Looking for You (Oh Captain, My Captain #1) (3 page)

Chapter Four

Ellie

When I woke up, I assumed that Hudson would have texted me back, I’m wrong. He didn’t text me at all. I take a deep breath and head into the shower. I’m a little hurt. I thought he liked me. It took me a good hour just to talk myself into sending that very first text to give him my number. Maybe he’s just a big flirt and has moved on to another girl.

I finish getting ready for work and head off. I don’t have to drive too long to work since it’s in the next town over. Jeffrey will be back from his vacation today, and I’m curious on what his thoughts are on my big success.

When Jeffrey calls me into his office, all he says is: “Good job, you’ll be in Portland more.”

That’s it. At least, he said ‘good job’, even if there was some sarcasm with it. I simply nod, and go about my day. I visit a few of my clients to ensure they are well stocked in supplies. I will admit I checked my phone more often throughout the day to see if Hudson texted back, he didn’t. I know one person that will text me back.

Me: I’m in need of a friend and a glass of wine. Are you nearby?

Lacey’s company keeps her traveling all over Washington and Oregon. So, I can’t be sure where she is?

Lacey: I’m not too far from you today. I’ve got one more stop. I could be at your house in an hour.

Me: See you then.

I head back to the office, finish up some quick paperwork, and then go home. I know when Lacey said ‘one hour’ she would be there in two. I don’t think that girl is able to tell time, very well.

The first time I met her at a seminar, I was hiding in the back row. She slipped into the seat next to me, ten minutes after it started. When it was over, she started talking to me, and that was how we became friends. She is the opposite of me. She is blunt, with a great personality. I’m more like a dormouse. 

“I know, I’m late,” she announces, walking through my door.

“I figured.” I hand her a glass of wine, and she sits down at my kitchen table. She takes a big gulp.

“Okay, I’m ready to be a friend.” She sits the glass down and stares at me.

I smile sweetly at her. “I think I met a guy.”

She looks at me puzzled. “Before I get excited, what do you mean by, ‘I think’?”

I sit down next to her. “I met him at a bar in Portland. We talked a little. It was a nice and simple conversation. I almost pepper sprayed him, and then he gave me his number. I got the courage to text him later that night, and we chatted some more. It was all very sweet.”

“Shut the front door! I can’t believe it. Tell me everything about him.” I can see the excitement on her face. I’m sure that she is completely shocked, since I haven’t dated anyone since I’ve known her.

“Well, his last name is Hudson, but seems like that is what he prefers to go by. He’s from Canada. He said that he has a little sister. He’s got great arms. I texted him last night and he hasn’t texted since. So, I’m not sure what’s going on?”

“So, what’s his first name?”

“I don’t know.”

“What part of Canada is he from?”

“I don’t know.”

“What does he do for a living?”

“I don’t know.”

“Does he live in Portland?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well, you’re very informative dear.” Lacey laughs at me. “You met a guy, whose first name is a mystery. You don’t know where he lives or where he is from? Plus, you don’t know what he does for a living? Sounds like your dream guy.” She sneers a bit, sipping her wine.

“Hey, come on.” I know that she was teasing me, but I don’t know what to do.

“Alright, alright.” She puts her hands up in surrender. “Do you like him?”

I thought for a moment at the question. “Well, he was easy to talk to. You know, when I wasn’t thinking about running away. He’s very nice looking, too. But I thought he liked me too. Now, he isn’t texting me back, so I’m clueless on this.”

“Okay, let’s figure this out. Does he look like a banker-lawyer-doctor type?”

I shake my head. “His hands were rough. Like the outdoorsy kind of rough.”

“You said he had great arms, right?”

I nod.

“Well, then he must be in some sort of construction. He might work second or third shift, that’s why he didn’t text you.”

That made some sense. She’s probably right.

“So, you shouldn’t think too much of it. Just because he doesn’t text right back doesn’t mean anything.” She sits there and stares at me for a moment. “I’ve meant to ask you, when was the last time you were on a date? I’ve known you for a year and you haven’t dated anyone.”

“Um, it’s been a while.” I shift uncomfortably in my seat, drinking my wine. I really don’t want to tell Lacey the truth.

“How long is ‘a while’?”

“Well, it was before my aunt got sick, so three years ago.” I look at Lacey, and the only expression I can read is pure shock.

