Right As Rain (Complete)

Chapter 14

Hudson

Maelee looks panicked. "Um, what?"

I realize now, I've probably made a much bigger deal of this in my head than it actually is. Maelee doesn't even know what I'm talking about. And I just yelled at her. I look down at my hands to avoid her widened eyes. "I um... earlier you had said something about my girlfriend." I say, nervously clearing my throat. "I just wanted to make sure you knew I don't have one."

"Okay..." she says with drawn out confusion. When she walks further into the room I force my head down to keep from staring at her legs. The sound of her heels on the hard floor is tantalizing and I fight not to be drawn back in. Mark my words, one day I will give those damn legs some proper attention.

Jess shoots me an annoyed glare before Maelee leans her hip against the side of Jessica's chair. Now that her legs and no longer in motion –and are fairly hidden– I sit back and watch, fighting the smile that always appears when Maelee does. I may be watching her, but my mum is watching me. Her eyes burn into me as she assesses my response to the beautiful woman. And hopefully the beautiful woman's response to me.

"Hi, you must be Hudson's mom," Maelee says, walking straight up to my mother and extending her hand. "I'm Maelee Parker."

My mum glances at me from the corner of her eye. She stands from her chair, brushes Maelee's hand aside, and wraps her in a hug. "You amazingly brilliant girl," she says.

God damn it. Can't she keep her shit together just once?

Maelee is surprised, but accepts the embrace.

Mum continues gushing over the gorgeous doctor, this time while crying. "You beautiful, wonderful, incredible thing. I cannot believe what you have done! Thank you! Thank you so much!"

I could be wrong, but I think Maelee pulls her tighter. "It was my pleasure," she says.

I stand from my own chair, hoping –and maybe expecting– to get in on the hug action. "Obviously this emotional mess belongs to me," I say, putting my hand on my embarrassing mother's back. "This is my mum, Anna."

Maelee takes a step back, releasing herself from the embrace. "It is nice to meet you, Anna," she says.

My mum smiles and steps into my side, putting her arm around my waist. Not exactly the arm I wanted around me, but it will do.

"I told you she was amazing," I bend down, whispering.

As per usual, Mum teases and pushes me away from her. We both return to our seats and Maelee returns to her spot leaning against Jessica's chair. I can't help but notice the slight smile on Maelee's face. It isn't obvious or intentional, but it's perfect.

"What have you guys been doing?" she asks. Her long blonde hair hangs in long waves around her shoulders. It's long enough to cover the name stitched on her white coat below the red logo.

"Making fun of Hudson," Jessica tells her. "How's your day?"

Maelee bounces a bit. "Good. You are not going to believe what just happened to me."

"What happened?" I ask, before Jessica has the chance. No need for her to be the only one in this conversation. Maelee's eyes land on mine. She fights her smile and for the first time, I notice a small dimple on her cheek.

"I just met my very first Distraction!" she says, her mouth gaped open in mock excitement. The statement catches me off guard; I was expecting some sort of medical something. That is what she does here, after all. Still, I can't help but laugh at her over exuberance of the encounter.