Page 47 of Make Me Swoon

I thought today was just supposed to be a fun sightseeing day, but apparently Alex and Steven didn’t get the memo. They stop at every booth and ask the vendor about a million different questions and in the end, they usually don’t even buy anything.

We hit the bakery section and I can’t help but grab some baklava and some honey cinnamon rolls. Heather rolls her eyes at the baklava, launching into a lecture about how hard baklava is to make and how she wouldn’t eat it outside of Greece or top-rated bakeries. I’m determined to not let her ruin my day. I just stare at her as I take a big bite, offering Hudson the other half.

Heather glares at me and if looks could kill, I’d be dead after that move.

Things really go downhill from there.

Hudson’s friends are major snobs and, as the day goes on, I wonder how he can stand them. These are the people that he likes and chooses to hang out with?

Maybe I misjudged him, though I’ve never gotten that vibe from him. Maybe I wouldn’t though since he picks every restaurant that we eat at or cooks himself. Maybe I should try to take him to some crappy diner and see how he reacts. I still doubt that he would say anything though.

I stop at another booth as we get ready to head back to the car, grabbing some honey suckers that are shaped like bees, some cookies, jam, and fudge for my friends.

My mom calls as I go to put my wallet back in my purse and I hit ignore. I’m already dealing with a bunch of stuck-up people. I can’t throw my mom into the mix now or I’m afraid that I’ll snap.

My phone buzzes again and this time it’s a text from Sutton. I look up, making sure that Hudson and his friends are all a few booths down before I text her back.

Sutton:How’s the festival going?

Lyla: The festival is good. I just got us some snacks for the next girl’s night!

Sutton: YES!

Sutton: And how are his friends? Have they given their stamp of approval yet or whatever?

Lyla: Um…

Sutton: That bad???

Lyla: Yeah. I’m pretty sure that Heather has a thing for Hudson and the other two are just culinary snobs. Well, they’re all snobs but Heather is too busy to try to get Hudson’s attention to argue with any of the vendors here.

Sutton: Yikes! What are you going to do?

Lyla: We’re about to head back to Destiny Falls so I’m going to say I have a headache or something and head home early, I think. I’m not sure that I can handle much more of them.

Sutton: Good luck! Let me know if you need anything! I can call if you need an excuse to leave.

Lyla: Thanks! I’ll let you know.

“Are you ready to go?”Hudson asks as I tuck my phone back into my purse and I nod.

He takes my hand and all of the bags filled with things that I bought today as we head back to his car.

“Did you have fun?” he asks as we walk a few feet behind his friends and I nod, not meeting his eyes.

I wonder if he can tell that I’m lying. I wonder again if he and Heather were ever a thing. Hudson doesn’t even seem to notice the way she acts around him, and I wonder if I should mention it to him. I don’t want to look like the jealous girlfriend. Even if that is what I am.

“Are you alright?” Hudson asks, looking down at me with concern filling his eyes.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I say as we reach his car.

“Do you mind if I ride up front? I get carsick if I sit in the back,” Heather says and since she’s already climbing into the seat, I don’t bother to respond.

I end up sandwiched in the back between Alex and Steven, both who apparently have never heard of elbow room because they’ve got their legs spread wide and keep digging their arms into mine.

It’s a long ride back to Destiny Falls.

I’m about to ask Hudson to drop me off at home, but he’s already turning toward his house and I decide to just let it go. I can hang out for a little bit longer before I head home.

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