“You haven’t dated in three years?” She questions me.

“Well, I dated a little in college, but when I had to drop out to take care of my aunt, I didn’t have time. Then when I moved here, I focused on my job.”

She doesn’t say anything. She just stares at me. I figure she is thinking I’m some sort of freak.

“I’ve been dating since I’ve been fourteen, and the longest I’ve been without a guy is a month. I’m impressed you’ve gone three years. That must be some sort of record?”

I shrug. I want to avoid the fact that I’ve not dated in a while.

“So, how’s work going for you?” I change the topic.

She goes on to tell me about her job and all the contacts that she’s making. She’s really moving up in her company, and I’m happy for her. She has that outgoing personality that companies love, and she deserves it from all her hard work.

Then she goes into detail about this guy she is seeing. It doesn’t surprise me that Lacey is seeing someone. I’ve never known for her to be in a serious relationship, but she’s always got someone around.

Lacey tells me that she has to go, because she needs to be in Seattle for a meeting tomorrow. I give her a hug and tell her to be careful. She tells me to keep her updated on Hudson and to find out his first name. I laugh at her.

I lock up the house and take a hot shower. When I crawl in bed, I turn on the TV. All that was on is the news, and they’re talking sports, so I shut it off. I normally don’t watch it at all. It’s always some crappy sporting event or a bad sitcom. Instead, I pick up my book that I’m reading from the nightstand and see my phone is blinking.

Hudson: So sorry I didn’t text you yesterday. It was a long night at work. I just fell asleep when I got in.

Maybe Lacey was right. He must work an odd shift. I guess everyone can’t work eight to five. Whatever the case might be, I’m thrilled that he texted me back.

Me: No biggie, I understand.

Hudson: How was your day?

Me: Good. My boss told me I would be in Portland more for work

Hudson: That is good for me then, I get to see you more!

My heart skips at the thought of seeing him.

Hudson: Will you be in town Thursday?

Thursday was two days away and by all of Jeffrey’s emails I got today, I knew that I would be there.

Me: I believe I will be

Hudson: How about lunch? It’s supposed to be a nice spring day. We could have a picnic in the park?

A picnic? In a park? I’m not sure. That seems intimate.

Hudson: It’s a public park & you can bring the pepper spray ;)

I laugh out loud at his comment. It’s like he knew my hesitation. 

Me: around 1?  

Hudson: Perfect. Center Park @ 1. I’ll bring the food, you grab the drinks.

I stare at his text for several moments. I’m going on a date. A real date.

Chapter Five

Hudson

Tomorrow is my date with Ellie and today, we’re at our second away game of the week. I have a few minutes to spare, so I was going to send her a text. But then I realized that I couldn’t remember what her voice sounded like. It’s something small, but right this moment, it’s bugging the hell out of me. That is how I ended up standing in the hallway with the phone pressed to my ear, listening to it ring and ring.

It actually rang only twice. Third time’s the charm because I hear a small, almost uncertain voice answer.

“Hudson?”

“Hey, I hope it’s okay that I called,” I say, looking over my shoulder at the sound of a couple of the guys messing around in the hallway. “I might not be able to chat later and I wanted to actually talk to you for a few minutes.”

“Oh.” Ellie is quiet for a moment before adding, “Yeah, of course that’s okay. How are you today?”

“Eh, pretty good. You?”

“It was a day.”

I laugh at her nonchalance. “There is a question I must ask you.”

“Okay. What’s that?”

“Any allergies or extreme dietary dislikes?” I ask.

“No, I’m pretty easy to please when it comes to food.”

“Does this mean it’s hard to please you otherwise?” I chuckle, but then realize she’s probably blushing like crazy. “Sorry. I won’t forget my manners tomorrow, promise.”

Ellie laughs. “I’ll hold you to that.”

“It was really nice to talk to you, Ellie, but my break is over. I’ll see ya.”

“See ya, Hudson.”

I hang up just in time because one of the guys yells my name. Calling was a good idea. Not only did I get to refresh the memory of her voice, but I got her to laugh too. I have to get through tonight and then tomorrow I have the day off. That’s what makes it perfect for a date with Ellie and to finally call my mom as well.

Right now though, it’s game time.

