Page 80 of Meet Again

“That could work. It’s a short drive, so we can get there mid-morning and decorate. I wonder if they’ll let us check into the room at that time.”

Hudson smirks. “My friend runs the place, remember?” He quirks a brow.

“That’s right. Hudson had to show off his connections,” I deadpan.

“I was trying to impress you. It backfired.” He squeezes my fingers.

“Yeah, I was still so angry at you.” I smile.

“But I’m irresistible. Therefore, you were able to forgive me.” A winning smile covers his face.

“You had to do some groveling.” I tilt my head.

“I’ll grovel for the rest of my life if I have to.” He wraps his arm around me.

I stare into his eyes and smile. Being with him again makes me feel a certain way I’ve never felt before. Not that I’ve tried to date much since we broke up. I had other priorities.

“Your table is ready.” A waitress smiles at us.

With my hand in his, he guides us toward the table.

“What can Tristan and I take to Christmas Eve dinner?” Hudson rests his arms on the table and looks at me.

“We’ve got it covered,” I shake my head. “We cook way too much food as it is.”

“We can’t go empty-handed,” he lifts his brows.

“Honestly, Hudson, we don’t need anything.” I shrug.

“I’ll think of something. Your parents have been nice about inviting us.”

“Excuse me? I invited you,” I tease.

“Yeah, but I need to impress your parents now so they know I’m not some jerk who broke your heart.”

“They don’t think that. They understood we were in different parts of life, wanted different things.” I look down at the front of the menu.

“I’ve still got some making up to do, beginning with ordering you tacos,” he gives me a playful wink, changing the mood.

“Make that three tacos and some chips and salsa, and it may do the trick,” I tease.

“I’ll see your chips and salsa and raise you fresh guac.”

“Ah, you know the way to my heart.”

“I’m trying,” he nods with a smirk that makes him look way too handsome for his own good. His face shines, making him seem like his younger self, the guy I fell for in high school. He had boyish good looks, a big heart, and a sense of humor that always made me laugh with his terrible jokes and all.

“Let’s order.” He taps the table and picks up his menu.

I sometimes wonder what our life would’ve been like had we stayed together, and tonight is giving me an insight into that fantasy I used to get lost in before it all went down in flames.

“I hear Hudson is spending Christmas with you and your family.” Hope smiles like the Cheshire cat. We’re at her house for girls’ night. I love nights like this, and with my hectic schedule lately, it feels like we haven’t had time to spend together.

“Uh, huh.” I nod, tucking my lips between my teeth.

“That’s all you’re gonna tell us?” Ellie’s eyes widen.

“I feel like she’s been too quiet about this relationship.” Hope turns to Ellie.

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