Chapter 15
Chapter Fifteen
ELENA
W e worked until our lunchtime. The director of the senior center, Phyllis, came out to say they'd made sandwiches for us. We grabbed wrapped sandwiches and glasses of lemonade, sitting with Grams and her friends in the cafe.
I sat down next to Grams, and Hudson next to me.
"This is Hudson Kingston. He's renovating my porch," Grams told her friends.
Blaire leaned forward. "Why, it's so nice to meet you. I'm Blaire."
Hudson smiled politely. "Nice to meet you, Blaire."
"And this is Edith and Mabel." I gestured to each woman.
Hudson inclined his head. "It's a pleasure to meet you both."
"I believe the pleasure's all ours," Mabel said delightedly.
I shot Grams a look, but she was grinning from ear to ear. She was enjoying this.
"We've heard so much about you," Blaire added.
I'd thought Grams's friends were a hoot, but now I was worried about what craziness was going to come out of their mouths.
"I hope it was all good," Hudson said lightly.
"Absolutely. You're handsome, just like she said."
Hudson blanched, and I just patted his thigh to say, I told you so.
We unwrapped our sandwiches, and I took a bite as Mabel pinned her gaze on Hudson. "What intentions do you have with Sofia's granddaughter?"
I started coughing, and Hudson slammed my back. I took a generous sip of the lemonade, but my throat still felt scratchy. I couldn't believe she'd said that. When I finally recovered, I said, "There's nothing going on?—"
But Hudson interrupted me, touching my thigh to stop me from speaking. "It's fairly simple. I like Elena. She's an amazing woman."
The women sighed.
"Oh, to be young again," Mabel mumbled.
"And in love," Blaire added.
I frowned. "Oh, we never said anything about love."
Blaire waved a hand. "Young people fall in and out of love so easily. Enjoy it while you're in the free fall."
I didn't like the idea of this being a temporary thing. When I looked at Hudson, he shrugged, then took a large bite of his sandwich.
Phyllis stopped by our table. "We're grateful you could come and work on the gardens."
Hudson finished chewing, then took a sip of his lemonade before answering. "We're happy to help with whatever you need."
"We'd love to add a gazebo in the front lawn. It would be such a nice addition. Guests could sit out there while the weather is nice."
"We can do that," Hudson said.
Phyllis grinned. "We'll put a plaque on it saying it was donated by Kingston Construction."
"I'll be in touch with pictures so you can pick the one you'd like."
"Thank you so much." Phyllis drifted away to talk to other guests.
"Do you usually do so much volunteer work?" I wondered if the Kingston generosity was being taken advantage of.
"We always do a few projects for the center every year."
Grams leaned forward. "I have to say we appreciate all you do around here."
I shook my head, knowing Grams was referring to the fact that they enjoyed watching them work. "You're incorrigible."
Grams's eyes widened in mock shock. "Whatever are you talking about? I was just saying how much we appreciated their hard work."
Hudson continued as if Grams hadn't insinuated anything. "We plan various community projects in the area, and the center is always on our list. Phyllis has always been so appreciative of our contributions, and we're happy to help."
"But don't you lose money doing so many things like this for free?" I asked him.
"It's a tax write-off, and it's something we enjoy doing. We want to give back to the community."
"That's wonderful," I said.
"We'll be seeing a lot of you around here if you're making the gazebo," Grams said.
"I might put Dalton and Brady in charge since they couldn't be here today to do the flower boxes."
Grams frowned. "Oh? What are they up to today?"
Hudson shifted in his chair. "Dalton has a personal issue he's dealing with."
"I heard that his girlfriend was pregnant," Blaire said matter-of-factly. When everyone looked at her, she said, "What? She's best friends with my granddaughter. I hear things."
"I don't think Dalton wanted it to be public yet," Hudson said carefully.
I wondered if this was a planned thing. From the hushed quality of Blaire's voice and Hudson's discomfort, I didn't think so. I touched his thigh under the table, sensing his inner turmoil. He was worried about his brother.
"Babies are a miracle," Mable said.
"I love babies," Blaire added. "But young people worry so much about how their lives will change when they have one."
"Yeah, they should relax and enjoy them," Grams added.
"I guess we can't talk. We can hand them back when they're crying." Blaire cackled.
"Are you excited about being an uncle?" Grams asked Hudson.
"I don't think it's sunk in yet. I just learned about the possibility, and I want to be there for Dalton."
Grams nodded. "I bet your mother will be thrilled."
"I don't think she knows about it yet."
I raised a brow. It would be impossible to keep that a secret if they were already talking about it at the senior center.
Talk turned to what to plant in the flower boxes. It sparked an actual argument over the best flowers to plant. And we excused ourselves to continue our work outside.
On the way outside, I said, "I didn't realize that Dalton's girlfriend was expecting."
Hudson sighed. "We just found out. It's new, and I don't think they've decided what they'll do."
"Is Dalton happy about it, or is it more of a shock?"
