Page 232 - Reason To Sing by Kelita Haverland

Reason To Sing

to pick out. He’s wearing a simple white t-shirt and blue jeans.
His hair’s a bit longer. He’s looking healthy. Hudson has never
been hard on the eyes. I feel my heart warming. I’m almost
embarrassed. I’m a bit unsure about any old chemistry that
might unfold. I walk toward him. This reunion is like seeing a
long-lost friend.
Hudson speaks first. “Hi Kelita, how are you doing?”
Awkward. What now? Do I hug him? Shake hands? We
do nothing.
“I’m great. Just great. Thanks. And you?”
He reaches towards my hand. “Here, let me take your bag.”
Always the gentleman.
I feel him in my space. I catch his scent. It’s familiar.
Christian Dior “Fahrenheit.” I’ve always liked that one.
“Oh, thanks,” I respond, surprised that I am reacting so
positively.
“Yes, really good here too. I guess the flight was a bit late. I
called before I left just to make sure. Good thing I did.”
“Right. Sure. That’s good. Sorry it was a bit late. Good
thing you called. Thanks for picking me up.”
So awkward. Hudson and me, doing small talk?
“Yes, of course.” He flashes his smile. He is so handsome.
My heart swells a little.
Together we walk down the long hallway toward carousel
number 8. What now? What do I say? Part of me feels like
we’re twins who have never been separated. Another part, stiff
and contrived. This whole thing is uncomfortable and bizarre.
On the drive to his apartment, he breaks the uncomfortable
silence with business talk. “I have everything booked to rehearse
at 3 tomorrow. You’re going to love this band. Killer musicians.
You won’t need long with them.”
“Awesome. Thanks for arranging all that. You’ve really done

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