Chapter 70

DIANA

Iwas nervous. Troy was an important part of my life, and I didn't like the idea we weren't talking.

"Troy."

He looked up from his phone, apparently surprised to see me. "Diana, I didn't know you were back in town."

"I am." I smiled. "I was hoping we could talk for a minute."

"Sure."

I sat down at the table and figured the best way to solve the problem was to just get it out in the open.

"I'm sorry," I said. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. You know I love you, but I love you like a brother. I know you're a great guy and I know you'll find someone special who will see you for who you truly are, someone who will love you for you. I don't want to lose your friendship."

Troy looked at me with a mix of hurt and understanding. "It's okay, Diana. I understand. I think I just got my wires crossed. Because honestly, I don't think I really loved you that way. I love you as a friend. I think I got mixed up as well."

"I care about you more than words can express."

"So, uh, about me finding someone else," he said with a goofy smile.

I was glad he was bringing it up. I didn't want to come right out and ask if he was dating my sister. "Yes?" I asked.

"Me and Abigail." He shrugged. "We've been seeing each other."

"Is it serious?"

He chuckled. "I don't know. Maybe. I like her. We get along well. We're having fun. Is that weird? Are you okay with that?"

"I'm very okay with that." I smiled. "I'm glad you guys are happy."

"You sure?" he asked.

"Positive. You guys are coming over for dinner tonight, right?"

"If I'm invited, I'll be there," he replied.

"You're invited. And I need to get going and get busy cooking."

We hugged before I went to find Hudson. Jessie was shooting pool. "Where's Hudson?" I asked.

"He said he would meet you at your place," he replied.

"Did you say something to him?" I asked with a scowl.

"I didn't. We're cool. We talked. Shouldn't you be at home cooking? I'm hungry."

I shoved him. "Why don't you put on an apron and help me cook?"

He chuckled. "You don't want me cooking."

"You're right. I don't. If Hudson does comes back, just tell him to come to my place."

Friendsgiving had become somewhat of a tradition for our group of friends. I wasn't sure it was going to happen this year with all the chaos, but at the last minute, we pulled it together. I loved that we could get together with just us, no parents. I wanted to show Hudson how we did it in our small town. I knew it wasn't going to be anything like he was used to. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. We didn't even use real silver when we ate our fanciest dinners.

I went home and immediately texted Hudson. I was a little confused about where he went, but I trusted him. He texted back and said he would be there in a bit. He was running errands. I had no idea what those errands were, but I couldn't nitpick him. He was probably out walking. Or running. He was very into his health these days. I understood he needed to stay busy. Working out was his outlet.

Coming to Cold Springs had been his idea. He said he missed it. I was so glad to be home. Hudson and I had returned last night and spent a quiet night in. I had a feeling he was not happy in Manhattan. He was going through the motions, but he was the one that wanted to come back.

I put on my apron and got busy in the kitchen. My mother always started her Thanksgiving dinners the night before. I was a little panicked to be trying to pull all of this together on such short notice.

I sorted out the countless ingredients on the kitchen counter. The aroma of herbs and spices and the familiar sound of the oven's ticking started filling the room. I had my mom's recipe for herb-stuffed turkey, which involved an unusual mixture of sage, rosemary, thyme, cloves, and all kinds of other seasonings. I took the large bird out from the fridge, washed it, and dried it thoroughly before starting on the stuffing.

I laughed as I pulled out the bag that was my secret weapon. Mom was traditional, which was why it took her so long. I was not. I was all about the shortcuts. I stuck the turkey in the oven bag with an assortment of seasonings I had learned from my mother. The aroma of savory herbs and spices filled the air as I got started peeling potatoes.

Time flew by. It wasn't until the doorbell rang that I realized I had been busy cooking for two hours.

"Come in," I called out.

Rachel walked in carrying a dish in one hand and a bag in the other. "It smells good in here," she said.

"Thank you. I smell your sweet potatoes."

"I sure hope not. I made green bean casserole." She put the dish on the counter. The bag was filled with the veggies she was going to be using for the veggie tray. "Am I the first one here?"

"Yep."

"Where's Hudson?"

"I'm not sure," I said. "We went to the pool hall, and he ditched me."

She gave me a look. "Back to rehab?"

