Page 61 of Fragile Heart

The rage starts to build in my chest. “Didn’t realize you could see the future. Interesting talent you’ve picked up.”

She leans forward and puts her elbows on the table. “Oh, come on. You know a girl likethatcan’t keep up with your lifestyle.”

“You don’t know anything about my life, Jess. We haven’t been together in years.”

“She looks like a timid mouse, Hud.” I grit my teeth. I don’t like her saying anything about Quinn. “You think she can handle being an actor’s girlfriend? All the travel and filming. The paparazzi following you everywhere. She’s the kind of girl who wants to settle down and have babies in a cute little house. You don’t want that. I know you.”

I stare at her for a long second, wondering what game she’s playing. “What is it you think I want?”

“Someone who doesn’t care if you party or have indiscretions. Someone who knows the industry and how to handle it. How to handle you.”

“Really? And let me guess. . . you’re that someone?”

She shrugs. “We were good together, and you know it.”

“Yeah, no thanks.”

She tilts her head to the side in confusion. I’m sure it’s because no one has ever turned her down before. “What’s with you, Hudson?”

“What’s with me is you coming over here uninvited and talking shit about my girl like you know her. Like you know us. You don’t know shit. I’m not the same person I was ten years ago. Fuck, I’m not even the same person I was a year ago.”

Jessica looks taken aback, probably because I’ve never lashed out at her. When we were together, and even after we broke up, I let her walk all over me and did whatever she asked. Went wherever she wanted. I was her puppet. It was easier that way. But I’m done with that now.

“Alright, alright.” She holds her hands up in defense. Just then, Quinn walks up next to the table, looking a little confused. Thankfully, Jess stands up so I don’t have to be a dick and tell her to move.

Quinn miraculously smiles as she looks between Jess and me. “Everything ok?”

“Oh, yes. Where are my manners?” Jess says, holding out her hand to Quinn. “I’m Jessica.”

“Quinn.” I watch them shake hands, and all I can think about is how badly I want to get out of here.

“Hudson and I were just catching up. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, but I’ll let you get back to your dinner.” Jess looks at me like she’s waiting for me to say something, but I refuse to look at her.

She finally walks off, and I bring my eyes up to Quinn’s questioning look as she sits down. I assume she’s trying to figure out my mood right now.

I hate that everything Jess said hit a nerve with me, and I’d bet my entire bank account she knew it would. Sure, I’ve never dreamed of settling down or being a family man, but that doesn’t mean I don’t ever want it. Hell, the thought of putting a baby inside Quinn makes my dick twitch, so maybe it is something I want.

But not the lifestyle. The constant stress and anxiety my career brings are not for the faint of heart. I can barely handle myself. How would Quinn be if someone followed her with a camera or cornered her in a grocery store because she was associated with me?

I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if something happened to her.

Quinn gives me a nervous smile. “Are you alright?”

I nod slowly. “Yeah, all good.” Our server stops by with our food.

Quinn and I take the first few bites in silence before she finally says, “So, that’s Jessica?”

“Mm-hmm,” I answer, chewing my pasta.

“She’s prettier in person.”

“Don’t let her fool you. She might be pretty on the outside, but the inside is a different story.” I don’t look away from my plate. Jessica is the last person I want to be talking about tonight, but I can’t seem to get her stupid words out of my goddamn head.

You think she could handle being an actor’s girlfriend?

I don’t know if I can do this to Quinn—throw her into my lifestyle. Everything has been perfect back in Blue Mountain, but what happens when I leave? I can’t bring her to LA. That would ruin her life. Who the fuck am I kidding? Why did I ever think I’d be able to have a normal relationship?

“Surely you don’t mean that. You guys were together for a long time.”

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