isn’t around, he won’t reply at all. It’s like he has to keep up appearances in front of Brad. But when he’s gone, he no longer has to act.
The night Hudson and I spent together at the bar, I pray for just one night with him. I didn’t expect to ever run into him again. I thought it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. But then he moved in and now I have to see him every day. I have to see him walk sleepily out of his bedroom in his loose pajama bottoms. They hang deliciously from his hips, and I can’t keep my eyes off that toned six pack. I have to sit next to him on the couch, pretending that I’m watching whatever stupid guy show he put on. I end up watching him more than the TV. And I have to watch him move about the kitchen, cooking delicious meals like he was born to be a chef. I know they say food is the way to a man’s heart, but it’s the way to mine too! These last few years, a full stomach has happened less and less. I usually have little to no money, so I end up grabbing something quick and cheap from whatever gas station I’m at. And I’ve lived this way for years. I asked for one night with him, but now, every night, I ask for one more night with him.
“The week has flown by with you here,” Destiny says, folding up a pile of clothes that people tried on but decided against.
I stand back and watch her work while my mind drifts off to other matters, like how I can get Hudson to see me as something other than his friend’s off-limits kid sister.
“Destiny, can I ask you something?”
“Shoot.”
“It’s kind of personal, but I’m needing advice…in the love department.”
She nearly squeals. “Juicy! Let’s hear it.”
“Okay, well about a week ago, I had a one-night stand with this guy I met at the bar. It was amazing. Mind-blowing. Probably the best I ever had. But the thing is that I knew the guy. He was one of the hot older guys in town when I was little. I never thought I’d have a shot with him. But he hadn’t seen me since I was a kid, so he didn’t recognize me.”
“Good for you. You finally bagged your dream guy.”
“Yeah, but things got complicated. Really complicated.”
“What happened?” she asks, concern paining her features.
“Well, this guy, he was friends with my brother. Once he found out who I really was, he deemed me off-limits. I can’t do anything but think of our night together. I want more nights like that. So, how can I get him to see that I’m more than just his friend’s sister? That I’m not a child anymore?”
“Hmmm, that’s a tough one,” she says, still folding clothes as she thinks it over. “Maybe just make yourself available to him. Get close, but don’t be pushy. Let him get to know you, this you. If the chemistry was as good as you say, it’s only a matter of time. Guys suck at holding themselves back from something they want. He’ll give in eventually.”
“And if he doesn’t think it’s as good as I thought it was?”
She shrugs. “Then at least you have one night to look back on. That’s more than some people get.”
I nod. I guess she’s right. If the night we shared meant anything at all to him, he’ll eventually come around. I can only imagine the mental struggle he’s going through about this. He’s always been the do-the-right-thing type of guy. He’s never broken a rule in his life. I’m sure this is weighing on him as much as it is me.
Destiny and I work the rest of the day together. She flips off the lights while I lock up the register, safe, and then the door behind us.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, and good luck with that little problem you have,” Destiny says, pulling her purse up on her shoulder as she heads toward her car.
I offer a small smile and a wave as I climb behind the wheel. I’m back home within minutes. I walk into a dark apartment. I turn the light on and lock the door behind me. About time I have the place all to myself. It’s been a while. I throw myself back on the couch, enjoying the peace and quiet. Deciding to enjoy my alone time, I plan to take