Chapter 12
HUDSON
With a solid soundtrack from Live on full blast from the speaker in my car, I drive along the road back to my house.
I’m in a good mood because Piper is visiting again.
I texted her this morning to ask for any requests for our menu this weekend, as I was heading to the grocery store, and she said she wanted me to surprise her.
It made my trip to the store a little harder but by no means impossible.
What has been impossible is controlling the excitement that’s been filling my lungs since the last time I saw her. This is what’s supposed to happen when you want to be with someone, right?
Well, I mean, I know something is different because every time I think of Piper and me escaping the world together, my mind runs to the idea that maybe one day she will be waiting in the second row to watch me coach a game, there to support me as the woman in my life.
I would be lying if I said that spending more than a few weekends with Piper hasn’t come up in my mind.
I’m thinking of a longer timeline.
Arriving back to my street and crossing through the security gate, I notice that my neighbor, Spencer, is here talking to his contractor. I haven’t seen him since my son’s wedding.
He nods his head at me in greeting.
Rolling down my window, I quickly call out, “I need to drop some stuff in the fridge but want to grab a drink in five minutes?”
Spencer grins and lifts his sunglasses off his eyes to rest on his short brown hair that has been lightened by the sun. “Deal. Plus, my house is a mess, so your place it is.” A cheeky look spreads on his face before stern lines return on his face when he glances at his contractor.
I laugh to myself as I drive away because clearly construction on his place isn’t going to plan.
Spencer is an athlete, focused and strong-willed.
The pressure of the team is on his shoulders, as he has the winning arm that the media focuses on at every game.
So yeah, he can be a bit… stiff to some.
After I get my car in the garage and unpack the groceries, I grab two bottles of Matchbox beer because that stuff is perfect for a warm summer day. When I head out to the patio, it’s just in time, as Spencer is rounding the corner.
“Lucky me, I get laid-back Spencer. I would hate to be your contractor right now.” I offer him the bottle.
Spencer scoffs a laugh. “I’m going crazy. They are behind schedule yet again and telling me the indoor pool is the issue, and I told them to sort it out, as it’s not negotiable.”
We both sit on a few chairs in the mid-afternoon sun.
“What are you even doing back? It’s baseball season.”
“I have a mini-break between home games and figured I would check on my place since I’m eager to move back in. You know? Avoid the city, humans in particular.”
I chuckle at his humor. “Well, I can understand that and hope the house is ready soon because the noise some days makes me want to egg your house.”
Spencer grins as he takes a sip. “I’m perfect neighbor quality.”
I tip my bottle to him. “That you are.”
“What’s been happening? Heard from Drew?”
I shake my head. “No, he’s on his honeymoon but should be back next week. Thanks again for coming out to his wedding, considering it’s baseball season.”
“No need to thank me, happy to have been there. Any plans this weekend? I can get you seats for my game. Our team PR loves that stuff.”
“Can’t. Have plans.”
He raises his brows. “Plans? You say it with a ridiculous smile. What’s going on?”
“Nothing.”
“You’re such a bad liar.”
True. Lying isn’t for me, which is exactly what I’m doing to my niece. However, I feel it is more delaying the truth and allowing the opportunity for this thing between Piper and me to be explored and built. To me, that isn’t lying.
Looking at my watch, I know Piper will be here any moment.
“No fucking way.” Spencer seems entertained.
My eyes snap up to see him grinning.
“Hudson Arrows has a woman in his life.”
“What makes you say that?” I can’t deny the look of contentment forming on my face.
Spencer sets his bottle to the side. “You’re expecting someone, that I can tell.”
“There is someone,” I confirm.
His eyes widen. “Do tell.”
“No, because there is nothing to confirm or deny.”
He eyes me skeptically. “Really bad liar,” he reiterates. “What, did you meet in a bar or something?”
I don’t answer.
Spencer chuckles and takes my lack of response as an answer. He crosses his arms over his chest. “Wow. That sounds unlike you. I mean, you know a good bar or two, but I’ve never seen you pick up someone at a bar. She must be something if you took a play from my book.”
I lean back in my chair. “Sometimes, someone comes along who makes you do things.”
“Shit. I haven’t really seen you like this. You look rejuvenated, and I mean you looked pretty fucking happy at the wedding but what father wouldn’t at his son’s wedding? How long has this been going on?”
I sigh because I could use an ear. “Not long. We kind of met, then didn’t reconnect until a few weeks later.