"A shock, I think. From everything I've heard, he was planning on breaking up with her. Then he heard about the pregnancy."
"That is a shock."
"He's not sure what to do yet. But I know he'll do the right thing."
I frowned. "And what would that be?"
"For Dalton, I suspect he'll ask her to marry him."
"But he was planning on breaking up with her?" I asked, confused.
"He'll want to spend as much time with the child as possible, and he'll want to be involved in the pregnancy too. He's a good man."
"I can understand that." But I wasn't so sure it was a good plan. I couldn't believe he was willing to marry someone just because she was pregnant. It seemed like an outdated way to handle the situation. But I could understand why he wanted to be as involved as he could be.
"I'll be there for him, no matter what he decides to do."
"Your whole family will." I was positive of that.
"Mom will be happy about it. She'll offer to help in any way she can too. And Dad will be thrilled too."
I smiled. "A baby. What an amazing addition to your family."
"It might not have been planned, but we'll do whatever we can to help Dalton and his baby."
"That's wonderful." We put aside the news of his brother's baby and got back to work.
After our box was built and the flower bed prepped for planting, we stepped back to admire our work. Three beds were constructed in all, and Shep had even done a few window boxes for the windows by the front door.
"It will look lovely when you plant the flowers," I said to him.
"We'll do that next. But not today. I need a break.”
"You want to go to the beach?" I asked Hudson.
He cleaned up his tools. "Actually, my parents have a pool, if you'd rather do that."
"If they wouldn't mind, that sounds perfect."
Shep appeared in front of us. "Are you going swimming?"
"Yeah. Did you tell Mom and Dad?" Hudson asked as if this was a regular occurrence when they were done with outside work.
Shep grinned. "Dad said he'd fire up the grill."
Hudson nodded. "I'll see you there in a bit. I'm probably going to jump in the shower first."
"I need to stop at home so I can grab my suit," I said.
Hudson bent to pick up the tools. "We have plenty of time."
I helped them gather the tools and put them in the beds of the trucks.
Shep went inside to talk to Phyllis about the finished beds, and I looked for Grams to take her home.
I found her in the gaming room, playing a game I didn't recognize. "Do you want to come home with me?"
"I'll take the center's bus. Don't worry about me."
"We're going swimming at the Kingstons' unless you need me to help with dinner."
Grams waved a hand. "Go. Have fun."
"Have a good evening," I said to her and her friends.
"You too," Mabel said with a wink.
I sighed but was secretly thrilled that things with Hudson were going in this direction. I was so worried about my job and the article that it was nice to let go.
I drove home, jumped in the shower to wipe off the sweat and sunscreen from the day, and then rummaged through my drawer for a suit. I found an emerald-green one that complemented my tan skin nicely. I pulled on a tank and cutoff jeans over it and slid my feet into flip-flops.
I put my hair up into a messy bun on top of my head, letting several strands fall from it to give it a relaxed look. I packed my beach bag with sunscreen, water, and a book.
Hudson had said he'd pick me up. When the doorbell rang, I hurried downstairs to meet him.
He stepped inside. "Where's Grams?"
"She's still at the center. There's a shuttle she can take home when she's ready."
He nodded. "Are you ready to go then?"
I lifted my beach bag. "I am."
I closed and locked the door, and we headed down the sidewalk toward his truck.
He opened the passenger-side door. "I don't think it looks like rain tonight for once."
"Is that a good thing?" I asked, climbing into the seat.
He grinned. "Rain seems to be our thing, but I think the sun will be good for us too."
I grinned. "I hope so."
It was a gorgeous day on the island. It was hot, but there was always a body of water not far away to jump into. I was going to relax and enjoy the rest of the day. I was sore from the work and my late-night activities, but it was a good kind of sore.
He drove the short distance to his parents' house, and we got out. He led the way around the house to where the pool was located. It was surrounded by palm trees and foliage, but the pool area was covered in a netted structure that kept out the bugs.
His brothers were already there.
Shep took a running start and jumped off the diving board, cannonballing into the water. Everyone turned away from the splash.
There was a spread of snacks on a table including fruit, crackers, and cheese on ice to keep it cool.
The pool was shaded due to the surrounding trees, but it was still warm enough to get in. I set my things on a poolside chair and removed my shirt.
"Hey, Elena, can you call your friends over? We need more women," Shep said.
"I'll see if they want to come." I reached for my phone. Then I looked at Hudson. "Do you mind if I invite my friends?"
He pulled his shirt off, leaving him in blue board shorts. "Not at all. It's a party."
I texted the girls on our group text and finished taking off my shorts while the replies came in. I tucked my phone into my bag and dipped my toe in the water.
"It's warm," Hudson said from the deep end.
I sat on the edge.
Shep took long strokes to cover the distance to me. "Are they coming?"
I nodded. "They said they were."
He dipped his head in the water.
