Page 25 of Fragile Heart

CHAPTER10

Quinn

“Here you go, Mrs. Brady.”I set the turkey club down in front of her. I’m at the end of a ten-hour shift, and I’m exhausted. After hiking with Hudson yesterday and being on my feet all day today, the only thing I’m looking forward to is getting these shoes off as soon as possible. I’ve been trying not to wince every time I take a step for the last hour.

“Thanks, Quinn.” She pauses and inspects her sandwich before looking back up at me. “I’ve been meaning to ask you if you’ve finally started dating again?” Out of the corner of my eye, I see Holly’s head turn in our direction. “I’ve seen that handsome man coming from your apartment a few times.” She raises her eyes at me with a tender smile. I know she doesn’t mean any harm. She and her husband are retired, and they watch their grandkids a few times a week, but she doesn’t have anything else to do besides be a nosy neighbor. It’s nothing I’m not used to; I just wasn’t expecting it today.

“What man?” Holly asks, her tone sounding confused and a little hurt. We always tell each other everything, but I haven’t told her about spending time with Hudson over the weekend. “Do you have a boyfriend, and you haven’t told me?”

I feel my cheeks heat. “No. I don’t have a boyfriend. He’s just a friend, Mrs. Brady.”

She nods, but Holly doesn’t give in that easily. She pulls me to her. “Who is she talking about?”

“Hudson came over for breakfast on Saturday, and then we went hiking yesterday. It’s no big deal.” I try to play it off, but I know she’s not buying it.

“No big deal? You went hiking with Hudson Porter and didn’t think to tell me?” I wince. “Are you guys dating?”

“Oh my gosh, no. It’s nothing like that. I think he just needs a friend, you know?”

“What about you? Do you just need a friend?” I know what she’s asking me. Everyone has been waiting for me to start dating again. It’s been four years since Kyle, and, by my own choosing, I’ve only gone on a handful of first dates that never led to a second date. I haven’t been ready, and I’m not sure if I’m ready now either.

“Yeah. He’s fun to talk to.” Last night during the movie, he started talking about all these different aspects of movie production. It was interesting to hear how movies are made versus the final product.

“Uh-huh.”

“I swear it’s nothing more than friendship. He hasn’t tried flirting with me once.” She rolls her eyes at me.

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.”

“I really just didn’t think about it. We’ve been so busy today.”

“Don’t give me that excuse. You’re my best friend. I shouldn’t have to learn from Mrs. Brady that you have a fine AF man consistently coming to your apartment,” she scolds.

“I didn’t know I was being spied on, but I’ll make sure to tell you more if it happens again.”

“Thank you.” She playfully shoves my shoulder. Right then, the front door opens, and Hudson walks in wearing a plain black T-shirt, gray sweatpants, and his hat pulled low like usual. “What’s he doing here?” Holly tilts her head in his direction.

“Oh, he’s coming over. We started watching theX-Menmovies last night, so we’re going to watch the next one tonight.”

With wide eyes, Holly slowly turns her head to me. I bite my cheek to keep from laughing. “What?”

“You’re dating him,” she whisper yells so her voice won’t travel.

“I am not dating him. Stop being ridiculous. I told you, I think he just needs a friend. He doesn’t have anyone else to hang out with.”

“Right. I’m sure a man like him can’t find anyone to spend his time with. He likes you.”

“He tolerates me. Trust me, he definitely doesn’t like me.”

Holly rolls her eyes in disbelief. “Then he’s more of an idiot than I thought.”

Hudson approaches the counter but doesn’t sit down. He nods at us and says, “Hey.”

I smile, but I notice Holly doesn’t look impressed. In fact, she raises an eyebrow at him and says, “Mm-hmm.” Then she grabs a plate from under the warming light and walks off.

“Let me grab my bag, and we can go,” I tell Hudson. I go into the back, clock out, and grab my purse.

I wave at Holly on my way out. She gives me a tight smile, but it looks like it’s more aimed at Hudson than me. I make a mental note to bake her some of her favorite cupcakes.

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