41. Winnie
“The team is on a roll. They are 5-0, with no signs of stopping anytime soon.”
Mr. Hudson nods while looking over my shoulder at the photos on my computer. “These are incredible shots, Winnie. Professional level.”
I wiggle in my seat, a beaming smile on my face. “Thank you. I really think I’ve found my thing, you know?”
He backs away, falling into the chair next to me, and crosses his hands, then places them over his knee. “I would agree.”
“I can’t thank you enough for allowing me this opportunity. I know Reese technically asked for it, but you didn’t have to agree or bring it up to me at all.”
Mr. Hudson tips his head, a knowing smirk on his face. “I take it you and the hotheaded hockey player worked things out?”
My cheeks bloom, and he chuckles.
“I see. Well, good. Despite his irrational anger for every male who walks into your viewpoint, he seems like a decent guy.”
“He is.”
“Good.” He dips his chin and sighs. “Winnie, I meant it when I said these are professional level.”
I glance back at the computer, eyeing the action shot of the guys celebrating a goal at the latest game. The photo is clear and a good angle. I happen to agree.
“It’s a good shot.”
“Yes, it is, but so are the rest. Shot after shot, all beautifully taken.”
“Thank you, Mr. Hudson. That means a lot coming from you.”
He stands and wanders in front of the classroom. It’s empty because it’s Saturday morning, but I’ve been wanting to show him my work, and he was busy last night, so he asked me to come in this morning.
“What’s your goal, Winnie? In photography.”
Didn’t we already talk about this? “Uh, I’d like to eventually be a photographer for a professional team.”
“Right.” He stops and places his hands on the desk. “So, why aren’t you?”
I blink, taken back by the question. “Um, because I’m eighteen and still in college?”
“What I’m getting at, Winnie, is you’re good. Better than good. Hell, I bet you could teach me a thing or two about action shots.”
“Oh, I highly doub—”
“I don’t.” He tugs his desk chair forward and places it in front of me. “What would you say to an interview with a professional sports team manager?”
“Like… like for a job?”
“Exactly for a job. I really think you have a gift. One that others cannot be taught in a classroom. I remember you mentioning your dad was a photographer. I’m guessing he taught you, and he taught you well.”
At the mention of my dad, my eyes prick. “Thank you, he did.”
Mr. Hudson leans back and grabs me a tissue. I pat my eyes of any unshed tears. “You are a great student, but I see how bored you are in class. Everything I’m teaching, you already know.”
He notices that? “You’re a great teacher,” I offer, hoping that makes it better.
He laughs, so I’m guessing he’s not that mad. “Don’t apologize. I was the same way because I was too advanced for the class. Which is why I dropped out.”
“You dropped your photography class?” My eyebrows shoot up my forehead.
“No.”
Oh, well, that’s good because I was—
“I dropped out of college.”
“But you’re a teacher.”
He grins. “I am, but I only just got my teaching degree. I don’t have a photography degree, Winnie, and not to brag, but look how successful my career has been. I don’t need to teach, but it seems selfish not to share my knowledge with those eager to learn. Those who aren’t like you with a natural eye.”
“Are you telling me I should drop out of college?”
“No. I’m telling you, you have options. I know a few people. I could pull some strings and get you an interview with a professional team. It would be up to you to get hired, but I have no doubts you could.”
Wow. I don’t even know how to process what he is saying right now. That I don’t need school, and he thinks I can get my dream job without it. That’s, well, that’s crazy. I never considered what I would do if I didn’t go to college. That was always the plan, but what if he’s right? I really love school, and I love learning, but to be able to get my dream career at just nineteen. My head is spinning.
It must show on my face. Mr. Hudson leans forward and places a steady hand on mine. “Just think about it, okay? But know that I will support whatever decision you make.”
“Thank you, Mr. Hudson. Really, I’m… I’m at a loss for words, honestly.”
He chuckles and retracts his hand. “It’s overwhelming, but I feel I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention anything.”
“I appreciate that, really. I’ll think on it and let you know after the holidays, if that works?”
“Absolutely, as long as you need.”
While I’m shutting down my computer, Mr. Hudson gathers his stuff, and he follows me out of the building. He tells me a little about his college days—before he dropped out. Apparently, he was a nerd. Which I can kind of see, but not the kind of nerd we see in movies. More like the kind we see in porn.
Holy hell, I can’t believe I just thought that about my teacher.
He pushes open the door, and I step out into the frigid air. It’s gotten significantly colder as the days go on. We got the first snowfall that I think is going to stick this morning.
Mr. Hudson is parked by me, so we head that way.
“Can I ask how your father died? He couldn’t have been too old.”
My throat tightens. It’s not the first time I’ve been asked about my dad dying, and I know it’s only natural curiosity, so I don’t fault him for asking. Besides, he’s right. My dad was young. “Drunk driver.”
