by Renee Roman
“It’s good to be home.”
Momma G. reached for her hand. “It’s good to have you home. I’ve missed you. I can’t say I wasn’t worried.” She squeezed Hudson’s hand. “Until you and Ari connected.” Gina regarded Ari and tilted her head. “Hudson’s found a reason to be optimistic about the future. I think you had something to do with that, so thank you.”
“I don’t think it was me, but thank you for saying so.”
Ari looked at her and Hudson’s heart picked up speed. Ari had that effect on her most of the time.
“Hudson was a great source of strength for me when I needed it, and we can count on each other for support.” Ari looked at Gina and Dale before continuing. “I can see where she gets her best characteristics.”
“That’s very kind of you to say.” Mom D. glanced in Hudson’s direction, prompting her to respond.
“We’ve grown close over the last few months.” Her parents smiled. A knowing look crossed between them. She’d be cornered at some point to explain exactly how close they were.
“Well, now that the pleasantries are out of the way, I’m going to put the finishing touches on dinner.” Gina headed to the door.
“Can I help?” Ari asked.
Gina winked at Hudson. “I’d appreciate the company.”
Hudson knew it was Momma G.’s code for wanting to spend time alone with Ari. Her stomach fluttered with nervous energy. Her mothers could be rather demanding at times when it came to the people in their children’s lives. She settled back and relaxed. Ari could handle the interrogation.
“So, what’s been happening in your life?” Mom D. asked.
Guess it’s my turn to be interrogated.
* * *
Ari cut the cucumber into thin slices and Gina mashed potatoes in a pot. They worked in amicable silence, but she knew it wouldn’t last. Ari could tell Hudson’s parents were protective of her. She would be the same way if she ever had children.
“How did you two meet?” Gina asked as she added milk, then butter to the pot.
She relayed the story as she remembered it, first at the Y, then bumping into Hudson a couple of times. “When I found the house and needed a tenant, I remembered Hudson was looking for a place.” Shrugging, she went on. “From the first time I met her, I felt I could trust her, and I went with my gut. It hasn’t failed me yet.” She made eye contact. “I’ve grown very fond of your daughter.”
Gina stopped what she was doing and faced her, one hand on her hip. “I have a distinct impression you’re more than fond.” A smile played at the corner of her mouth, much like the one that often formed on Hudson’s.
“Yes. I am.” She looked at the salad, needing a break from Gina’s intense stare. “Hudson—isn’t ready for a commitment. I hope that will change.”
“We raised her the best we could and we’re proud of the woman she’s become. What we didn’t do was let her fail, and she never wanted to disappoint us. When she and Pam broke up it hit her hard. Real hard. I’ve never seen her turn tail and run from anything, but that’s what she did.” Gina went back to mixing the potatoes, sprinkling in chopped chives and a splash of heavy cream. “I asked her why. She said she hoped she and Pam would have the fairy-tale life Dale and I have. Damn near broke my heart.” She spooned the mixture into a dish and put on the lid.
Gina turned to face her. “She’s stronger than she appears. She just needs to find her way again. I think you’re helping her do that.” Gina wiped her hands on her apron. “All set there?”
“I think so.” Ari had added grape tomatoes and pecans to the bowl. She couldn’t wait to dive in. Her stomach grumbled.
“Let’s get them in here. Dale gets cranky if she’s not fed on a regular basis.”
* * *
“Please, no more stories, Mom!”
Hudson brought the last of the plates to the sink and rinsed them before putting them in the dishwasher. She and Ari had been entertained throughout dinner by her parents recounting her less than stellar early years when she’d been a klutz and suffered a variety of injuries. Improving her balance and stamina were the main reasons she’d taken up martial arts. It had been one of the best decisions she’d ever made.
“Okay,” Dale said. “We’ll save some for another time.”
Shaking her head, she took Ari’s hand. “Want to walk into town?”
“Sure.”
