“Sounds like a plan.”
“Yeah. I’m in. You’re outvoted Hudson.”
“Whatever, fine. But we don’t have time for the beach. I’ll just bring it back here. Open that shit when I’m ready,” he replied, knowing he had been defeated.
“Cool, Micah and I will go with Reed in his Jeep. So, you and wifey can drive alone together.”
Hudson flipped Nix off over the table for his wifey dig.
“Plus, you’ll need me to pick you up when your ride breaks down,” Reed chuckled, amused at his own joke.
Hudson shoved his tray away. “Alright, jerk-offs. Molly hasn’t even said she wants to come. And maybe you shouldn’t. What would you say to your dad?”
I scanned the faces of those surrounding me. “Oh, I’m definitely in,” I said.
My comment caused all the boys to turn and stare at me. Their expressions were varied, but Reed looked almost proud.
“Really?” Nix said, uncertainly.
Clearing my throat, I powered on. “Yes, this type of trip needs a woman’s touch,” I added, squaring my shoulders.
Phoenix held his hands up. “I won’t argue with that.”
Hudson’s eyes shifted from mine to the others. I knew he wasn’t so sure.
Reed’s shrewd eyes remained on me. He was the last person to say anything, and as the most protective of Hudson, his response mattered the most.
“Yeah. I agree. Mollyshouldcome to.” And then he followed that comment up with words that made my heart sing. “She’s one of us now.”
After a moment of silence to allow those words to sink in, the other brothers nodded their agreement.
“I suppose she is,” Hudson replied as he squeezed my hand.
After a beat of silence, he released me and then pushed to his feet.
“That’s settled then. We all meet out front after the bell goes. If any of you are late, we will leave without you. As dickless suggested, guys, you go in Reed’s Jeep. Molly will ride with me shotgun. Molly, what will you tell your dad?”
“It’s fine. I’ll think of something.”
“I’ll speak to Harper. Maybe she should come. Keep her out of trouble?” Nix said.
“Whatever. We’ll see you dicks later,” Hudson said, pushing to his feet. “Are you ready?”
I nodded and stood.
Hudson took my lunch tray and piled it on top of his own. “Where are we going?” I asked as he carried our trays around the table and joined me.
All eyes were on us.
“I’m going to walk you to class,” he replied.
“Pussy-whipped,” Micah coughed into his hand, causing the others to laugh.
“Blow me,” Hudson called out with an eyeroll and took my hand.
We arrived at my locker. “Are you OK?” Hudson asked, taking my keys from my hand when I failed to insert them into the lock the first time.
“Yeah. More than OK. What time did you leave last night?” I glanced around at the other students dotted around us, but they were wrapped up in their own business, for once.