He curses. “Sorry, I just cannot stand drunk drivers.”
“Me either,” I murmur. He sets his stuff on top of his car and pulls me in for a hug. It’s very innocent, like when Elijah hugs me, but that doesn’t make it any less weird.
Especially when another car pulls up right in front of us.
“Hands off, Mr. Flirt, unless you want to be a stepdad.”
My mouth drops, and so does Mr. Hudson’s, but he recovers quicker than I do and snaps his shut. He eyes me, then my stomach, but it’s not like he’s going to see anything. I’m wearing three layers because of the weather.
“You’re pregnant?”
I shoot a glare at my boyfriend, then sigh. “I am.”
“Wow, I had no idea.”
“Yeah,” I grit. “We’re not really telling people.” At least I’m not.
Reese meets my harsh stare with his own.
Mr. Hudson clears his throat. “Well, congratulations, to both of you.” He hurries around his car and pulls opens the driver’s door, but he stops before dropping inside. “Remember what I said, Winnie. Please think about it.” He glances at my stomach. Once again, you’re not going to find anything, buddy. “Especially now.”
And with that, he’s in his car and speeding away.
I turn to Reese and place my hands on my hips. “Do you mind?”
“Do you?” He throws open his door and slams it behind him. His footsteps slap against the pavement as he stomps around his truck and stops in front of me, crossing his arms. “I pull up and see another man hugging my girlfriend.”
“He was hugging me because I told him about my dad, Reese. It wasn’t just a random goodbye hug. Besides, why are you here?”
He huffs but doesn’t answer. Instead, he grips the passenger door to his truck and tugs it open. I can’t see what he’s grabbing until he turns, a flower corsage in one hand and a bag of my favorite candies in the other.
Oh, this infuriating man. Why does he have to be so sweet?
“These are for you.” He passes me the chocolates, then the corsage. It’s a white rose with a green ribbon to match my dress tonight.
I sigh while looking at the stuff, then slowly lift my eyes to meet his. “You’re infuriatingly sweet.”
Reese smirks. “That’s my charm, baby.”
I drop the stuff on top of the Bronco and walk into his open arms. “Thank you.” I kiss his cheek.
He grips my ass and squeezes much harder than necessary. “Anything for you.”
Like I said, infuriatingly sweet.
“Where the fuck is your sister?” I glance at the watch on my wrist for the tenth time.
“I don’t fucking know, but if they don’t hurry, I’m going in there.” Sawyer drops his head back and runs a hand down his face. “Why did the guys have to ask them anyway. It’s fucked, and if I see Tucker’s hand drop lower than necessary, I’m going to kill him in front of everyone, and then we can auction off his organs.”
Morbid, but I get it. Sawyer is not only pissy because his sister and the girl he denies feelings for got asked to the fundraiser, but Amy also canceled. She tried getting him to go visit her instead, but he said no, and he’s been in a bad mood ever since she called this morning.
Another minute goes by, and I reach for the door. Hearing Sawyer curse, I pause and follow his stoic face.
My mouth drops.
Winnie steps out of Laney and Emma’s apartment. A long dark-green dress hugs every part of her gorgeous body, as well as highlights the small bump she’s sporting now.
Fuck me.
A slit on her left leg splits high on her thigh, showing off the black heels on her feet. The neckline is like a heart, and I zero in on her breasts. She swears they’ve gotten bigger, and now I see what she means. Her ginger hair is long, curly, and flowing around her shoulders with each step.
Don’t even get me started on her smile. She knows she’s got me with that mischievous grin gracing her beautiful face. I’m guessing Emma assisted in the dark eye makeup, and it looks beautiful, bringing out the warmth in her chocolatey browns.
“She looks—” I swallow hard as I unclip my seat belt.
“Yeah,” Sawyer grunts. I flick a look his way, but it’s not Winnie he’s looking at.
Laney and Emma both look beautiful as well, and it seems Sawyer has noticed.
We climb from the limo, and Winnie walks right into my arms. I breathe in her sweet scent and tilt her chin with two fingers. “You look… fuck.”
She giggles, and I grin, descending toward her lips, but I’m stopped by a hand pushing me back.
Emma wiggles her finger at me like a mom scolding a child. “I just fixed her makeup. No kissing until after the entry photos.”
I narrow my eyes, but she simply rolls hers and shoves past me, climbing into the limo.
Sawyer shakes his head and shrugs, not knowing what to say about his pain-in-the-ass sister.
Laney crawls in after him, and when she’s out of sight, Winnie smacks a quick kiss to my lips.
“You look ‘fuck’ too, by the way.”
I smack her ass and push her toward the door while demanding, “You better make up for that fucking kiss later. If you can even call it that.”
Winnie grins at me over her shoulder. “Of course.”