I laughed. "No, I don't think so. It's fine. I trust him."

Jessie showed up with the rolls he was assigned to bring to our potluck dinner. "Smells good," he said. "Where's the appetizers? I'm hungry."

"Settle down," Rachel scolded. "I'm working on it."

"Where is everyone?" Jessie asked.

"They'll be here," I replied.

Ten minutes later, Hudson walked in the house with a bouquet of flowers in one hand and a pack of cigars in the other.

"Hey, you," I greeted, stepping forward to accept the flowers. "These are beautiful. But cigars?"

He laughed. "Your dad wanted me to pass these along to the guys."

"My dad?"

"We were hanging out." He shrugged like it was no big deal.

"You were hanging out" I asked. "With my father?"

"Yeah." Hudson nodded. "I went to the club to clear the air."

I couldn't help but chuckle. My father, the man who never remembered to buy milk on his way back from work, was sending cigars as a loving gesture. It was sweet and so naturally him.

"And I take it things went well?"

He grinned. "A lot better than I expected. He was very understanding."

"See, he's not so bad." I smiled.

Hudson pulled me into his arms. "Missed you," he murmured into my hair.

I laughed softly, leaning into his embrace. "You were gone for a couple of hours."

"But it felt like forever," he replied, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

"Thank you," I murmured, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "It means a lot to me that you talked with my father."

"Of course." He smiled, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "Now, let's get this party started."

Abigail and Troy arrived with their dishes shortly after. We settled into a comfortable rhythm, laughing and chatting as we enjoyed the delicious feast. I watched as Hudson mingled effortlessly with my friends. I loved that everyone respected my request to leave the alcohol at home. Hudson didn't want me to make the request, but I did it anyway. It was a sign of respect. There was no reason to taunt Hudson.

"The turkey is amazing," Hudson said. "Good job."

"Thank you." I smiled proudly.

"I'm so full," Hudson groaned.

"Me too." Jessie nodded.

"Hey, let's break into those cigars," Troy suggested.

"Outside," I ordered.

The men stepped outside to indulge in their cigars in the backyard. I found myself lingering by the sliding door, watching them with a mixture of amusement and affection. There was something oddly endearing about the sight of Hudson and Troy, deep in conversation as they puffed away. I was so glad everyone could be friends again.

"So, how are things going?" Abigail asked. "He looks good."

"Things are good," I said. "He's happy. I'm happy. I can't wait to take a trip with him."

"Must be rough having a rich boyfriend," Rachel teased.

"It definitely is." I grinned. "It's even rougher we have to take his private jet to see these amazing places."

"Braggart," Abigail pouted.

"Wealth isn't everything." I laughed, flicking a piece of salad at her. "It's who you are, not what you have. As you know, the man doesn't have a charmed life. Everyone has problems."

"I love that he's so honest," Rachel said.

I turned to my sister. "So, you and Troy look pretty happy."

She was positively beaming as she gushed about Troy and their budding romance. It was clear that she hadn't seen it coming, but now that it was here, she was over the moon.

"Is it weird for you?" Abigail asked.

"No." I shook my head. "Troy and I have nothing but a friendship. I'm happy for you both."

I heard a burst of laughter outside. Hudson and Troy were enjoying themselves.

"How cool is that?" Rachel asked. "I love that they all get along."

"Me too." I nodded. "It's good for him."

"What are you guys going to do?" Abigail asked. "You're together now, but he's city and you're country."

"I'm not sure what we're going to do." I shrugged. "We haven't figured it out. We haven't really talked about it. But he likes it here. I love it here."

We talked for a while. Eventually, we all pitched in and cleaned up the kitchen. After everyone left, it was just me and Hudson cuddled up on the couch together.

"That was a lot of fun," he said. "I've never done anything like that before."

"We've been doing it for years," I said. "It's our Thanksgiving before Thanksgiving with our families."

"Except your family was here," he reminded me.

I laughed. "True. Sometimes there are other people here, but I wanted to keep it small. With me being out of the country, I didn't really have time to put anything big together. Plus, with me quitting the school, I think there are a few people in town that are a little upset with me."

"You did what was right for you," he said. "You can't please everyone."

"I know. I'm learning. That's why I left in the first place."