Ellie seems to accept this, but now I’m stressed out and ready to go home. The weight of my omission is too heavy to bear. I listen as they talk, not really absorbing anything they’re saying. Ellie’s fingers brush my arm to snap me out of my thoughts. She’s looking at me expectantly.
“What?” I ask.
“Is everything okay?” She repeats softly with concern.
“I’m sorry. I’m not feeling all that great. I think I’m going to go home.” I scoot my chair back and stand, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll see you in a few days, okay?”
Ellie nods. “Just leave your plate. I’ll get it. I hope you feel better, Hudson.”
“Thank you.” I kiss her cheek, turn to Lacey and tell her it was nice meeting her, and then I get the hell away from them as fast as possible.
The more I think about it, the sicker I feel. All I can think about is the look on Ellie’s face when I tell her that I’m not an architect like she thinks I am. The longer I think about it, the worse it gets. Finally, I can’t take it anymore, pull off on the side of the road and call my mother.
“Hudsy,” she answers. “How are you?”
“Terrible, Mom.” For like the fifth time, I run my hand over my face as if I’ll wipe away all of my stress.
“Oh, no. You told her?”
“Ha, not yet. I’m going to tell her in a couple of days. I know I have to, but it’s going to destroy her and kill me in the process. The plan is to do like you said and show her what I love about it. But won’t that seem like I’m…hell, I don’t know,” I finish frustrated that I can’t seem to explain myself clearly.
“Take a deep breath, Hudson.” She waits until I do so. “Remember what I told you, if it’s meant to be, it will be. It might take a while, but it’ll happen. Just be honest and sincere with her. Everything else will fall into its rightful place.”
“I sure hope so.”
Chapter Sixteen
Ellie
I watch Hudson walk away from me, and I’ve never seen him look so upset before. I turn to Lacey and stare at her.
“What?” She scrunches her eyebrows at me.
“What the heck happened? I thought this was going to be a good night. What did you say to him?”
“You assume that it’s my fault that Prince Charming didn’t feel well and left?” She picks up her plate and heads into the house. I pick up our plates and follow her.
“Lacey, what is going on? Seriously. You two were talking, alone, for a while out front. What is it?” When I walked out to them, they looked like they were arguing. Lacey puts her plate on the counter with her back to me. “Lacey, please?” I plead quietly.
She finally turns to me. “Okay, I may have told him that if he hurts you, I’ll physically hurt him.”
“Lacey!” I yell at her. “Why would you do that?”
She crosses her arms and steps closer to me. “You’re my best friend. I love you, and I’m looking out for you. I always will.”
“I appreciate that, I do. However, I trust Hudson. He’s not going to hurt me. Plus, I think it’s getting serious.” I walk around her and put my plates on the counter.
“Wait, what do you mean? Has something happened?”
I turn to her and smile. “Well, I didn’t have sex, but something did happen.”
Lacey gasps. “Oh my God, do you give him a blow job?”
“Lacey!” I yell at her. “I can’t believe you said that.” My face feels like it’s on fire.
“What? It’s a legitimate question. Did you?”
“No, I didn’t. Other stuff happened, but not that.” I shake my head at her and head back to the porch to finish cleaning up.
“Okay, okay. I shouldn’t be so blunt with you, but I want you to be careful. I don’t want anything or anyone to hurt you.” Lacey helps me pick up items on the table.
“I know, but like I said, Hudson is different. I know it.” I smile at her, and she gives me a small smile back.
“Just remember one thing. At some point in their lives, all men are stupid. Even Prince Charming.” She gives me a serious look.
“I love that you care so much.” I reach over and hug her tightly.
We spend the rest of the evening, cleaning up, and talking about our jobs. Lacey asks me about the dinner tomorrow evening.
“Oh yeah, Jeffrey is on my case about it. He wants everything perfect.”
“I can’t believe he’s making such a fuss about a company dinner.”
