by B. Love
It was Harold’s bright idea to hide the truth from Hudson for several reasons. One, he felt responsible for the accident by sharing the details of Tierra’s cheating that night. Two, he wanted Hudson to retire so Lamar could take his job, and he knew if Hudson knew the truth dating would be the last thing on his mind. And three, there was a part of him that truly wanted what was best for his nephew – including love. In his mind, setting him up with Reina was a sure way to match Hudson up with a woman who would do right by him… even if things started out wrong.
Hudson still had no memories of what happened after the accident, and now, he was kind of glad that he didn’t. He did, however, feel the need to come and see Tierra. Whether she was a cheater or not, Hudson wished death on no one. And they were right, he did feel responsible for her death. Yes, they told him about the other car that was driving in the middle of the street, but if he would not have been arguing and speeding… who knows how differently things would have turned out. Hell, they probably wouldn’t have even been in the car in that moment.
Hudson scratched the top of his head before running his hands down his face. He stared at her tombstone with a shake of his head. Seemed as if being a good man had brought him nothing but trouble in the past, but he wouldn’t allow his failed relationships to change him or his desire for love. He’d still continue to be good and treat his women well. That thought alone had Reina popping into his brain, but he couldn’t deal with thoughts of her right now.
“I’m sorry. Sorry that you’re gone, sorry that I don’t remember you. Sorry that I couldn’t honor you properly because my family kept this from me.” He cupped his hands in his lap and slid down in his seat as his head tilted. “I’m going to get in touch with your mother and pay back whatever they had to pay to lay you to rest. It’s the least I can do.” Looking towards the sky, his head shook again. “Whatever you did to me, I forgive you, Tierra. And I pray you can forgive me for this too.”
His eyes lowered to her tombstone, and he tried his hardest to remember something… anything… about her. But whether he remembered or not, Hudson would have to release Tierra and let this go.
Christmas had come and gone, and Hudson had slowly adjusted to the truth. While he felt as if his family, more so his uncle, had good intentions, he couldn’t accept their decision. The only good thing that had come from the lies was the time he’d been able to spend with Reina. Though her involvement made it hard for Hudson to trust her, he could never deny his love for her.
The first day he met her, their bond began to grow. Whether Hudson remembered or knew her or not… he fell in love with her… and that was the only thing that made any of this bearable. Still, he had no desire to try and make things work with her. He didn’t even want to see her, but he didn’t appear to have a choice when he made it to his office and saw Reina sitting in the waiting area.
Hudson may not have wanted to admit it, but Reina was beautiful. Her hair was up in its signature bun. Her face was lightly made, lips coated in her maroon lipstick. Those bright, honey brown eyes stared into his soul until she looked away.
Slowly, Hudson walked over to her, unable to ignore the sun shining down on her cinnamon brown hued skin. Reina stood, still avoiding his eyes.
“I know you said you didn’t want to see me, and this won’t take long.” She pulled an envelope out of her purse and held it out towards him. “I just wanted to give you this.”
Hudson took the envelope and opened it with a sigh. Pulling the check out, his eyebrows wrinkled as he glanced over the details.
“I’m not comfortable allowing you to pay for me to go to school. It took a little time, but the financial aid office refunded the payment you made. That’s for the rest of my three years of school, but I’ll find a way to pay you back for the first.”
That was apparently all she had to say, because Reina wasted no time walking away. Hudson grabbed her wrist, keeping her from making it too far. Slowly, he pulled her back in front of him. This time, she looked into his eyes.
“Did I ask for this back?” Her head shook. “Then why are you here?”
She licked her lips before twisting her mouth to the side. “You gave me that when you thought I was the woman you were in love with. I don’t deserve it anymore.”
Hudson released a heavy exhale before mumbling, “Reina,” with a tense tone that made her body visibly cave. “I paid for you to go to school because I believe in you.” Her head hung, but he lifted it by her chin. “And I still do. Take this back to the school…”
“Hudson, I…”
“Take it. And finish strong, aight?”
Clenching her jaw, Reina swallowed as her eyes watered. She nodded before closing her eyes and inhaling a deep breath. “Okay.” Her eyes opened, and they were dry now. “Thanks, Hudson.”
“It’s Huddy,” he corrected, surprising the both of them.
Reina smiled before biting down on her bottom lip. “Okay… Huddy.”
Their eyes remained locked for a few seconds before she took a step back then walked away. Unable to resist, Hudson turned and watched her leave. While he felt no desire to go after her… he definitely wasn’t opposed to seeing her again in the very near future.
Chapter 19
Reina
There was no denying Reina’s excitement at the sight of Hudson. If she would have known that she would be running into him today, she would have tried to look as good as possible. Even with their random encounter, Hudson seemed pleased with the sight of her dressed in a yellow, flowing maxi dress. Her hair was up in its signature bun, face free of makeup. She did, however, have on the maroon lipstick he loved to see her in.
Slowly, Hudson sauntered over to her, replacing his grin with him biting down on his bottom lip. Standing directly in front of her, he looked her entire frame over with a lick of his lips.