~ ~ ~

The park I texted Ellie to meet me at isn’t a busy one as far as parks go. I’m hoping that by choosing that place, I can prevent getting recognized. First things first, I have to talk to my mother. Last month, she bought a new computer and she wants to video chat with me to finally try it out.

Sitting at my kitchen counter, I wait for her face to pop up on my screen.

“Hudsy,” she smiles. The older I get, the more I wish she would stop calling me that. It sounds similar to sudsy and for good reason, but no need to think about that today.

“Hey, Mom. How are things going? What’s Dad up to?”

My mother completely ignores my questions, too fascinated by technology. “This is so weird. You’re on my screen, Hudsy! It’s almost like you’re sitting here with me.”

“It’s unbelievable how the world has changed, I know.”

Her eyes squint, and as if I really was sitting across from her, she leans in like she’s examining me. “You’re dressed nicer than usual for a day off. What are you doing today?”

“Did you really have to lean in to see that?” I ask, avoiding her question.

“Hudson.” That’s all she says and she doesn’t even have to add a threatening tone.

“I have a date, Mom. That’s all.”

She folds her arms over her chest, narrows her eyes, and then grins. “I know. Your sister told me. Hopefully, she’s the girl for you. You can’t rely on your brother to give me all the grandchildren I want. You have to do your part too, you know.”

I laugh, my eyes flickering to the time at the top of my screen. “Mom, I love you, but I gotta go. I’ll call you later.”

“Okay, Hudsy. Have fun on your little date.”

Shaking my head, I end the conversation. My mother is losing it, I think. Ever since Ethan had his first kid, Mom has been all about grandchildren, and she isn’t even around them all the time!

I push the thought of children out of mind as I drive to meet Ellie at the park. I end up getting there a little early, but Ellie is right behind me a minute later when I’m sitting at a picnic table with two brown paper bags. I really hope she doesn’t think this was a dumb idea. The thought behind it isn’t, I don’t think.

She gives me a small smile as she walks towards me. Ellie is dressed in khaki pants with a red blouse, dressed conservatively. When she walks up to the table with a small cooler, I stand and as if it was the most natural thing in the world, I lean over and kiss her cheek.

“Hey. How are you doing today?” I greet.

Her cheeks flush. She takes a seat across from me and says, “Good. How are you?”

I grin. “I’m fantastic. Do you have the drinks?”

Ellie nods, opens the cooler, and glances at me. “I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I figured water was the safest bet.” She pulls out two, ice cold bottles of water with droplets forming along the bottles as they hit the air and set them on the table between us.

“Water sounds perfect. I don’t know about you, but when I think of the park and a picnic, I remember going on field trips with my school and eating lunch at the park. So I thought it would be kind of cool to go back to our childhood, in a sense.” I hand her one of the bags. “Plus, if you’re thinking of your childhood, you’re less likely to attack me, right?”

Ellie giggles, shaking her head. “You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?”

“Never.” I open the bag and she does the same. Inside is a bag of plain chips, an apple, and a ham and cheese sandwich. Ellie doesn’t seem upset in the least that we’re having such a simple lunch in such a simple place. The park is more relaxing and less intimate than what a tiny table at a fancy restaurant can be. I don’t want her to feel pressured or uncomfortable.

“Wait.” Ellie notices that she has two Hershey kisses in the bottom of her bag and I don’t have any. “Why do I have two?”

“We used to get something sweet after lunch if we behaved. One is for you and one is for me, if I do indeed keep my manners.”

Ellie laughs softly, glancing up at me so her eyelashes are attempting to hide her striking brown eyes. “This is all kind of cute. Thanks.”

“Welcome.” We begin to eat, me going for the sandwich first and her the chips.

Ellie looks at me nervously, like she’s debating something she’s unsure of. “What is your first name?”

She catches me off guard, so my answer sounds like I’m questioning myself. “Hudson? My first name is Hudson.”

Her cheeks flame bright red. “Oh. It just sounded like a last name to me. I-” Her voice falters with her embarrassment.

Great. Now I have to tell her my last name. What if she hears it and she has heard it before? I watch her closely and add, “My last name is King.” I pause, wait for any recognition and then finish. “My name is Hudson King.”

“Oh, that’s a nice name. I like it. I guess I shouldn’t have assumed that was your last name.”

