“Hudsy,” she whines. “I’m never rude.”
I sit there, feeling very uncomfortable. I don’t want them to fight because of me.
“Ellie, what do you do for a living?” Whitney begins to ask.
“I’m a sales rep for a medical supply company.”
“Are you in Portland a lot?”
“More now than before.” I’m so thankful when the waiter puts my wine in front of me. I quickly take a big gulp trying to settle my nerves.
“Interesting. Do you have any hobbies?”
“Um, I like to read and run. I guess those are my hobbies.” I hate that I sound so pathetic.
“My hobby is reality TV. I just can’t get enough. Do you watch TV?” I see Hudson from corner of my eye, and his jaw is clenched.
“I don’t watch much TV. I don’t think I’ve seen a reality TV show either.”
“Really?” Whitney pauses and sips on her wine. “You know my mom just read an interesting book. It was a New York Times bestseller, but I just can’t remember the name of it. It was about a girl who travels time and saves the world from zombies.”
“Oh, I just read that. It’s called Traveling Girl. It’s a really good book.” It’s the first time that I feel confident in the conversation.
“I think that’s it. Hudson, have you read it?” Whitney teases him. Before Hudson could say anything the waiter takes our order. I gulp down some more wine. I know that she isn’t done with me yet.
“You know, Ellie, our whole family just loves sports. You like any sports?”
“Um, no, I don’t follow sports.” I shake my head
“Really? Not even professional sports? I know that some of those players are quite hot,” Whitney sings out.
“Whit, that isn’t funny.” Hudson looks pissed.
“Oh, big brother. I know how much you love…sports.” She gives him a small smile.
I feel like I should be part of the joke, but I don’t get it.
“How is school going, Whit?” Hudson asks. I get the impression that he wanted to change the subject quickly.
She goes into details about her classes and projects that she is working on. She sounds like a very busy girl.
“So, you’re an architect too?” I ask gingerly.
“Um,” she looks at Hudson before answering,”well, I’m studying to be one. I want to follow in the family footsteps.”
“Your entire family is in the business?” I’m a little shocked that the entire family is all in the same profession.
“Well.” Hudson shifts in his seat.
Whitney jumps in. “Well, some of us are on that career path. Our dad is retired, but our brother works for a big firm in Orlando.”
“Wow, that’s awesome.”
Our food comes, and I’m thankful that we just have small talk about our food and service. Whitney and Hudson talk about their family and there is a slight pain in my heart. I wish I had that. I wish that I had family that I could gossip with, and they care about my well-being.
“You know, Ellie, I love your purse,” Whitney comments.
“Oh, thanks.” I blush. I don’t want to tell her that it’s just a knock-off because I’ll never be able to purchase a real one.