Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 139259 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 696(@200wpm)___ 557(@250wpm)___ 464(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 139259 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 696(@200wpm)___ 557(@250wpm)___ 464(@300wpm)
“It’s nice to meet you.”
What has Hudson said about me? Something tells me nothing bad since she’s still being nice to me.
“Thank you so much for your help tonight. You didn’t have to, but we’re so grateful.”
I smile, tucking my hands into the pockets of my coat. “It was my pleasure. Really.”
“I’m Hudson’s dad, David. We’re heading to dinner to celebrate his birthday. Would you like to join us? We’d love to have you.”
His birthday?
How did I not know it was his birthday?
Do any of the players know?
I hesitate for a second. My heart tugs in two directions. Spending more time with Hudson’s parents, who are so sweet and not interfering. Or spending time with Hudson. But the part of me that wants to be part of this moment a little longer wins out.
“I’d love to.”
34
Hudson
Dinner with my parents is a cherry on top for tonight’s killer win. I open the door to the restaurant where I’m meeting them. It’s a cozy Italian restaurant close to my house. The type of place that makes you feel at home, even when you’re not.
We haven’t had dinner together in ages. This is long overdue.
When I step inside, the scent of roasted garlic and fresh bread greets me. I scan the room for my family.
The place is packed and warm.
Almost too warm.
Soft candlelight bounces off the red-checkered tablecloths, and the faint hum of conversation blends with Sinatra playing in the background.
I don’t notice my family at first through the crowd, but then they come into focus.
Mom and Dad are looking at a menu, and Anna is scrolling on her phone. Surprise, surprise. At least she’s consistent. Anna and her phone are basically a package deal at this point.
I can’t help the stupid grin that eclipses my face.
Then I see her.
My lips thin.
Why is she here?
Molly. My little Hex.
The woman who has haunted my thoughts for years sits at the table, chatting animatedly with my mom. She laughs softly at something my dad says. Her entire demeanor is relaxed, so unlike when she’s with me.
I love her for this.
I hate her for this.
And, deep down, I know I’m screwed because she looks like she belongs here with them. With the people I care about most.
It’s as if we have a thread tethering us because Molly looks up and catches my eye. Our gazes tangle. It’s like a dance—almost. She doesn’t look away, and I don’t either. The space between us crackles with something unspoken, something I can’t name but feel all the same.
Her green eyes are cool and unreadable.
A million questions blur in my head.
What is she thinking?
Does she know the chaos she stirs just by being here?
Is she trying to figure me out the way I’m always trying to figure her out?
Is she as frustrated by this invisible thread between us as I am?
I force myself to walk, crossing the room to go sit with my family. Each step closer is a step closer to her orbit, where I’m sure I’ll get burned. Why the fuck can I not resist the pull?
When I arrive, I lean down and kiss my mom on the cheek.
“Hey, guys.” I pull back and look toward Molly. “Molly?”
“Oh, Molly helped us so much at the game,” my mom gushes, smiling up at me. “She showed us to our seats, got us food, and even helped us find the car. Isn’t that sweet?”
“Very.” I slowly slide into the empty seat across from Molly, staring at her as I do.
Did she know who they were when she did?
It’s as clear as day that my mom adores her. At this rate, she’ll be in the family Christmas photo by next week.
What the hell did I miss during this game?
I look back at Molly, still wondering how this all happened. It’s as surprising as me winning an award for punctuality.
She meets my stare, never flinching, and smiles brightly. “Your parents are amazing. I see where you get it.”
I hesitate, half expecting her to follow it up with a dig. Instead, she just keeps smiling at me like she means it. Weird.
Finally, I bite. “Get what?”
Molly blinks innocently at me. “Your personality and kindness.”
Oh-kay.
Not what I expected.
Am I hallucinating? Did someone replace Molly with her nicer, less terrifying twin?
My mom lets out a little sigh of what can only be described as pure happiness. It’s over. I’m fucked. Mom might adopt Molly on the spot. Then I’ll hit the news headlines with a new scandal. The hockey player who screwed his sister.
Molly reaches across the table and squeezes Mom’s hand. Mom hasn’t paid a lick of attention to either Dad or Anna. She must’ve had a hard time choosing her seat—sit next to Molly and bask in her “greatness” up close or sit across from Molly and see her in all her glory.
Molly merely tilts her head, all innocence.