“It’s not just a dinner, though. It’s a huge fundraiser for the children’s hospital. Everybody who’s anybody will be there, even celebrities. That’s why I’m so nervous.” I don’t want to think about tomorrow. It makes my stomach queasy.
“I’m sure it will be fine. You’re a smart cookie. You’ve got it. Isn’t Prince Charming going with you?”
I shake my head. “He has to work.”
I watch her face as she rolls her eyes. “Of course.” When she realizes I’m watching, she smiles. “Alright, I’m out of here. I love you.” She hugs me and heads out.
I send Hudson a text, saying that I hope he feels better. Then I jump in the shower to get ready for bed. I go through the house, making sure everything is locked up and crawl into the bed. I see that my phone is blinking, alerting me of a text.
Hudson: I feel a little better, but I miss you
Me: Aw, miss you too. See you in couple days.
Hudson: Yep, have fun tomorrow at your dinner
Me: Have a great night at work =)
I lay my phone down and fall asleep with a smile on my face.
~
My hands are shaking as I put the final touches of makeup on. This dinner is a big deal and Jeffrey has reminded me so many times that he wants everything to be perfect. I look in my full length mirror and smile. My beautiful dress makes me feel like a princess, and it’s all because of Hudson. The past two months are better than I could ever imagine. Thinking about him, I send him a quick text. I know that he is busy with work, but I want him to know that I’m thinking about him and hoping that he is feeling better.
Me: Just thinking about you! Hope you’re feeling better! Can’t wait to see you tomorrow
I gather the last few things and head out the door.
Traffic is a nightmare, but I finally make it to the event. I don’t valet my car because I don’t want to have to spend the extra money. I park a couple blocks down and walk up to the event. It’s being held in the oldest hotel in the city, in its massive ballroom.
I’m in awe as I walk into the hotel lobby. It looks stunning with the architecture work everywhere. I bet Hudson would love to come here and see this detail on the ceiling.
“Ellie,” Jeffrey’s stern voice startles me as I turn around. “Now remember we’re here to make more business contacts. The shy, small town act you’ve got going on might work here.” I nod, even though it’s not an act. I stare at Jeffrey and notice that he looks like he stuffed himself into his tux.
“Jeff, stop being an ass,” Jeffrey’s wife, Melody, comes up behind him. “How are you, dear?” She asks me.
I smile and nod. Melody is very nice and comes around the office often. I think she is the only one that can handle Jeffrey.
“This is a big night for us. We need to be on our game,” Jeffrey hisses.
“I won’t let you down, Jeffrey,” I say quietly.
“We need something to drink.” Jeffrey heads off to the bar, ignoring my comment.
Melody comes over to me and pats my shoulder. She tells me how stunning I look, and I blush.
“My boyfriend bought it for me,” I say sheepishly.
“Well, he has impeccable taste that is for sure.” She winks at me.
Jeffrey comes back with three glasses of champagne. When he hands me mine, I realize that I’m holding real crystal. I’ve never drank out of anything so shiny and beautiful before.
“Alright, let’s get this ass kissing started.” Jeffrey turns and we head into the m
ain ballroom.
I’m sure my eyes are about to fall out of my head as I enter the room. There is wall to wall people. I can feel my chest tighten when seeing all of them. I look around and try to take in the room itself. It’s gold and shimmers in the lighting. The murals on the wall look old, like the early 1900’s. It’s breathtaking seeing the details of the work.
Jeffrey starts to work around the room. He’s completely different as he introduces me. He tells everyone what a great sales rep I am, and how attentive I am to the clients’ needs. I can barely get a word in, as he goes on and on about me. Bouncing from person to person is making me a little dizzy. I excuse myself from them to go grab some fresh air. Of course, the lobby is just as crowded. I look around trying to find a place that isn’t full of people. I see a hallway off to my right that doesn’t have anyone standing around, so I head that way.
