Just Let Go

Darcy

Swapping the barrels is dirty work, the cobwebs down here make my skin crawl. I get it done as fast as I can and rush back up the stairs like a serial killer is nipping at my ankles. Rounding into the bar area I'm just in time to see Mabs shrugging out of Hudson's arms. What's up with that? Turning towards me, I dash to make myself look busy and not like some crazy girlfriend stalking his every move. I pick up some glasses and a cloth and wipe the soap stains off and place them back down. I look up to see Mabs eyes filled with tears, which almost instantly she somehow swallows back inside herself and remembers the tough façade she implements here. No words come out as I try to speak, not one single word. I'd never seen her like this, it was unnerving. Mabs shook her head and walked on out the back of the bar. I watch her little figure leave then scan the bar for Hudson. I find him sat talking to Blake, who in turn was under the beady glare of my best friend. Like so many times, Hudson's emeralds lock onto mine like he knew they were searching. The short smile that doesn't emanate any emotion makes my nerves work double time. Something was off.

"Blake can I grab Neanderthal here for a quick moment?" Blake watched me intently as Hudson began twirling his glass like it would somehow make this situation any less tense.
"Sure thing sweet," he looked between the two of us like he was reading the situation. Nope..he got nothing either.
Sitting down beside Hudson, I feel the tension emanating from him. I've felt nothing but comfortable and relaxed with this man so feeling this brings back the emotions I've had tied down with steel locks. My breathing quickens, and not in the good way I'd been so used to with him recently. He hears it and grabs my hands which are now pulling at the bottom of my t shirt.
"Hey, don't do that.." His voice his low but his expression is fierce.
"What am I supposed to do, one minute you're fine and your usual quick witted self, next you go all withdrawn after some top secret convo with your mum. Secrets make me nervous Hudson, I don't like being kept in the dark." There I've said it, now it's down to him. He opens his lips that I've got to know so well and flicks his tongue like there are words right on the tip of it..no? Nothing, fine. I go to stand and leave him to wallow in whatever it is..but his strong hand grips my tiny one and yanks me back so I'm sat on his lap. Running his spare hand through his tussled hair he sighs.
"It's nothing Blue, my mum is still cut up about Casey's anniversary is all. I'm leaving Wednesday and I feel bad that she's still upset, it feels like I'm running again but I know I'm not, not really." I let out the breath I knew I was holding and stroked his jaw, his stubble running sharply under my hands, I pull his face up so it's a few inches away from my own. His cologne fills my senses and it's all him.
"Thank you...your honesty means a lot Hudson. Your mother will be fine, I could take her out for a girls day or dinner with Cara and I tomorrow to take her mind off it. To be honest, I think I'm gonna need it too." I'm going to struggle when he leaves although I know it's only until Friday night. We've been inseparable.

"I will be back Friday night, and I promise it will all be different from then on Darcy, we are gonna make this work. I'm sure my ma would love a girls day, take my card.." He shifts us so he can pull his wallet out of his back pocket but I still him immediately.

"Remember what happened last time you offered me money..put it back in that,lucky pocket of yours and let me spoil her. I owe your mother everything." He smiles and puts it back. Pulling me closer until his mouth caresses mine. His teeth grazing my bottom lip, I moan...shit! Pulling back from him, I scan round the room to at least fifteen pairs of eyes on us. Mortifying doesn't even come close. I look back to Hudson who has his wolffish grin plastered on and smack his chest, I lightly kiss him though, just to seal us for now.
Standing up, Hudson smacks my arse as I make my walk of shame back to the bar. Cara remains open mouthed while Blake hides his smile into his glass of OJ. I can't help but grin so much it makes my fucking face hurt. I sweep my eyes back to Hudson expecting to see his smug grin but he is watching out of the window at nothing as it's pitch black out? I hope he told me everything, my heart tells me he has, but the sinking feeling in my stomach is screaming otherwise.