Bella Osborne - Wildflower Park – Part Two

It was oddly reassuring that he too had been in Anna’s situation – both dumped by a man. ‘You want to talk about it?’

He pursed his lips and shook his head. ‘All water over the dam now.’

‘Still hurts though, doesn’t it?’ She reached across and gave his arm a squeeze.

‘Sure does. Now tell me about this Bert character, he sounds awesome.’ And just like that the smiles were back.

After the meal Hudson dutifully helped her clear the table and they settled on the sofa with coffees. The door swung open and in marched Maurice. He loved to make an entrance.

‘Are you okay with cats?’ she asked as Maurice made a beeline for Hudson.

‘I love cats,’ he said. ‘And aren’t you a beauty?’ he added, turning his attention to Maurice who responded by swishing his tail in a diva-ish manner.

‘The rescue centre think he’s a …’ She had to think of what breed they’d called him. ‘A Maine Coon I think.’

‘He looks like it. We used to have one when I was a kid. You know they’re an American breed, right?’

Anna rolled her eyes. ‘I’m surrounded.’

Hudson gave a cheeky smile. ‘You’re a lucky lady.’

‘I think Maurice is officially a Brummy now. You’ve got a bit further to go.’ Maurice jumped up and made himself comfortable stretched out on Hudson’s lap, staring up at him adoringly. Goodness, was nobody immune to his charms?

‘Anything I should know to avoid Liam catching me out?’ asked Hudson as he fussed Maurice and Maurice lapped it up.

Anna had a think. University shot into her mind and she instantly dismissed it. ‘You know about my black pepper addiction.’

He nodded sagely. ‘And I know you’re a control freak.’

‘You say it like it’s a bad thing.’

‘Not at all. What else?’

‘I’m afraid of heights and I don’t like mustard.’ She pulled a face like she could taste it burning her tongue.

‘Any brothers or sisters?’

Anna nearly gave her automatic answer but something stopped her. Her spine stiffened. ‘I had a sister.’ Hudson appeared shocked and intuitively reached out and laid his hand on hers. It was a tender and emotionally intelligent gesture. ‘Her name was Lynsey.’

‘I’m sorry, Anna.’ She could see the genuine concern in his eyes.

‘She was fourteen when she had a seizure. It was undiagnosed epilepsy …’ Anna started to tremble. This was something she was sure she had dealt with years ago but right now it didn’t feel that way at all.

She could sense Hudson’s empathy. ‘I can’t imagine how awful that was for you and your folks.’

Anna tried hard to be positive. ‘I think it brought us closer together. Makes you realise how precious the people you love really are.’ She was surprised to hear her voice crack. It had also made her feel a great responsibility to do well in life but he didn’t need to know that.

Hudson reached for her hand. ‘I’m sure there are easier ways to find that out.’ Anna nodded; she was scared of disintegrating into full-on blubbing mode.

‘We’ve all moved on.’ He removed his hand and Anna was keen to push the spotlight off her. ‘What about you?’

She didn’t expect to be questioned at length by Liam – she wasn’t applying for a green card – but just in case it happened she didn’t want the humiliation of getting caught out. Anna also realised their fake relationship was a great way to satisfy her curiosity and find out more about him.

‘No siblings. Nothing much to tell.’

‘Come on, Hudson. What do you like?’

‘I run – a lot. Not like I used to but I try to keep my fitness levels up. I love music. Justin Bieber’s my favourite, which is why I got the tattoo.’

‘Okay …’ She had to admit she was surprised, but she wasn’t going to judge.

A grin spread across his face. ‘I’m jerking around. I like a mix of stuff from Bowie to Red Hot Chili Peppers to Bruno Mars. Not Bieber.’

‘Very eclectic.’

‘How about you?’ He leaned forward and watched her closely.

She thought for a moment and sipped her coffee. ‘I like old films.’

‘What are your favourites?’

She had a think. ‘I love the Ealing Comedies.’

Hudson pulled a face. ‘Never heard of them.’

‘They’re black and white, classic comedies. Very British, like me. You’d love them.’

‘What other films do you like?’

‘ Léon .’ She noted his nod of approval. ‘And I absolutely love You’ve Got Mail .’

‘One of my favourites too.’

‘You’re winding me up again.’

He shook his head.

‘Really?’

‘Yeah. Joe Fox is my all-time hero. All his references to The Godfather . Sure, it’s classified as a chick flick, but it’s a great film.’ He was full of surprises.

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