“Hudson…” Her breathing is shallow as the softness of her body falls back into mine, and I know I won’t be waiting to make my move when it comes to Jules. At first, I wanted to ease her into the idea of us. Now, all bets are off. The way she trusts me when I hold her tells me everything I needed to know.
“I’ll take the light down, but first, I’m going back to Holt’s and buying you a real ladder. What would happen if yours broke and you fell? The only one that would have known you were hurt would be Beau. I can’t have something happening to you, not now and not ever.” I pull her the rest of the way off of the step stool, and she spins around, her baby blue eyes seeking mine.
“Well, this is a rather interesting turn of events,” Jules states.
“Lock up and grab Beau. We’ll go to Holt’s then grab some lunch at McKenzie’s Diner. I’m sure Charlotte won’t mind if you bring him in the dog carrier thing you have,” I tell her, trying to hold in my laughter. She carries her dog around like it’s a child. That thought alone has me thinking about how amazing of a mother she’ll be.
“Fine, but I’m buying the ladder.” Jules turns around in a huff, her arms hanging down beside her body, but I see how her palms are clenched together as she sets off. This time, Beau struts right alongside her toward her office.
4
Jules
I was not expecting this. Sure, Hudson would come into my store when he made his usual trips, but as far as I knew, he didn’t know anyone else in town. He was always quiet and reserved, so this is a huge change in events. I’m not even sure how to feel about him wanting me to call him, go to Holt’s, and eat at McKenzie’s.
The three of us set out for the new ladder, a ladder I don’t want or really need. Sure, my step stool is old; it’s vintage, kind of like the rest of the items in my store.
We walked to the hardware store, me holding Beau in the chest carrier I have for him with Hudson walking beside me. Every now and then, his hand would brush mine. When he opened the door after we left Holt’s, his hand was placed on my lower back. It seems like, every chance he gets, Hudson is touching me in one way or the other.
“You want a booth or a table?” Hudson asks as we walk into the dinner. Everyone stops eating and looks toward us. At first, I think it’s because of Beau, though the longer I look, the more I see it’s Hudson they’re staring at.
“A booth is fine,” I tell him, secretly thinking the faster we sit down, maybe the less the town will gawk.
“Tough crowd today, huh?” Hudson asks. It makes me chuckle, then the rest of the diner goes back to what they’re doing.
“Not to be rude, but, Hudson, you are kind of known as a recluse that barely speaks.” I sit down, adjusting Beau.
He smiles, watching me the whole time. Beau grunts as I situate us, “Oh, hush. You’re just fine, grumpapotmus,” I coo.
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say Beau is your favorite person.” He hands me the menu that they have at the end, stuck in between the napkins and condiments.
“Didn’t you know already? He absolutely is. Beau doesn’t argue, talk back, or disagree with me.” I shrug my shoulders while looking at the menu.
“Hey, Jules, Hudson. What can I get you to drink?” Charlotte asks us.
“I’ll have a sweet tea, please,” I tell her.
“Coke for me, please,” Hudson says.
“Do you need anything for Beau?” she says while jotting down our drink orders.
“Nope, he’s good. He’ll probably sleep the whole time.” Charlotte nods and turns to put our drink order in.
“What are you doing for the rest of the day?” Hudson asks when it’s just the two of us.
“Oh, you know, work in my store, close the store around five, head home, figure out dinner. What about you?”
“I have time on my hands. I’ll help you around the store, especially if it includes you putting up another damn light by yourself.” His tone is gruff.
“I’d appreciate that.”
Charlotte comes back, and we place our lunch order. Hudson asks for an open-faced roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and salad. I order a BLT and French fries. Clearly, bacon is life. We just can’t tell Ophelia that; her poor pet potbelly pig, Bogo, would be crushed forever. I need to call her and see how she’s doing.
When our food comes, both of us dig in. I feed Beau a French fry here and there, but for the most part, Hudson and I talk about the projects he’s doing to his house and my plans for Jules’ Junk and getting it more of an online base. It’s something Hudson wants to help me with, and I’m all ears.