“I’m going to put on jeans. It’ll turn cool once the sun sets.” She knew the weather on the Cape well. The days were often warm, but nights could be downright chilly by the water.
“Good idea,” Ari replied.
Hudson kissed her parents on the cheek. “Don’t wait up for us.”
Momma G. laughed. “Those days are long gone, honey. You two have fun.”
“Good night,” Ari said. “Thanks again for the delicious meal.”
“Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your help.”
Standing on the top step, Hudson took another deep breath, marveling at the internal peace the ocean air brought. She’d spent a lot of nights sitting on the top step listening to the crickets and gulls, feeling the breeze brush her face, and working out whatever worries or problems were in her head. She’d never struggled with her sexuality; coming out hadn’t been an issue, although her mothers had assured her she didn’t have to love women because of them. That had made her laugh till she cried. Ari’s voice broke through her reminiscing.
“Hey, are you okay?”
She looked into Ari’s questioning eyes. “Never better.” She shook her head. “That’s not entirely true, but I’m getting there.” She wrapped her arm around Ari’s waist and pulled her close.
“Ready to see my childhood playground?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
* * *
“That’s decadent.” Ari licked her lips. She had no idea what she was in for when Hudson guided her to the flamboyant entrance of Guiltless Pleasures. She’d spent a long time scanning the cases of homemade chocolates, gelato, and pastries. Throwing up her hands in surrender, she’d left the decision to Hudson.
“I know how you feel. It’s sacrilege not to stop here at least once whenever I’m home.” Hudson scraped every last bit of gelato from her cup before setting it down with a satisfied sigh.
“Good thing we have a bit of a walk ahead of us. I’m stuffed. Again.” Ari tossed their containers on the way out and took a sip of her lukewarm coffee. It was still good.
“I guess I got caught up in the atmosphere and didn’t realize how far we’d walked.”
“I don’t mind. It’s fun being around all these people.” Everyone she passed seemed to be enjoying a leisurely stroll through what she’d learned was the main thoroughfare of P-town proper. Groups of women and men chatted and laughed, stopping for selfies in front of various establishments. The atmosphere gave her a sense of belonging to a greater community. One she hadn’t experienced anywhere else. She bumped hips with Hudson. “You were right about this place.” She led Hudson around a corner, out of the crowd. “Thank you for asking me to come home with you.”
Hudson leaned back against the building, her hands on Ari’s hips. “I’m glad you said yes. This place has always felt magical to me. I hope it does for you, too.”
Hudson pulled her closer and captured her mouth. The kiss was slow and gentle, and her tongue lightly traced Ari’s lips, sending a shiver down her spine. A flare of disappointment coursed through her when they parted.
“No wonder your kisses are magical.”
Hudson brushed a wisp of hair from her face. “I want to make love to you.”
Familiar longing gripped her and her sex clenched. Visions of Hudson touching her, tasting her, making her wet with a need that flooded her senses. “Take me home, baby.”
Chapter Twenty
Ari watched Hudson as she held the mug up to her mouth with both hands and stared across the table. They had tried to be quiet when they got back to the house. Once they were in Hudson�
��s room, they undressed and slid between the soft flannel sheets. They’d talked in hushed voices for a few minutes, followed by slow, tender lovemaking. Ari had covered her mouth to stifle her moans, but from the look on Gina’s face, she wasn’t sure she’d been successful. “What do you two have planned for today?”
Hudson started and a few drops of coffee splashed from her cup. Ari giggled. She dabbed up the spill and cleared her throat. “I think we might go on a whale watch and then later do a sunset dune tour.”
“Oh, I haven’t been on that beach at sunset in ages. Have you?” she asked Dale.
Dale rose and placed her dishes in the sink. “Not without you.”
“Can we go?” Gina asked.
Dale glanced first at Hudson, then Ari. “Not this time, babe. Let the kids enjoy this trip without us playing chaperone.”