She somewhat runs her own timeline.” I leave out the detail she is the one who left before I woke.
As much as I don’t love that minor detail, I’m at peace with it now, as the world conspired with us to ensure we met again.
“Does she? Or are you just completely smitten that you let her run the show?” Spencer challenges me.
I lick my lips before biting the corner of my mouth. “I know patience isn’t your strong suit, but sometimes it pays off. Besides, so far it’s working, I mean, she isn’t running away.”
“I just kind of assumed that you would be so persistent that the poor woman wouldn’t know what hit her, or are you just waiting for the right moment to throw in that aspect?”
“Hey, I’m being persistent, just adding a gentle touch,” I justify.
“Hope it works. Of all the people I know, you are the guy who should have a woman locked down because you’re just meant for that stuff.
You’ve been waiting for years to find someone and always put other people first. I mean, damn, since Drew entered your life, it’s like…
” He brings his hands up to an uneven level with one another to indicate priority. “Football, Drew.”
“Move that football hand down a notch. My kid goes first,” I correct him proudly.
Spencer does as I say before bringing one hand even lower. “Then Hudson putting himself first is here.”
I sigh because maybe he’s right. Except only until recently, because now I am completely putting myself higher on the scale. I want to be selfish, and Piper is the reason that feeling resonates inside of me.
“That may be changing,” I tell him.
His hands fall down. “Fucking hope so.”
“Why in the world are you talking like you are the authority on this?” Spencer is me maybe ten years ago. He has no interest in settling down with someone, and he has reasons for that too.
Spencer shrugs. “No clue, except I envision you with a woman who dotes on you and preferably bakes so I get a neighbor who brings me cookies.”
“She isn’t much of a baker or cook.”
“Huh, what good is she to you then?” he jokes.
“She is a lot of things. Good things. My blood flows differently lately, that kind of good.”
“Does mystery woman have a name?” He takes a sip from his bottle.
The sound of the sliding door to my patio opening draws our attention to Piper who hesitantly steps out, as she must have just arrived.
I’m quick to get up and walk to her. “Hey. I didn’t hear my security app ping me.”
As soon as I reach her and touch her shoulder, I notice she seems out of sorts.
“Yeah, there was a construction worker keeping the gate open so they could get a truck of cement through, and your front door was unlocked, so I just kind of rolled right in… Security fail,” she quips as her eyes stay fixed on Spencer.
Ah, I realize we have an audience, and she is slightly uncomfortable.
“This is my neighbor, Spencer.”
Spencer stands and walks to her with his hand out to greet her. “Hi there. Spencer Crews. You must be...” He’s waiting for me to make an introduction.
“This… is Piper.” I think for a second. “She’s a friend of April’s and…” I have no idea why I’m trying to hide this. I have no desire to, but I’m following Piper’s cues.
“I came here to discuss…” Piper seems to be coming up with a story. “A bridal shower that I need to throw for April… here.” She bites her bottom lip.
I rub a hand across my jaw while Spencer looks between us and snorts a laugh.
“Well, aren’t you two obvious. You may want to come up with a better cover story.” I notice Spencer is looking between Piper and me, studying us. A droll smile forms when his brain seems to connect the age difference, and he clearly approves.
I clear my throat before Spencer makes a joke because I know he will. “Spencer here plays baseball.”
Piper looks between us, bewildered. “Okay.”
I love that she is completely unaffected that a star athlete is in front of her.
“Piper isn’t into sports. Your name means nothing to her,” I explain to Spencer.
Spencer looks at her, impressed. “She’s a keeper.”
Piper politely smiles in response.
Spencer points a thumb at me. “Hope this one has enough stamina for you?” There it is. The age reference.
Piper chuckles under her breath but also blushes at the same time. “Perfectly in shape.”
My neighbor flashes an overdone smile at her answer. “I’ll leave you two alone. I need to head back to the city anyhow. Nice meeting you.” He tips his head slightly with a little wave.
“Likewise.”
“Good luck with your game this weekend,” I call out as Spencer disappears.
I then turn my attention to Piper who I’m beyond happy is in front of me.
“I wasn’t expecting anyone else but you,” she mentions.
I wrap an arm around her middle and walk her over to my chair. “Relax. He’s my neighbor, friend, and a pain in my ass sometimes. He won’t tell anyone that you’ve come here to get your Hudson fix.”