Page 91 of Hate You Later
I pretend to be thinking about their plan for a minute.
“Well, okay. I guess that makes sense.” I shrug. “Especially if it speeds up the project timeline.”
“Fantastic!” Ashley claps her hands victoriously. “I’ll just show your dad up there now so he can get settled in.” She eyes his duffel. “Is that all you’ve got? I’m so impressed with a man who travels light!”
“I don’t believe in excess baggage, Ashley. Gotta live in the moment!” Walker asserts. “Shall we?” He places a hand on Ashley’s lower back. I look over my shoulder to make sure there’s not a brontosaurus ambling up behind me in the parking lot. Ashley doesn’t seem to mind the invasion of her personal space one bit. She bats her lashes and smiles up at my father. I’m not sure whether I’m glad or horrified to see her humor him like this. Glad, I guess? It’s one less potential lawsuit to worry about.
Ashley addresses me while still looking up at my dad. “I’ll give you a full tour of the staging work we’ve done so far after we get settled, Hudson.”
“No need. I can show myself around later this week,” I say. “Just text me with any questions or problems.”
“Will do!” Ashley waves cheerily over her shoulder. No mention of the cat, I note.
Walker stops for a moment and pauses, turning back toward me. “Hey, Hudson. They still got those chili fries at The Onion?” he asks.
“You bet they do.”
“Then let’s plan on grabbing dinner and drinks later. Eight o’clock work for you? I’m still on Bora Bora time.”
“Sure, see you then,” I say. I turn and head toward my own loft, relieved to be alone again—at least for the moment.
georgia
“I just wantto read it one more time before I go,” I say to Kenna, referring to thePet Friends’article. Emily dropped off a copy this morning, and I’m just sad I don’t have time to laminate it before leaving for Lilly’s party.
“We’ve already had three online orders this morning. Maybe I should stay here in case it gets too busy?”
“For God’s sake, Georgia, it’s just one day off. The shop isn’t going to implode. I got this.” Kenna tries to shoo me out of the store.
“Do you think Lilly will like these?” I hold up a gift bag full of graphic novels.
“Hudson said that’s what she’s into, right? Don’t sweat it, G.”
“What about my outfit. Is it okay?” I’m wearing cowboy boots, leggings, and a hand-pieced mini dress that I made out of a collection of vintage sweaters.
“You’re look adorable. I love how you used the paisley pattern for the pockets.”
“Thanks.” I glance around, trying to recall anything I may have forgotten to tell her. “You can call if you need anything. You have my keys to lock up?”
“Yes! And I’ll drop Cookie off at your place after. Got it!” Kenna sips her tea. “I can’t wait to see who comes in. Maybe I’ll meet a hot dude who rides a Harley with his Pomeranian. Can you imagine the itty-bitty helmet?”
“Careful what you wish for,” I caution, thinking about how I had imagined a Viking raider in my store not long before Hudson appeared.
“Honestly, you know what would make the time pass faster?”
“What?” I ask. I owe her. She could ask for almost anything.
“If you let me read the texts between Cookie and Oliver.”
“Good one.” I laugh.
* * *
The Holm residence is a stately, historic mansion a few miles outside of town. It’s familiar to most Ephron residents. So many civic and charitable events have been hosted there over the years, as well as community holiday parties.
Xander is already there when I arrive. I park behind his van on the long, circular, gravel driveway. There are a bunch of balloons attached to his rearview mirror.
I’m surprised to see Angie sitting on a folding lawn chair a few yards away, reading a romance novel. There’s another bunch of balloons attached to her chair. She waves hello enthusiastically as I draw near.