Ari picked up her juice and took a gulp. “I don’t mind if you want to come along. It’s not like we’d be alone. Right?” Ari asked Hudson, who was clearly not enthused about the thought of her parents tagging along.
Gina pushed away from the table. “Of course, dear. You’re right.” She paused for emphasis. “But I want to hear all about it. Will you be back for dinner?”
“Don’t plan on us tonight, Momma, but we’ll probably come back for a snack and to rest our feet this afternoon.” Hudson drained her mug. “What are you two doing today?”
“School starts up next week. I’ve got rosters and lesson plans to work on. Maybe weed the gardens later,” Dale said.
“What about you, Momma?” Hudson washed the last cup and placed it in the drainer.
“I’ve got six houses to inspect before we sign contracts, and there’s a new garden path at the Caraways’ that needs planting. I should figure how many bulbs to order.”
Ari sat quietly taking it all in.
“Dale’s a teacher at the middle school and I…” she began before Dale came up behind her and wrapped her arms around Gina’s waist.
“And Gina does it all. She’s a groundskeeper for most of the businesses and some private homes. In the winter, she does maintenance for seasonal owners who are only here for weekends and vacations during the summer.”
“You’re just saying nice things about me because I promised to bake this weekend.” She turned in Dale’s arms and gave her a resounding smooch on the cheek.
“It sounds exhausting,” Ari said and Hudson chimed in.
“Oh, she’ll try to tell you it’s not that bad, but when winter comes she’s glad for the break, right, Momma?”
Gina sighed. “Sure, who wouldn’t be, but I’m not that old,” she said in mild protest. “Get out from under my feet, now. I’ve got stuff to do.”
“Yes, Momma. Love you,” Hudson said.
She placed her hands on the sides of Hudson’s face and held her there. “I love you.”
Dale patted Hudson’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about us. Go enjoy the day.”
* * *
Hudson caught Ari in the camera lens unaware. Her eyes sparkled when the whales were close, and every time they breached the water, she gasped. She was radiant today, as though she was in her natural element out on the water. Hudson felt the same way when she kayaked, but this was different. Her heart sang and her protective outer shell crumbled a bit more. Maybe it was time. Maybe she could tell Ari she was ready to take the next step. Ari told her she’d wait, but she worried she was pushing Ari’s patience. Life was short. Too short to have regrets, and she didn’t want Ari to be one of them. After they got back home she would tell her what she’d known for a while. She was falling for Ari, and Ari had a right to know their relationship wasn’t one-sided.
“Look!” Ari pointed toward the bow.
Hudson caught sight of the calf as it landed in a splash. She was putting on a show for the passengers, and her camera clicked in rapid-fire. She’d been so busy watching Ari she’d missed it breaching the water and hoped there was at least one good shot.
“Did you see it?” Ari grabbed her hand and squeezed.
Ari’s excitement traveled through Hudson and struck a chord. A full life included having someone to share moments like these with, and she wanted to share hers with Ari.
“I did. I hope I caught some of the action.” She held up the camera.
“That’s okay. We saw it together.” Ari pulled her down and brushed her lips over Hudson’s.
“Ari…” she began, but at the same time the boat’s microphone crackled to life, breaking her train of thought and her nerve.
“On the bow side at two o’clock is a pair of adults,” the watch director announced.
The blowhole exhalation broke the surface close to the rail, and the backs of two huge whales came into view before diving in front of the boat again. Hudson was happy the animals were entertaining Ari, but the moment of her revelation was lost.
“Wow. Two of them at once.” Ari studied her face. “I’m sorry, did you say something?”
Hudson shook her head. “I’m just glad you’re enjoying yourself.” She pulled Ari closer as they rode the sea.
Ari laid her head on Hudson’s chest. “I am.”
* * *
Hudson’s parents listened to the tales of their day. Ari was animated, using her hands to describe how the whales had come up close to the boat. When the story ended, Mom D. leaned forward.
“Hudson, can we talk inside?”