“Hey, gorgeous,” he greeted, voice low and thick with lust. Lust laced with appreciation of her presence.
That was one of the things she missed most – how he blatantly cherished her, her presence, and everything else she had to offer.
“Hey, handsome. Long time no see.”
“I know.” His grin returned. “Three months too long.”
Was he… flirting with her? Unsure of what to say, Reina tightened the grip she had on her H&M bag. She’d come in search of a cover for her swimming suit. She was preparing for a trip to Myrtle Beach with Jessica and Brooke.
“How you been?” Hudson followed up, stepping closer. Her nostrils were immediately filled with his woodsy scent. His closeness called for her to close her eyes and inhale a deep breath to compose herself.
“Great. The studio is keeping me busy, so I have no complaints.”
“Studio?”
She smiled softly. “Yes. I opened my own dance studio. I teach my own classes and also rent the space out for other instructors. So my days are spent at school and my evenings are at the studio.”
“That’s great, Golden. I’m proud of you, bae.” His arms wrapped around her, and Reina immediately melted against him. She wanted to hold him for as long as she possibly could, unsure of when she’d have the chance to feel him again. But Hudson pulled away quickly, as if he’d touched fire. “My fault.”
“No, it’s… totally okay.” Her smile turned into a quiet giggle as she crossed her arms over her chest to hide her hardening nipples. “What have you been up to? How’s business? And Rose and the team?”
“Everyone’s good. I’m actually in the process of starting my own financial firm. Working with my family is cool, but after what went down, I’m in dire need of my own lane and space.”
“That’s understandable. I’m proud of you and happy for you too. Oh! How’s Toby?”
Hudson chuckled softly, thinking about the dog she’d gifted him. “Toby is good. Missing you.”
She didn’t reply. Their eyes remained locked. And Reina didn’t mind that at all. She took the time to take in every one of his handsome features. Locking them
into her mental for safe keeping. The sound of Brooke’s laughing pulled Reina out of her trance. Not wanting them to see her with Hudson and ask a million questions, she took a step away from him.
“Um… I gotta get going. But, we’re having an end of the year recital May twenty-ninth. Just in case I don’t see you before then. You’re more than welcome to come and see what you’re getting for your investment.”
Hudson smiled as he lifted his eyes and took in Brooke and Jessica as they made their way over. “You don’t want them to see you with me huh?”
Reina laughed and shook her head. “Not at all. I don’t feel like them asking me fifty million questions that I will probably never have the answers to.”
Hudson smiled softly before licking his lips and kissing her cheek. “It was good to see you, Reina.”
“You too.”
She watched as he turned and walked away. When he was a few feet away, Reina looked back and saw that Jessica and Brooke had stopped at a nearby kiosk to look at jewelry that they would never wear or buy. Even though she was glad they hadn’t come over immediately after leaving H&M, she was also bummed that her time with Hudson was cut short.
Convincing herself that it was best that way, Reina plastered on a fake smile and headed their way.
Chapter 20
Hudson
He made sure to sit at the very top of the theater so Reina wouldn’t see him. Even though he didn’t confirm that he would come, there was nowhere else Hudson would rather be tonight. About six months had passed since Hudson had found out the truth, and he could honestly say that he’d forgiven everyone involved.
Because by definition, forgiveness meant acknowledging the flaws and weakness of a person and releasing anger and resentment towards them for that weakness. So the forgiveness that Hudson granted… wasn’t for anyone but himself. He refused to hold hatred and resentment in his heart knowing firsthand just how short life could really be. But, just because he forgave them, that didn’t mean things had gone back to normal.
Hudson was still keeping his distance from his family and creating his own path for his life, but he did talk to them from time to time. He knew that one day, they would all get together and be able to converse and connect as if nothing happened, but for now, he was enjoying his peace.
The moment Reina stepped onto the stage, her family shot up from their seats to cheer her on. Hudson couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight before him. And Jessica and Brooke were just as bad and loud. He couldn’t blame them though. This moment had been a long time coming. Reina was amazingly talented… she deserved to be honored for that.
Reina cleared her throat as she stepped in front of the microphone that was right by the steps.
“Hi. I’m Reina Givens. Class of 2023.” She paused and giggled as a few people in the crowd cheered. “This is a freestyle, trap ballet piece called Huddy.” Her breath came out shaky as she paused. “I dedicate this to the man that made it possible for me to be here, even though he’s not.” She stepped back and took a moment of silence before whispering, “I love you, Huddy.”
Inhaling a deep breath, Reina walked into the center of the stage. After a few seconds passed, she motioned for the music to begin with her head. Hudson watched intently, blown away in mere seconds by the control she showed. He could see the growth in her movements already. On her knees, Reina’s hands trailed over her head, neck, and arms. Effortlessly she rolled onto the floor and flipped over her head, stretching flat on her stomach.
Back on her knees, she rolled only on the knuckles of her toes into some type of lifted back bend that had everyone in the theater gasping, cheering, and standing on their feet.