As I walk down the hall a little bit, I take a few deep breaths to calm my nerves down. This is an important night and Jeffrey’s right, I need to be on my game. I stand here for a moment when I hear a bunch of laughing to my left. I look to see a door that is about halfway open. I can see that there are about five men standing in there just busting out laughing.
I peek in and stop. The one man with his back towards me is built almost like Hudson. He even has his shaggy hair. The other men around him are taller. Why is Hudson here? I mean, if it is him.
“Alright boys, let’s get going.” Hudson’s voice orders the men around him. I would know his voice anywhere. It is Hudson. The guys begin to shrug off their jackets. An older man on the left takes their jackets, and the men around Hudson begin to put on jerseys.
Including Hudson.
I can see the back it has the number fourteen on it with his last name across his shoulders. Why is he putting on a jersey? He turns, and I have confirmation that it’s him. His head is down as he looks at his phone. I can see him smile as he seems to be texting someone.
Instantly, my phone buzzes and I look down.
Hudson: I bet you’re stunning. I’m always thinking about you. See you tomorrow.
My heart jumps in my throat as I turn and run back the way I just came from. Something isn’t right. I try to put the pieces together as I walk back into the main ballroom. I’m about to Google Hudson’s name when Jeffrey comes up.
“Hey, where have you been? We have more people to talk to,” he hisses at me.
“Jeffrey,” I swallow down the lump of anxiety that is creeping up. He knows a lot about sports, maybe he could answer my question. “Who’s Hudson King?”
“He’s the captain of the Portland Vikings hockey team. Why? You want to meet him? He is supposed to be here tonight with some other members of the team.”
I’m about to tell him no when someone says Jeffrey’s name.
“William, how the hell are you?” Jeffrey shakes the man’s hand. “William, this is my top sales rep, Ellie Sullivan. Ellie, this is William Night. He is an assistant coach of the Portland Vikings. Ellie here was just asking me about Hudson.”
I notice that he is the older man from the room.
“Oh, these past few months he has been playing at the top of his game. If he keeps this up, we’re going to win it all, that’s for sure. You want to meet him?” He smiles at me.
Before I can even open my mouth, I hear him yell for Hudson. I think I’m going to faint. I don’t know how to handle this. William turns slightly and blocks me from seeing Hudson walking up to us.
“Hudson, you have a couple of fans who want to meet you. This is the CEO of the Omega Medical Supply Company, Jeffrey Martin.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Martin,” I hear Hudson say.
“And this lovely lady,” he turns slightly as I see the panic in Hudson’s chocolate brown eyes, “is his top sales rep, Ellie Sullivan.”
I don’t know what to do, and I don’t think Hudson does either. I know if I embarrass Jeffrey, he will fire me on the spot. On top of that, if I cause I scene, it will only draw attention to the situation. Then, I remember my aunt saying to conduct yourself properly in public no matter the situation.
“Ellie?” Jeffrey brings me out of my thoughts.
I will my tears away and say confidently, “Sorry, it’s nice to meet you, Mr. King.” I stick my hand out for him to shake it.
I see Hudson close his eyes, and I know that he’s trying to hide the hurt on his face. When he opens them, he gives me a sad smile. He gently shakes my hand. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Sullivan.”
“Aw, Ellie seems to be starstruck by our captain,” Mr. Night says. “He does have a way with the ladies.” They laugh, but I stare at Hudson, and he stares back.
I clear my throat and put on a fake smile. “If you gentlemen will excuse me, I think I need a little fresh air before the dinner starts. It’s a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Night,” I shake his hand. “Mr. King.” I only nod to Hudson, before I turn and walk away.
As badly as I want to run, I don’t. I walk with my head held high. I begin to think about our time together. It’s all a lie. He lied to me this entire time. I thought he cared for me. I thought I could trust him.
I gave Hudson the one thing I gave no one else, my heart, and this is how he repays me. I walk through the lobby and out the front door. Leaving the party will only cause Jeffrey to fire me, but I don’t care. I can’t stay here. I can’t be in the same room as Hudson right now. Anger is radiating through me. An anger I’ve never felt before.
