19

HUDSON

THE SOFT GLOW OF THE MORNING LIGHT filtered through the windows, casting a warm hue over the kitchen as I descended the stairs. My dad stood at the countertop with a steaming cup of coffee. The aroma of freshly brewed java filled the air.

"Morning, Dad." I said, moving towards the coffee maker for a cup.

"Morning, kid." He said, distracted by something on his laptop.

I peeked over his shoulder to find him looking at new car parts.

"Any plans for the day?"

He shook his head and turned to me.

"I might go for drinks with Kevin." He said, referring to Luna's father. "What about you?"

His question left me frozen in my tracks. I dragged my fingers through my hair and turned to him, hoping to hide my awkwardness behind my mug.

"I'm going out with Luna today."

He glanced up with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. I pretended to be interested in the contents of my mug to avoid his amused expression.

"Since when are you both friends again?"

I shrugged and shifted my weight to my right foot.

"We've been pretending to date," I admitted, scratching the back of my neck. "To make her ex jealous."

His expression turned more serious; a hint of concern flickered in his eyes.

"That doesn't seem like a good idea." He said. "It might be fake for her, but I know it isn't for you."

I shook my head, adamant I could leave my emotions at bay.

"It's just for show. No one will get hurt."

He remained unconvinced. I could see it in his face.

"Hudson, just remember, a lot has happened between you two."

I nodded. His words hit closer to home than I'd like to admit.

"I know, Dad. I'll see you later."

With that, I grabbed my jacket and headed out the door, walking across the street to Luna's house. I walked with my hands in my pockets. I couldn't shake the feeling that my dad's warning might be more relevant than I wanted.

The crisp air nipped at my cheeks as I stood on their doorstep. I rapped my knuckles against the wooden door; the sound echoed through the quiet neighborhood. The door swung open, revealing Mrs. Delgato with a warm smile.

"Hudson, what a pleasant surprise." She said, stepping aside to let me in.

I removed my beanie as I entered and ran a hand through my tousled hair. Mrs. Delgato led me into the cozy kitchen. The scent of brownies enveloped me like a warm embrace. A smell I'd longed for.

"Help yourself." She said, gesturing towards the snacks on the counter.

"No, thank you, Mrs. Delgato. Is Luna home?"

Her eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"She's upstairs." She said. "Is everything okay?"

I grinned, knowing Luna would never tell her parents we were dating. There was no way I could let an opportunity like this slip through my fingers.

"She's fine. We're going on a date."

Her eyes widened in shock, a hand flying to her chest.

"You and Luna?" she asked, her surprise melting into excitement. "This is unexpected but wonderful."

I grinned, happy that her reaction was going to plan.

"It's great, isn't it?"

She reached her arms out to pull me into a motherly embrace.

"I knew you'd both get together."

I suppressed a smirk, trying my best not to laugh as Luna entered. Her expression was a mix of confusion and embarrassment.

"Luna, why didn't you tell me you and Hudson were dating?"

If she could have killed me, she would have. I choked on my laughter as she glared at me.

"I'm sorry, mom." She said, not taking her deadly stare off me.

"She told me it's because she couldn't believe we're finally together after years of her pining over me."

I was stirring the cauldron of drama, having far too much fun. Mrs. Delgato turned to retrieve a glass from the shelf, and Luna took that as an opportunity to punch me in the arm.

"What is wrong with you?" She hissed, her cheeks flushing red.

I raised my brow.

"I'm just trying to be a wonderful boyfriend and getting to know your mom."

"You know my mother as well as I do." She said. "I'm going to kill you."

"You've always known what to say to have me blushing."

Luna's mom turned around with a friendly smile, oblivious to our whispered exchange.

"Have fun, you two."

"We will, Mom." Luna said, her cheeks still flushed as we said our goodbyes.

As we stepped outside, the cool breeze greeted us, and I guided her across the street to where my bike was parked. The engine roared to life as I climbed on. I smirked, feeling proud as she didn't argue. Instead, she reached for my spare helmet, strapped it, and mounted the bike. We sped off into the afternoon, ready for the adventures ahead.

?

The gentle afternoon sun painted the mini golf course with warm hues, casting elongated shadows across the artificial turf. As we stepped onto the green, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. It had been years since we played together. However, my focus drifted to her as she admired the scene before her. Her joyful face was enthralling.

"I haven't played in ages."

Her words didn't register in my mind until she turned to me.

"I heard Jockstrap was here with Cruella, so I figured we could have some fun and mess with them."

Her eyes dimmed at the mention of them, but I would not let it affect her day. I grabbed her arm and dragged her to the first hole. She bit her lip, intimidated by the twists and obstacles. I took the lead, guiding the ball through the course with a flick.

"I forgot how much of a show-off you could be."

She lined up her shot and hit it far away from the hole. I placed my fist in front of my mouth to hide my smile. She's too cute.

"And I forgot how bad you were." I said, biting my lip as she pouted.

The game progressed, and it seemed as if she'd loosened up a bit. She lined up another shot until she glanced to her left. I picked up on her tensed shoulders and followed her eyes. There was her ex, with his new flavor of the week. However, his focus wasn't on his girlfriend, but on us. With a cocky grin, I draped my arm around Luna's shoulders, pulling her close.

"Play along," I whispered, my lips against her ear. "Let's show him how it's done."

I noted her blushing at our proximity as goosebumps littered her arms. Despite my playful flirtation, my mind fluttered as her lavender-scented body lotion invaded my nostrils. I drew my arms around her and placed it on top of hers, holding the club.

"It looks like I'm better at something than you." I whispered into her ear.

She scoffed.

"It's just mini golf. It's not like it's going to get you anywhere."

"It got me in this position."

I guided her arms, positioning her for a shot.

"Is Austin still looking?"

I looked over my shoulder to find his back turned to us, talking to Cynthia. It seemed to be a heated debate as arms were flailing.

"Yes, he's still looking." I said, turning around and tightening my grip on her.

I may have lied, but I just wanted to hold her in my arms for a moment longer. To revel in her natural and radiant warmth. With my guidance, her ball landed in the hole with a satisfying slot. We broke apart and high-fived in celebration.

Until her beautiful smile fell. Her eyes lingered on them at the next hole. The sadness in her eyes flickered anger and jealousy inside of me. Why does she still have feelings for a jerk like him? My grip on the putter tightened, and my knuckles felt like they would crack. As the jerk leaned in to kiss Cynthia, I noticed tears pricking at the corner of Luna's eyes. My jaw clenched as a surge of anger washed over me.

In a swift, decisive motion, I lined up my shot and swung the putter with all the strength I could muster. The ball soared through the air; a perfect arc aimed straight at Jockstrap's head. There was a satisfying thud as the ball made contact. Jockstrap stumbled backward, arms flailing, before landing with a splash in the miniature lake.

There was silence until realization dawned on us, and then we laughed. The tension melted away, replaced by a sense of exhilaration.

"Did you see the look on his face?" I asked, nudging Luna.

She doubled over with laughter, clutching her stomach.

"That was awesome!" As we caught our breath, I flashed her a grin, a sense of camaraderie. "Thank you, Hudson, I needed to see that."

I grinned, delighted by her breathtaking smile. My smile widened as I glanced at Cynthia, attempting to help him out of the water before a splash followed her screech. It ignited another round of laughter as we watched her flail like a fish on land.