“Don’t worry about it. Hudson was my mother’s maiden name, so you were close. Now I think I should know yours, so we can be on a last name basis.” I grin.

“Mine is Sullivan. Um, where did you grow up in Canada?”

For a second, I ignore her question, wanting to try out her name for myself. “Ellie Sullivan. Very pretty. I’m from Vancouver. And you? Somewhere in Idaho, right?”

“Well, I doubt you ever heard of it. It’s just a small farming town. I grew up there with my aunt,” she says sadly.

“Your aunt raised you?”

Ellie lowers her eyes to the table as she speaks, “Yes, since I was four. My parents were killed when their crop plane crashed. My dad would fertilize crops in the area, and my mom would go with him sometimes. The plane malfunctioned, and it crashed,” she finishes sadly.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Ellie.” I reach out and lay my hand over hers.

“It’s okay. It happened a long time ago. My aunt took care of me, and I’m grateful for everything that she did.” The corners of her mouth lift in a sweet smile.

“Does that mean you’re an only child? Because we could switch places. I have an older brother and a younger sister.”

“Ha, yes, I’m an only child. Are you close to your siblings? What about your parents?”

“We’re all very close. My sister goes to school in Seattle, my brother lives with his family in Orlando, and my parents are still in Vancouver. We’re kind of all over the place,” I say.

“That’s so great that you have a family, even if you’re spread out. I bet it’s a great excuse to travel.”

“Oh, yeah, and we love traveling. Some of us more than others. Do you like to travel?” I don’t want to mention that I travel often because of work and I do like it, so it’s still true.

“Um, I’ve been to Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. That has been the extent of my travels. I would like to travel more, but the last couple years I have been occupied with other things going on in my life.”

“Where would you go then?” I ask.

“Paris. I always wanted to go to Paris. Have you been to Europe?”

“Yeah, a few times. Never to Paris, though.”

“Are your world travels for business or pleasure?”

Hm. “Both,” I answer honestly. “Any particular reason why you want to go to Paris?”

Ellie slightly blushes at my question. She is so adorable when she does that. “I guess it’s the girly side of me. Wanting to go to the ‘City of Love’, see all the amazing art and structures. I guess it’s a little silly, saying it out loud.”

I shake my head at her. “Oh, no. The ‘City of Love’ certainly sounds appealing. It’s not girly either. That’s why
I
want to go to Paris,” I grin at her, causing her to laugh.

There’s a short lull before Ellie says, “So, you said your sister was in college. Did you go to college?”

“Yeah, I went to Boston College. You?”

“Well, I only went to a community college for a little while. I dropped out and haven’t been able to go back yet.” She shrugs, but it seems like there’s more to it than that.

“If I may ask, why did you drop out?”

“My aunt became ill, and I had to take care of her. She passed away a little over two years ago.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. Do you have any other family?”

She shakes her head. “It’s just me.”

Ellie doesn’t have anyone. That sounds so terrible. “Well, what do you like to do for fun? I would peg you as someone who seeks the thrill from doing something small that you shouldn’t do.”

“Not really. For fun, I love to go running and hiking up trails. Nature calms me.”

“So the park is a good place to take you on a date. We’re surrounded by nature!” At this, she smiles. “I like to run too. We should run together sometime.”

“Well, how about Saturday? We could, um, go running together. I know this great trail not too far from my house. I mean, if you want to come that far for a date.”

“That far for a date with you? It would be my pleasure. Are you going to have your weapon of choice on hand?” I grin when she laughs.

“Yeah, I will, but I don’t think I need to use it. Just yet, anyway.”

“Good. However, I can’t do Saturday. What about tomorrow? Maybe you could get off work early? Or Sunday even?”

“Well, I could do that, I have some personal time I need to use anyway. May I ask why you can’t do Saturday?”

“I have to work that day.”

“Oh, okay. Well, I have to get back to work. I’ve really enjoyed today. It’s been a long time since I’ve had an adult conversation that didn’t involve bed pans.”

I laugh when she hands me my Hershey kiss. “Glad I could be of service.” I grab our things and walk her to her car.

She opens her door and then turns to face me. “Thanks again.”

“Welcome.” I lean forward, kiss her cheek, and slowly smile at her. “Drive safely.”

Ellie blushes and nods before getting into her car to drive away.