“Ellie!” I hear Hudson yell for me, but I won’t turn around. “Ellie, wait!”
I keep walking until he jumps in front of me. He grabs my arms to stop me from walking on. The bright “C” is gleaming on his left side. The Vikings helmet on the front looks like it is mocking me too.
“Please let me explain,” he begs.
The first tear falls from my eyes. “You lied to me.” I feel my lip quiver.
“Ellie, I swear it’s not like that. Let me explain.”
“You’re a professional hockey player?”
He drops his hands from me, and runs them through his hair. “Yes.”
“Not an architect?”
He shakes his head.
“Jeffrey said that you were a captain or something?”
He pointed to that bright “C” on his chest. “I am. I’m the captain of the team.”
“You lied to me,” I repeat. I can’t comprehend everything that is happening to me at this moment. I thought I could trust him, but he had been lying to me the whole time we’ve been together.
“I didn’t lie. I never said the words that I was an architect. You just assumed I was because of my major. I just omitted my hockey life from you. Everything else was real. I swear.”
I stare into his eyes. He looks like he is on the verge of crying. I can see the pain coming from him. He steps towards me, but I step back.
“Omitting the truth is lying. I trusted you. I trusted you with everything. I gave you my heart, and now,” I stop as more tears fall. “And now, I find out that it was all a lie.”
“No, baby, I swear, I didn’t tell you because I wanted to have a normal relationship. I didn’t want someone because of my money or who I play for. I wanted you, and I found you, and I fell in love with you.”
“Don’t,” I point my finger at him, “don’t you dare say that you love me right now. You’re a liar, and I don’t believe anything you say.” I can hear the hurt and anger in my voice. I almost didn’t recognize it.
“Ellie, it’s true.”
“No, it’s not. Here is what is true: I hate that you let me fall in love with you under a lie. I hate that I believed you. I hate that I’m so naïve that I didn’t know who you were. I hate that because of you I probably just lost my job because I can’t stand to be in a room with you.” I step closer to him and look him in the eye. “I hate you, Hudson.”
I see the hurt and sadness in his eyes, but I don’t care. I do hate him. He lied to me. I stare at him for another moment before I walk past him. He do
esn’t follow me as I go to my car. I calm myself enough for my long trek home. I turn the music up loud so I don’t have to think about anything but the beat of the music.
I’ve never been so relieved to pull into my driveway. I rush into my house and slam the door. I go straight for my bedroom. I throw my heels into the closet with all my might. Then I practically tear the dress off me and fling it in the corner. I don’t ever want to look at it again.
I go into the bathroom and scrub my face of all the makeup. I’m still furious that when I’m done, my face is red. I slip on one of my nightshirts and go into the living room. I turn on my laptop and Google: Hudson King. There he is right there staring back at me. I begin to read all about him.
He did go to Boston College and major in architecture. I think back to that day sitting on the trail:
“Hey, I never asked you what your major was in college?”
“I majored in architecture.”
“Oh, you’re an architect!”
He never said he was an architect. I assumed that he was one. I shake my head. He wore a hoodie that day with his name on it. I should have questioned him about it, but I didn’t. I continue to read and see that he’s one of the highest paid captains in the league. I roll my eyes. Of course, I’m dating some multimillionaire and didn’t know it.
I read that the Vikings were having a rough season right around the time we first met. I remember the first time I saw Hudson at Jim’s:
“Oh, what do you do?”
“Right now he is working with a bunch of uncoordinated monkeys,” Jim said.
“You work for the circus?”
“No, he means the people I work with are like uncoordinated monkeys.”
I close my eyes. I’m such an idiot. I even remember the look on his face when he thought I knew who he was. Why didn’t I know who he was? It isn’t like I’m Lacey and keep up with the latest gossip.
Lacey.
Lacey would have known who he was. I grab my phone, and ignore all the miss calls and texts and call her.
Looking for You (Oh Captain, My Captain #1) Page 10