get her home. Sheila looked at me as I was rounding the car and said, “Hudson…when she’s fully awake, she won’t be ok.”

I nodded and said, “We’ll take it one step at a time.” I got in the car knowing it would be a long night and drove to Amelia’s apartment.

Chapter 13

Amelia

I woke up in my bed. The room was dark, and my door was closed.What the hell? How did I get here?I checked my phone and saw it was 5 pm, thinking,What the hell happened?I started to remember.

Diner...

Hudson…Kevin…

Oh no…

My hands started shaking. Wondering where Hudson was, I got up and realized I was still in my clothes from earlier. After opening my bedroom door, I noticed the fireplace going and one of the lamps was on. I was scared, and thought,Who’s here with me?

I tip-toed into the living room, looked down at the couch, and instantly my nerves settled. Tears sprung to my eyes, and I had a lump in my throat. Hudson was there, asleep on my couch, and he looked so peaceful.

Walking toward him, I accidentally stubbed my toe on the side table. “Oh fuck!” Searing pain shot up to my ankle.

Hudson jumped up, startled. “Amelia! What happened?”

“No, it’s ok. I just…damn it… I stubbed my toe on the table. I’m sorry I woke you.”

“I didn’t even realize I fell asleep.”

I sat on the couch with him. “Hudson... Damn it. My foot hurts. Ugh.” I paused, feeling strange that I had to ask, “What happened at the diner?”

“Well, I met Kevin. Do you not remember any of that?” Hudson looked at me worried.

“I…I do, but barely. I remember getting up to make us coffee and when I came out, he was there. Everything after that is a blur.” I shook my head, frustrated that I couldn’t remember anything else.

“Amelia, that guy is a fucking loser. His smart-ass smirk and him calling you Amy…”

“Oh! I fucking hate it when he calls me that. HATE it.” I let out a disgusted growl. “I told you. He’s not a nice guy.”

“He said he was your boyfriend.”

My eyes go wide. “We are not…he’s not…no, Hudson. I haven’t spoken to him in a year.” My eyes were getting watery again. I couldn’t go back into it.

“Hey, it’s ok. Donnie and I took care of getting him out.” He sighed. “That piece of shit kinda ruined the day, huh?”

“He’s good at ruining the day, Hudson. No surprise there. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize for that ass-hat.”

I giggled.

“Are you ok? If you need me to stay, I will.”

“I appreciate that, but this day has been overwhelming. I think I just need some time alone.” I felt bad. I didn’t want him to think I was drawing in on myself, but the day had been too much.

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