Reina paused before standing and twirling around the stage in a way that tugged at Hudson’s heart. The longer he tried to remain seated, the more compelled he felt to stand. To move. To her. Her body jerked and swayed, visually and physically expressing every lyric of the song she was dancing to. And though it was one that Hudson had never heard before, it described them perfectly.
By the time she’d taken her bow, everyone in the theater was on their feet giving her a round of applause. She was asked for an encore like the first time she performed here, and Reina gave them one again. There was really no point in Hudson staying after her performance, but he did, so he could talk to her.
Playing the background, he didn’t go over to her family and friends while they waited for her in the galley. He busied himself in his phone until he heard Laditra’s cheer. Looking up, Hudson smiled at the sight of Reina as she bashfully walked over to her family. Hudson pushed himself off the wall preparing to go over to them, but he stopped when he saw the man that stepped directly in front of her. Reina hugged him, then took him over to everyone by his hand.
Hudson watched as they interacted, wondering if this was the man she’d replaced him with. That dedication… was that her way of releasing him and saying goodbye? A part of Hudson felt like he should stay back, but the other part of him wanted to make his presence known. While he couldn’t be upset with Reina, he still wanted to see her face when she laid eyes on him.
Hudson casually made his way over, pulling her into his side from behind. The moment she looked up and saw who he was, Reina squealed and stepped in front of him for a real hug. Smiling softly, Hudson wrapped his arms around her, being careful not to squish the flowers in his hand as he looked in the man’s eyes.
“I thought you weren’t going to be able to make it?” she asked, squeezing him tighter.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. You were amazing, Golden, and I’m so damn proud of you.”
After kissing her temple, Hudson released her and handed her the flowers and card he had for her. Practically dismissing her so she could return her attention to the man, Hudson spoke to her family and friends before walking away.
“Wait,” Reina called out, trailing behind him. Hudson stopped and turned to face her. “We were going to go out and grab something to eat. Did you want to come with us?”
“You sure your man would be okay with that?”
Her eyes widened then narrowed into slits as she smiled. “It’s not what you think, Hudson. He likes me but…”
“It’s cool. You don’t owe me any explanations. Congratulations. And I really am proud of you.”
Licking her lips, Reina tilted her head as it shook. She sighed, then surrendered with, “Well, it was good to see you, Huddy. Thank you so much for coming.”
After placing a kiss on his cheek, she walked away and returned to her family. And as Hudson watched, he couldn’t help but wonder if this was their official goodbye.
Chapter 21
Reina
Kendrick’s words were going in one ear and out of the other. She was that damn bored. Bored, and totally drowning in thoughts of Hudson. There was no part of her that expected Hudson to show up at the recital tonight, but she was so glad he did. Two months had passed since the last time she’d seen him, and time had been nothing but good to him. If she would have known Hudson would be there, she would have avoided Kendrick, but he more than likely would have still come over to her anyway.
Kendrick Montgomery was one of the leading African American male ballet dancers. He was in town scouting potential dancers for the recital he was putting on this fall, and of course, one of his first stops was Paula’s school. She put in the good word for Reina and six other dancers, but Kendrick had taken a liking to Reina on a personal level. After learning her lesson with Hudson, she had absolutely no intention of mixing business with pleasure, but that didn’t stop Kendrick from trying to take her out whenever he had a moment of free time.
All of his advances had pretty much gone ignored, but Kendrick still wanted to shoot one last shot with Reina tonight. He went to dinner with her and her family, then took her to Baxter’s bar for drinks. As she listened to him tell her about his plans for the summer, all she could think about was Hudson.
His smooth, walnut colored skin.
Naturally
curly and tapered fro.
Wide, muscular frame.
Strong, stubble covered jaw.
Pink lips and balsamic colored eyes.
God.
He was still just as beautiful.
He probably thought the worst of her by now, too.
That realization had Reina knocking the last of her champagne back. Yea, she may have looked bougie as hell drinking champagne at a bar, but so what? After her performance tonight, she’d earned that right. Kendrick offered to get her another drink, and she thanked him quickly, needing that moment of peace away from him. As soon as Kendrick walked away, Reina pulled her phone out. Ignoring all of the calls and congratulatory text messages, Reina opened her and Hudson’s text thread.
Ironically, the last text he’d sent her was the day before his parents arrived and caused all kinds of hell to break loose. Well, that wasn’t fair. This was her and Harold’s doing – not theirs. The text was a simple I love you, and she hadn’t even replied to it. She opted instead to find him by the pool and tell him to his face. Before she could stop herself, she was texting back, I love you too.
Quickly, she sent right afterwards, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that.
I mean, I love you. I just didn’t mean to send that. Sorry.
“Jesus, Ray,” she groaned, patting the back of her head.
Hudson texted back immediately, as if he was holding his phone in his hand the whole time.
I love you too. Where are you?
Baxters with Kendrick Montgomery. I really wish you would have let me explain. He’s a male ballet dancer that is here looking for other dancers to help with his show. He likes me, but I made it clear that he’s not my type. I still and probably always will only have eyes for you.