“Sure, Mom.” She stood. “I’ll be right back.”
Ari nodded, looking concerned. “Take your time.”
They sat in the breakfast nook and her mother’s steady gaze forewarned the talk was going to be serious. Mom moved an envelope between them.
“We received this today from the lawyers.”
She stared at the envelope. “The ones I hired?”
“Yes. I’m not sure why it came here. I’m sorry, Hudson. I thought it was about the trusts.” She sat back, running a hand through her graying waves. “Pam plans on fighting. She said you walked away and gave up your rights to everything you left behind.”
Hudson had every right to ask for what belonged to her whether she walked away or not. But if she were honest, she didn’t know if she wanted to fight anymore. Hearing Ari talking with Momma G. gave her another reason to move on.
“It doesn’t matter so much anymore, Mom. Let her have the shit.”
Her mother tapped the manila envelope again. She had the hardened look Hudson remembered when she had taken a stand and fought for principles important to her and the well-being of her family. She was the rock they all depended on. “There’s more.”
“What more could she possibly want?” Hudson asked.
“She knows about your trust fund.” Mom D. sat back after delivering the news and waited.
Shaking her head, she leaned forward. “How? I never told her. I’ve never told anyone. You and Momma G. are the only ones who know.”
Her mother grasped her forearm and gave a light squeeze. “Who knows. Maybe a private investigator. Everything is out there now, thanks to our cyber age.”
Anger welled up inside and acid churned in her stomach. Even though she really wanted back some of the items that had been in her family for generations, they weren’t worth the battle. But the trust was hers and hers alone. She hadn’t planned on using it until retirement and her plan hadn’t changed. Until then, no one touched it. In fact, it was a stipulation from her grandparents. She could access up to fifty percent of it if she married, otherwise it remained in trust until she reached fifty-five years of age.
“She’s not getting a damned penny. Not now, not ever. What do we need to do?”
Twenty minutes later, she stepped onto the porch. She was still pissed as hell, but she and Dale had a plan. She just needed to calm down before attempting to be social.
“I’m going to take a walk.”
“Great. Where to?” Ari rose and looked up expectantly.
Hudson took both Ari’s hands in hers and held them to her chest. “I’m s
orry, baby. I need to go alone.”
Ari tipped her head and studied her, her brows knit close together. “Are you okay?”
“No, but I will be.” She brushed her lips over Ari’s incredibly soft mouth. “I’ll be back in a little while. My parents will keep you busy until then.”
Ari pulled her into a warm embrace and whispered in her ear. “I’ll be here.”
* * *
Ari watched Hudson descend the steps and head down the driveway, wondering if she should have said more, done more. It was clear Hudson was distraught, and she hated seeing her that way. Maybe if she knew what the problem was she could help.
“Can I ask what happened?”
Dale and Gina exchanged knowing looks. Gina nodded at Dale.
“Come, sit down. We’ll have iced tea and fill in the gaps.”
“I take it you know about Pam?” Dale asked.
“I know she and Hudson were together for a while before they broke up and that’s when Hudson moved to Albany. And she wasn’t emotionally in a good place for a quite a while.” Ari glanced at the door and hoped Hudson would let her help with whatever was going on when she returned. “I know she’s upset when she takes off like this.”
“Oh, trust me, she’s a lot better, and I know you being in her life has made a world of difference.” Gina patted her hand. “She’s finding her way through you.”
Chewing her lower lip, she pushed away her nerves and asked the burning question. “Is that a good thing?” she asked.
“It’s a very good thing.” Dale’s eyes twinkled with some unspoken knowledge.
“Good, because I’m falling for your daughter in a big way.”
“Yes, dear, we know.”
Ari glanced between them as they shared a grin. “How?”
“It’s as plain as the nose on your face.” Gina laughed. “For both of you.”
“Huh,” she said. “Hudson hasn’t…” She hesitated. She didn’t want to betray Hudson’s trust after they’d come so far.