Chapter 52
DIANA
Iwoke up with electricity humming through my veins. It was one of my favorite weekends of the year—the outdoor music concert that stretched from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. Cold Springs looked forward to this festival all year. My father and the rest of the chamber of commerce had worked hard to ensure it was a success, and this year was no exception. I couldn't wait to attend with Hudson. I knew he thought our little town was boring with little excitement. This weekend he was going to see how we did it.
The park was alive with energy, bustling with people eager to soak up the festive atmosphere. Every single room was rented along with any rental houses. Hudson was lucky he managed to keep his place. Another owner would have tripled the price for the weekend. Not that Hudson couldn't afford it.
I checked my reflection in the mirror. I had spent days putting together the perfect outfit for this weekend. Rachel and I had dug in each other's closets and swapped clothes until we found just the right combination of bohemian chic.
I heard a knock at the door and rushed out to answer it. Hudson was standing there in his usual T-shirt and jeans attire. He was effortlessly handsome. "Hi." He grinned.
"Hi."
"You look good," he said. "I like this look."
I spun around, letting my skirt twirl around me. "Thank you. Are you ready?"
"I am." He nodded.
I grabbed my bag filled with bottles of water, sunscreen, bug spray, and other essentials. We were walking to the park from my place. I knew parking was going to be atrocious, and if on the off chance we did decide to take advantage of the beer garden, I didn't want to worry about driving.
Although Hudson told me he didn't want to drink. He wanted to prove to me he could stay sober even when everyone else was likely to be drinking. I felt a little guilty that he thought he needed to do that. I didn't ask him to—he volunteered, and I wanted to support him.
We made our way to the festival grounds, the air buzzing with excitement and anticipation. There were people everywhere taking advantage of the farmer's market and craft fair along with plenty of food stands.
The scent of delicious food wafted through the air. "Damn, it smells good out here," he said. "I'm suddenly very hungry."
Food trucks lined the perimeter of the park, their colorful banners fluttering in the breeze. It was part of the tradition. Everyone ate until they were too full to move. The beer garden was fenced off nearby. I wasn't going to stop him from enjoying a beer, but I wasn't going to suggest it either.
We got some food and browsed through the many booths and vendors until we ran into Rachel and Abigail. "We've got a spot saved," they said. "Troy and Jessie are already over there."
We followed them to the blanket they had spread out on the grass, right in front of the stage. Troy and Jessie were stretched out, hats pulled over their faces.
"We can't move," Jessie groaned.
"Why?"
"Ate too much," Troy replied.
"Me too," Hudson agreed.
"We're going to get a beer later, but I can't right now," Jessie muttered. "Did you guys see the corn dog truck? I ate three."
"After he ate a massive plate of nachos," Abigail said with a shake of her head.
"I just need a little nap," Jessie muttered. "I'll be good to go for round two."
Children ran around playing tag, with parents spread out on blankets with their young children. The sounds of guitars being tuned on stage filled the air. Hudson and I sat together, watching all of it. I could see him taking it all in. I knew this was a huge change for him. He was used to the fast life with lots of partying.
"Have you ever gone to any of the big music festivals?" I asked him.
Hudson watched the children playing tag and families enjoying the festival, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I've never been to any big music festivals," he admitted. "I've always wanted to, but I never got around to it. I guess I was too caught up in other things. I did have tickets to go to Coachella a million years ago but never quite made it."
"Do I want to know why?" I asked with a laugh.
"Got drunk the night before and earned a free overnight stay courtesy of the local police," he said. "I decided it might be best if I left town before I could get in any other trouble. That was their advice and I took it."
I smiled at him. "You've lived quite the exciting life."
"I'm not sure exciting is the word I would use." He sighed. "I've done a lot of stupid crap."
"But you're trying to change," I pointed out. "You're here, sober, enjoying a beautiful day at the festival. That's progress."
Hudson nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Feels good, to be honest."
As we sat there, the first band started playing on stage. Their music filled the air, mixing with the chatter of people and the laughter of children running around. Hudson's gaze was fixed on the stage, seemingly lost in the music.
"You like them?" I asked, noticing his focus.
"They're pretty good," he replied.
They weren't. Not really. "I think this is a few kids from the high school," I said with a laugh. "I promise, it does get better."
"Alright, I'm good," Jessie said and sat up. "Let's go get a beer."
Hudson looked at me. "It's up to you," I said.
"I'm good," he said. "Just a couple."
"Can you bring one back for me?" I asked with a smile.
He leaned over and kissed my cheek. "I'll bring you the moon if you ask for it."
"I'm not sure I would have anywhere to put it." I laughed.
