I laugh at her nonchalance. “There is a question I must ask you.”
“Okay. What’s that?”
“Any allergies or extreme dietary dislikes?” I ask.
“No, I’m pretty easy to please when it comes to food.”
“Does this mean it’s hard to please you otherwise?” I chuckle, but then realize she’s probably blushing like crazy. “Sorry. I won’t forget my manners tomorrow, promise.”
Ellie laughs. “I’ll hold you to that.”
“It was really nice to talk to you, Ellie, but my break is over. I’ll see ya.”
“See ya, Hudson.”
I hang up just in time because one of the guys yells my name. Calling was a good idea. Not only did I get to refresh the memory of her voice, but I got her to laugh too. I have to get through tonight and then tomorrow I have the day off. That’s what makes it perfect for a date with Ellie and to finally call my mom as well.
Right now though, it’s game time.
~
The park I texted Ellie to meet me at isn’t a busy one as far as parks go. I’m hoping that by choosing that place, I can prevent getting recognized. First things first, I have to talk to my mother. Last month, she bought a new computer and she wants to video chat with me to finally try it out.
Sitting at my kitchen counter, I wait for her face to pop up on my screen.
“Hudsy,” she smiles. The older I get, the more I wish she would stop calling me that. It sounds similar to sudsy and for good reason, but no need to think about that today.
“Hey, Mom. How are things going? What’s Dad up to?”
My mother completely ignores my questions, too fascinated by technology. “This is so weird. You’re on my screen, Hudsy! It’s almos
t like you’re sitting here with me.”
“It’s unbelievable how the world has changed, I know.”
Her eyes squint, and as if I really was sitting across from her, she leans in like she’s examining me. “You’re dressed nicer than usual for a day off. What are you doing today?”
“Did you really have to lean in to see that?” I ask, avoiding her question.
“Hudson.” That’s all she says and she doesn’t even have to add a threatening tone.
“I have a date, Mom. That’s all.”
She folds her arms over her chest, narrows her eyes, and then grins. “I know. Your sister told me. Hopefully, she’s the girl for you. You can’t rely on your brother to give me all the grandchildren I want. You have to do your part too, you know.”
I laugh, my eyes flickering to the time at the top of my screen. “Mom, I love you, but I gotta go. I’ll call you later.”
“Okay, Hudsy. Have fun on your little date.”
Shaking my head, I end the conversation. My mother is losing it, I think. Ever since Ethan had his first kid, Mom has been all about grandchildren, and she isn’t even around them all the time!
I push the thought of children out of mind as I drive to meet Ellie at the park. I end up getting there a little early, but Ellie is right behind me a minute later when I’m sitting at a picnic table with two brown paper bags. I really hope she doesn’t think this was a dumb idea. The thought behind it isn’t, I don’t think.
She gives me a small smile as she walks towards me. Ellie is dressed in khaki pants with a red blouse, dressed conservatively. When she walks up to the table with a small cooler, I stand and as if it was the most natural thing in the world, I lean over and kiss her cheek.
“Hey. How are you doing today?” I greet.
Her cheeks flush. She takes a seat across from me and says, “Good. How are you?”