Chapter 10 #2
As we moved around the empty ballroom, I relaxed into the familiar patterns of dance.
“You’re good at this,” Mari said as I guided her through a turn. “Hidden talents, Gable.”
“Years of lessons. My mother believed no son of hers would embarrass her at charity galas and important weddings.”
“Well, her loss is my gain.” She smiled up at me. “You’re making me look competent.”
“You are competent. You have natural rhythm.”
“Tell that to my high school dance teacher. She said I moved like a ‘drunken squirrel with inner ear problems.’”
I chuckled as I spun her twice, pulling her back into my arms afterwards. “She clearly wasn’t a very good teacher, then.”
The song changed to something with a slightly faster tempo, still romantic but with more energy. Without discussion, we adjusted our steps, moving more fluidly around the floor.
“So,” Mari said after a moment, “are you going to tell me why you’ve been avoiding me for the past two months?”
I almost missed a step. “I haven’t been avoiding you. We’ve both been busy.”
“Hudson, we spend almost every day together working on this wedding, and somehow you’ve managed to never be alone with me for more than five minutes. Until now.”
“We’ve been busy,” I repeated. “The wedding, other clients...”
“Bullshit. You don’t have to tell me. Just don’t lie to me about why, especially after that night in the office...”
She trailed off, and I felt like the worst person in the world.
Because the truth was, I had been avoiding her.
Not because I didn’t want to be with her—god, I wanted that more than I’d wanted anything in a long time—but because I knew I didn’t deserve her.
Not with me taking credit for her work just to prove to my parents that I wasn’t inadequate.
“It’s not what you think,” I mumbled. “It’s not that I don’t... That I didn’t want...”
“Whatever.” She looked down at the ground. “It doesn’t really matter. I just, I thought we had something. And then you just shut down.”
The music swelled around us, the singer’s voice crooning about chances not taken and regrets carried too long. Fitting.
“It’s complicated.”
“So, uncomplicate it.” Her gaze held mine.
I took a deep breath. “My parents have certain expectations. Of me, of my career.” I guided her through another turn, trying to organize my thoughts.
“They’ve never approved of my choices. Starting my company instead of joining theirs.
Moving to Chicago instead of staying in California.
Everything I’ve done has been a disappointment to them. ”
“And?” she prompted when I paused. “This is not news to me, remember? We bonded over awful parents.”
“Yes, I remember. It’s just, this Modern Wedding feature is the first thing that’s made them proud.”
“And you’re worried that if they meet me—if they see us together—they’ll somehow disapprove again?”
It wasn’t entirely wrong, so I nodded. “Something like that. They saw the wedding expo video and nearly disowned me because of it. And the idea of them meeting you—”
“You’re scared.” She stopped dancing and pulled away from me. “Hudson, I’m not going to pretend to be something I’m not for your parents’ sake. If they don’t like me, that’s their problem. I’m fucking awesome.”
“I know,” I blurted. “And I wouldn’t ask you to change. It’s just... complicated.”
“You keep saying that. But you know what? Relationships are always complicated. It’s just a question of whether they’re worth it.”
“You’re right,” I said finally. “And I’m sorry. For pulling away. For making things weird.”
Mari gave me a once over before sighing and stepping back into my arms. “Apology accepted.” She started moving again, guiding me back into the dance. “Though to be clear, I’m still annoyed with you.”
“I would expect nothing less.”
We danced in silence for a few moments, the music shifting to a slower, more intimate song. We moved closer together, her head coming to rest against my shoulder, my cheek brushing her hair. God, she smelled amazing.
This felt right. Being with her felt right.
My phone rang, the sound jarring in the quiet ballroom. Mari lifted her head, looking at me questioningly. We tried to ignore it. After the third ring, Mari stepped back. “You should get that. It might be important.”
With a sigh, I pulled out my phone. Eleanor Trolio’s name flashed on the screen.
“It’s Modern Wedding,” I said, my stomach sinking. “I should take this.”
Mari nodded, walking toward the sound system. “I’ll give you some privacy.”
I answered as she moved away. “Eleanor, hello.”
“Hudson! I’m so glad I caught you. I’ve been reviewing the final draft of the feature, and I have to say, I’m more impressed than ever with your concepts.”
I turned away from Mari, lowering my voice. “Thank you.”
“The way you’ve integrated emotional milestones with practical planning tools is revolutionary. It’s all so impressive. Genius. This is exactly the innovation we want to highlight in our digital division.”
“I appreciate that.”
“I’ve completed the contract for the creative director position too. We’ll send it over on Monday for you to review, and if you approve it, we’ll organize a little signing ceremony after the Kussikov-Martin wedding. The board is very excited about the direction you’ve proposed.”
“That’s... wonderful news,” I managed.
“We’d also like to schedule a photoshoot for the announcement. Perhaps at your Chicago office? And we should discuss the development timeline for the app. I know you mentioned having working prototypes already.”
“Yes, of course.” I was digging myself deeper with every word. “Let me check my calendar and get back to you.”
“Perfect! Oh, and I heard through the grapevine that your parents are coming to town for the big wedding. We should arrange a dinner while they’re here. I’d love to catch up with them.”
“I’ll mention it to them,” I promised, though the thought of Eleanor, my parents, and me in the same room made me physically ill.
After a few more minutes of pleasantries, I ended the call and turned to Mari. She watched me from across the room.
“Everything okay?” she asked as I walked back to her.
“Fine,” I said automatically. “Just finalizing some details for the feature.”
She nodded. “We should probably head back to the office. I promised Criss I’d review the last details for the floral arrangements this afternoon.”
“Right.” I hesitated, then plunged ahead before I could lose my nerve. “Mari, would you like to have dinner with me?”
She blinked, clearly surprised by the sudden invitation. “What?”
“Dinner. It’s a meal that’s typically in the evening and—”
“Shut up, asshole.” She grinned up at me. “When?”
“After the bachelor and bachelorette weekends? Next week sometime?” I suggested. The pre-wedding celebrations were starting tomorrow, with Lia and her friends heading to a spa retreat while Manny and his group went to a cabin to fish.
“Wait.” A slow smile spread across her face. “Are you asking me on a date, Gable?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Well, in that case, I suppose I could pencil you in. Assuming you don’t ghost me for another two months.”
“I won’t,” I promised, both relieved and terrified. “And Mari? Thank you. For the dance, for... everything.”
She studied me for a moment, her expression softening. “You’re welcome. Though fair warning, if this is a proper date, I expect proper wining and dining. None of that ‘let’s grab a quick bite between client meetings’ nonsense.”
“Noted, I’ll plan accordingly.”