Chapter 22
22
Hudson
Dane: Boys. Bar tonight.
Aiden: I’m in.
Mason: I’ll come if Hudson comes.
Hudson: Pass.
Mason: What?
Aiden: Excuse me?
Dane: You okay, Wilde? That sounded like ano .
Mason: Anoto the bar? Is he sick?
Aiden: Do we need to send a wellness check?
Mason: Bro, blink twice if you’re being held hostage.
Hudson: I’m not being held hostage. I just don’t feel like going out.
Dane: Who are you, and what have you done with Hudson Wilde?
Aiden: You’re the one whodrags usto the bar after every win.
Mason: Exactly. Last week you said, and I quote, “It’s a crime to waste a post-win buzz. And we just won two in a row.”
Hudson: I said that?
Aiden: Yes. Very passionately.
Dane: Hudson, seriously. What’s going on? You hiding something?
Mason: Are you sick? Hurt? In love???
Hudson: I’m fine.
Aiden: Liar.
Mason: Definitely in love. Only a girl could make Hudson say no to a bar.
Hudson: I’m not in love.
Mason: I forgot you don’t fall in love.
Dane: So what’s the excuse?
Hudson: Maybe I just want a quiet night in for once.
Mason: A quiet night in??? Who evenareyou right now?
Aiden: Is this what retirement looks like?
Dane: Pathetic.
Hudson: Can’t a guy take a break?
Mason: No. Not when that guy is you.
Aiden: We’re coming to drag you out of the house.
Mason: Put on deodorant. We’re on our way. I don’t need you stinking up my car.
Hudson: I’m locking the doors.
Mason: You say that like I don’t know where your spare key is.
Hudson: . . .
Dane: I’ll bring the car around. You’re done fighting this, man.
Aiden: Resistance is futile.
Hudson: Fine. You guys are relentless.
Mason: That’s what teammates are for. Now get ready.
Aiden: Wear something nice. Mason and I are putting you on Tinder if you’re this mopey.
Hudson: I hate all of you.
Dane: See you in 20, Wilde.
Mason: Don’t forget your hairbrush.