The guys walked away, leaving me with Abigail and Rachel.
"You guys are so cute together," Abigail said. "I'm so jealous."
"Sorry." I laughed.
"You guys are good?" Rachel asked.
"Yes." I nodded. "All good."
The next band was setting up. The crowd started to gather around, anticipation growing in the air. I knew the families would be clearing out soon, leaving the older crowd. That was when the fun really got started.
Hudson returned with beers in hand, handing one to me with a grin. I took a sip, enjoying the crisp taste as the music from the stage began to fill the air, drowning out the surrounding chatter. Everyone was on their feet. The local band played covers of some of the popular songs from the early two-thousands. I danced with Rachel and Abigail, lost in the euphoria of the moment. The crowd swayed around us. Hudson and the guys were all hanging out, enjoying their beer and the music.
With each twirl and spin, I felt a sense of freedom wash over me, a release from the cares of the world. I lost myself in the music and the laughter of my friends. Rachel's laughter was infectious. We were all having a good time. A great time.
As we danced, I couldn't help but steal glances at Hudson, who was chatting and laughing with Troy and Jessie nearby. It warmed my heart to see them getting along so well. Their easy friendship was cute. I loved the bond they shared.
Hudson walked over to where we were dancing. His arm snaked around me, pulling me close. "We're going to get another beer," he said close to my ear. "I'm not drunk. I'm not buzzed. You good with it?"
"Yes." I nodded.
"Do you want another?"
"No, but can you get me some water?" I asked.
"Absolutely."
He gave me a quick kiss before walking away with the guys. I found myself staring after them with a goofy grin on my face.
"So, Diana," Rachel began with a look of concern. "Just how serious is this thing between you and Hudson?"
I smiled, a soft blush rising to my cheeks as I considered her question. "I think it's pretty serious," I admitted. "But I don't want to push anything. We're just having fun."
Abigail nodded in understanding, her gaze lingering on Hudson for a moment before turning back to me with a knowing smile. "Well, as long as you're happy," she replied, her voice warm with affection. "That's all that matters."
"I am," I said. "I like having a boyfriend. We have a lot of fun together."
"I'm happy for you," Rachel said, giving me a warm hug. "You deserve to be happy."
"Thanks, Rachel," I replied. As the music continued to pulse around us, I couldn't shake the feeling of contentment that settled deep within me. It was a perfect night.
"Dad seems to be coming around," Abigail said. "I didn't know your man was so loaded, though."
"Because he doesn't really talk about it." I shrugged.
"Mom is already picturing you living in a castle." Abigail laughed.
"His penthouse is high enough to make it feel like you're in a tower." I laughed.
"Have you guys talked about your future?" Rachel asked.
"No." I shook my head. "Definitely not. We're just taking it one day at a time. Like I said, we're having fun."
Hudson returned with a bottle of water in hand, his smile bright as he offered it to me. "Here you go," he said.
Another band took the stage, the music blaring across the park. I took a grateful sip of the water, feeling the cool liquid soothe my dry throat from all the dancing. As the night wore on and the music continued to play, Hudson and I found ourselves lost in our own little world. We danced and laughed, enjoying each other's company under the starlit sky.
The fireworks show was the end of the evening. Everyone sat down and got ready. I leaned back against Hudson, his warmth enveloping me like a protective shield as we watched the brilliant display erupt in the sky. His chin rested gently on my head, his arms wrapped around me in a comforting embrace, and for a moment, all was right with the world.
We were surrounded by our friends, laughter and chatter filling the air as we watched the fireworks burst and bloom overhead. But despite the festive atmosphere, my mind was elsewhere. I found myself thinking about the conversation we had shared just a few nights ago. His insecurities worried me.
I couldn't shake the feeling that he was still carrying the weight of those doubts with him, that despite my reassurances, he still felt unworthy of the love and affection I had to offer. I wanted to prove to him that he was more than he thought he was, that he was worthy of love and happiness in every sense of the word. But I wasn't sure how to do it—how to break through the walls of self-doubt and insecurity that seemed to surround him like a fortress. I knew how dangerous those negative thoughts could be. We all had them. I knew how hard it was to be confident. Hudson acted like nothing bothered him, but I knew it did. I knew he was sensitive deep down.
As another firework exploded in a shower of dazzling colors, I turned to look up at Hudson. He smiled down at me. I could see a hint of vulnerability in his gaze, a fleeting moment where the fa?ade of confidence slipped away to reveal the man he truly was deep down.
Without a word, I reached for his hand, intertwining our fingers and squeezing. I was determined to show him he was good enough for me. For anyone. He had a lot to offer if he could just get out of his own way. I was going to make him see how amazing he was.