Chapter Five
WILL
Twenty minutes later, Hudson and I are headed out to his truck, Ava close on our heels. “Hudson, wait. I thought you were helping.”
She might’ve said she wasn’t worried about getting everything done. But with her lips drawn and her eyebrows creased, it doesn’t look like that’s true.
I slide into my seat as Hudson grips her shoulders. “Relax. We’ll be back in about thirty minutes, and then I’ll be all in. Dollar General closes at ten. You don’t want Will going without a toothbrush, right?”
“No, definitely not.” She slumps and then cranes to wave at me through the passenger window. “Especially since he needs to make up with Morgan.”
Before I can get a word in, Hudson hugs her, climbs into the cab, and cranks the engine. “Be back in a few.”
Ava waves us off.
“You know, she’s right.” He adjusts the radio. “You need to make things right with Morgan. If for no other reason than I’m begging you. Ava’s stressed as it is. Her parents fight every step of the way. She can’t take more bickering. We’re starting to wish we’d eloped.”
“Your parents would kill you. And I’ve tried to talk to Morgan. She hates me.”
“No, she doesn’t. She isn’t the type to hold a grudge. Also, it’s not the best idea to call someone a psycho.”
I throw my hands up. “I didn’t know she was standing there. Or that I’d ever see her again.”
“Still. Not a good idea. Ever.”
I groan and rock my head back on the headrest. “I know. You’re right. As always.”
He chuckles. “You’d do well not to forget it.”
Time to change the subject. “Does Dollar General have clothes?”
The problem with landing in Tulsa and then driving an hour and a half from the airport is I’m not likely to get my bag any time soon.
“Probably nothing you’d want to wear.” Hudson makes a face. “Although it could be a step up from that shirt.”
“Thanks.” I smirk. “Well, I can make it until my parents get here tomorrow evening—especially since you guys provided sweet matching shirts. They’re bringing a bag.”
“You have to know those shirts were Ava and her mom.”
“Sure. Whatever you say.”
He shakes his head, and we fall into silence, listening to an old country song. I don’t usually listen to country music, but somehow, it seems appropriate as we cruise along the dark, deserted highway.
Hudson powers down his window and rests his arm on it. I do the same, close my eyes, and tilt my face toward the wind whipping through my hair. It’s nice being back here with him.
“So,” he says, “Morgan’s cute. I’m sure you noticed.”
My eyelids pop open, and I groan. “What are you doing? She hates me, and I refuse to be set up ever again.” As he eyes me, I relent. “And, yes, of course, I noticed.”
“She doesn’t hate you. And you’ll hit it off if you get over yourselves. Too bad things started this way.”
“Yeah, well, they did.” I drum my fingers on my armrest. “What college is she going to?”
“She’ll be a senior this year.”
“She’s in high school? She’s way too young.”
“Dude. She’s two months younger than you. And lest we forget, you were literally in high school four weeks ago.”
“Is she from Norman like Ava?”
“No, her family lives in Edmond, next door to Ava’s parents.”
“See. It doesn’t matter how it started. It ends with us going in opposite directions after the weekend. It’s pointless. I don’t do long distance.”
“You realize that’s only a forty-minute drive from OU. You’re moving in a few weeks.”
“Still, no long distance. Even forty minutes. Not anymore.”
“Yeah, I never talked to you about Olivia and your long-distance breakup. Sorry about her.”
“You should be. It’s all your fault for setting us up.” I chuckle. “It’s fine. I’m over it. But I’m not ready to date again.” I run a hand through my hair. “Can I call her a psycho?”
He snorts. “Tempting. But no. Hey, are you still heading home after the wedding on Saturday? You know, we have the rental until noon on Sunday, and Mema’s property is always open.”
“Yeah, that’s the plan. I want to make it back home for an end-of-summer pool party on Saturday night.”
“That’ll be a late drive.”
“I’m sure I’ll make it before it’s over.” I hold up a hand, crossing my fingers. “And hopefully before Scarlet leaves.”
“Will, that girl’s been off-and-on stringing you along since freshman year.”
“Ouch.” He’s not wrong. “But I have a good feeling about this last get-together before we both head off to OU.”
“Well, you can stay if you want.” He shoots me a sideways glance. “Morgan is.”
I groan, shift in my seat, and tip my face to the breeze again. The moon shines bright in the Oklahoma sky.
“Fine.” He cuffs my shoulder. “I’ll leave it alone. For now. But could you at least try to get along with her?”
“Maybe. Can you at least try not to set me up this weekend?”
We pull in under glowing yellow lights, and he puts the truck in park. Neither of us verbally agrees to the other’s request, though, for his sake, I’ll do my best.
We slide from the cab, and as Hudson slams his door, he shrugs. “Well, for now, let’s focus on your hygiene. And perhaps how scratchy these Dollar General underwear will be.”
Awesome.