"Was there someone in particular you're looking forward to seeing?" I teased, not actually thinking he was interested in one of my friends, but something flashed over his expression.
Shep's gaze sparkled with mischief. "Don't worry, El. I wouldn't go there with your friends."
"Not his type, if you know what I mean," Coop said before he stood on the diving board.
"Whyever not?" I asked Shep.
"You and your friends are way too good for me." Then he dove under the water avoiding any more conversation.
Hudson appeared in front of me, his hair wet. "Are you going to get in?"
"I'm working up to it."
His hands landed on my knees, and my brain short-circuited. I forgot to ask what Shep meant about us being out of his league and eased into the water.
"See? It's not too bad."
When the girls arrived, a pool volleyball game was organized, girls versus boys. Spending time with Hudson, his family, and my friends made me feel like I belonged here.
It was like no time had passed since I had left home. It was fun and nice to let go of the worries and responsibilities that had plagued me lately.
Hudson spiked a ball near me, and I dove through the water to pop it up to Kinsley. She set it for Ivy, who spiked it over the net where it landed in the water with a splash.
We cheered our point, and when we resumed our positions, the guys were more determined than before.
"I think they realized we're worthy opponents," Daria said with a laugh.
We refocused on the game, gaining some points and losing others. It was a fun game, and by the time Jonathan came out to ask if anyone was ready for burgers, we called it a game.
We hadn't kept score, so there were no losers or winners. It was just a good time. We got out and dried off. Some of the guys wandered over to the grill to help Jonathan cook.
I laid back on the lounger with Kinsley, Ivy, and Hazel sitting next to me. Nora and Daria had gone inside to find the bathroom.
"What's going on between you and Hudson? Is it strictly platonic?" Kinsley asked me. When I hesitated, Kinsley smacked my arm. "You hooked up."
I looked at the guys who weren't facing us. "Shhh. We're with his family."
"We need to go out so you can give me all the details," Ivy said.
"It's a recent development." I couldn't help but smile at the memory of last night.
Kinsley leaned in close to ask, "Was it after the bonfire?"
My lips twitched. "Maybe."
"You seemed into each other last night. Sparks were flying, and it wasn't coming from the fire," Ivy added.
"It was a long time coming but unexpected at the same time. If that makes any sense."
"You didn't want to think it was a possibility. You kept fighting the idea that he was into you," Kinsley said.
"He didn't remember me from high school. Can you blame me for thinking I didn't have a chance with him now?"
Ivy spread her towel on the chair. "Please, we were kids back then, and Hudson was more focused on school than the rest of the boys."
Hazel rested her head on the chair. "The time is right."
Kinsley closed her eyes. "I can't blame you for making a move. All the Kingston brothers are good looking."
“Hazel, you know the Kingston brothers better than anyone since you’ve been friends with Brady forever. You know if anyone besides Dalton and Hudson are dating?” Daria asked.
“He doesn’t talk to me about girls, who his brothers date. Our relationship was never about that.”
The guys stood around the grill, talking and joking. They were an easygoing bunch, but Hudson was the serious one. It was what I liked about him the most. That he could relax around me.
"I hope I find someone soon. I'm in a serious drought," Kinsley said.
Ivy stretched her legs on the lounger. "Have you been harboring a crush on a certain someone?"
Kinsley's face was flush, and I didn't think it had anything to do with the heat. "I'm not in middle school anymore. I don't have crushes. But there is someone I've had my eye on for a while. Unfortunately, he's not interested in someone like me."
"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked, grateful for the focus to be off me and my budding relationship with Hudson.
Kinsley waved her hand. "He's not looking for a commitment."
"Then he's not the one for you," Hazel said gently.
"I know it. But I can admire the view when I see him," she teased, and we all laughed.
"Ladies, you want cheese on your burgers?" Shep asked.
He stood in front of us in green board shorts, his hands on his hips.
"Cheese for me," Ivy said, and everyone agreed.
"Do you want help?" Kinsley asked him and started to get up.
He held out his hand as if to stop her. "We've got this."
Shep walked back to the grill, presumably telling Jonathan that we wanted cheese, and I watched as Kinsley's gaze followed him.
Was he the man she was secretly lusting over? It couldn't be. I'd heard her criticize Shep many times over the years. She said he didn't take anything seriously, not his work or the women he dated.
Kinsley had always been hardworking and focused on taking care of her and her daughter. She had no patience for dating someone who was irresponsible.
Besides, she worked for the Kingstons. There was no way that would make sense to get involved with one of them. She wouldn't want to jeopardize her job.
We moved over to the outside table, grabbing plates and piling them high with burgers and fruit. I ended up sitting next to Hudson and Kinsley.
Jonathan and Joy ate inside.
Talk centered around things going on around the island and upcoming construction projects. Ivy was a Realtor, so she was interested in new developments and businesses.
I'd come home to take care of Grams, but I'd gotten so much more. I was building a community with these people, and I wasn't sure I'd ever be able to leave it.