Page 45 of Finding Yesterday
Hudson lets out a chuckle. “Oh, well. You can’t win them all.”
“Ain’t that the truth.” My smile broadens.
“Claire.” He touches my cheek. “I miss you.”
I’m not sure what to say. I haven’t missed him, so I reply, “It’s great talking to you again.”
“I was wrong.” His eyes meet mine. “Always putting Tangz first. Having a successful restaurant feels pointless without someone to share it with, and I realize how short-sighted and stupid I was.”
I’d waited years to hear Hudson say that. And now that he has, I’m not completely sure how I feel. But I find myself leaning into him. He was my everything for so long, and I miss his comfort. I pull him into a hug.
And it feels easy, natural—of course it does. It’s what we did for so many years. He holds me, and I stay.
Maybe I’m curious how it feels to be in his arms again. Maybe I’m trying to distance myself from Jack. He’s my boss who lives in San Francisco, and I’m starting to have feelings for him. Maybe I’m just aching for a bit of something that I’d had so long it’d almost become a part of my being.
Hudson pulls me in closer, and it’s comfortable. It’s familiar. It’s nice.
It’snice.
And I remember. That’s the problem.
Nice isn’t enough, especially now that I’ve experienced how Jack makes me feel. Nice will never be good enough again, even if I can’t be with Jack.
Hudson leans away, bringing his lips toward mine. But I turn my head, cupping my hand on Hudson’s cheek. “Hudson, no.” I step away. “This isn’t right.”
He looks at me, a puzzled expression on his face. He blinks, shifting on his feet. “Yeah, it probably isn’t, is it?”
I twist my lips and shake my head. “I don’t think it has been for a long time.”
He stares at the pavement for a long moment before he finally says, “I’m not sure how to move on.” He blows out a long breath.
“Me neither,” I say, honestly. I’m falling for someone I can’t be with, which is a stupid thing to do. But going back to Hudson is very much the wrong thing to do too. “I’ll always care about you.”
“Ditto.” He takes my hand and gives it a squeeze. “Well, this really sucks.”
“It does, doesn’t it?” I miss Hudson as a partner and a friend. Not sure what else to say, we both stand in awkward silence for what feels like forever but is probably not even a minute.
He exhales. “I’ve been on a couple of dates with someone. Maybe I should give that a chance.”
“That might be a good place to start.” I smile. I’m not even a tiny bit jealous, only relieved.
“Take care of yourself, Claire Cole.”
I pat his shoulder. “You too. And please call me if you need recipe advice until you get your new chef. I don't want you to struggle, Hudson. I hope you know that.”
“I do know that. And I will.” He turns and walks away.
My shoulders feel lightened as I drive back to the hotel.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
WALKING INTO MYhotel room, I’m beaming. My king bed was so fluffy, soft, and luxurious last night, and there’s more fresh mints on it today.
I shower and slip on some extra makeup and a cocktail dress, ready to go down to the hotel restaurant where several participants said they’d be hanging out. It’s been a while since I’ve dressed up, and it feels good.
I make my way up the elevator and knock on Jack’s door. Since I got first place, Jack told me dinner was on him.
“Congrats on your well-deserved win,” he says after opening the door. He’s smiling, but his eyes look droopy.
