Page 25 of Kate & Hudson
I shake her hand. “Hudson.”
“I know.” She smiles. “Kate’s off today. I thought you were partners with Kane. Is he here today, too?” She nervously looks around for my usual partner.
“No. I’m covering for someone. This isn’t our regular shift. Is Kate feeling okay? I mean, after the other night?”
Grace has a funny look on her face, like she’s debating something and then makes a decision. “Can I talk to you outside?” She points towards a door that leads to the bay where the rescue trucks and fire engines are parked.
I nod and lead her to the bay. Grace sits on the back of the furthest fire truck, and I stand in front of her preparing myself for whatever she’s about to say. It’s crazy, but I’m feeling really protective over a woman I barely know.
“Is Kate okay?” I ask again.
Grace looks at me solemnly, “No. She’s not. But she will be.”
“Explain.”
“So, manners aren’t your thing, I see.” She sasses.
But she’s right. “Please.” I placate.
Grace sighs, “Look. It’s not my place to tell you any of this, but I’m going to, and she can yell at me later if she wants.” She says more to herself than to me.
I nod, hoping for her to continue… quickly. I have this ridiculous need to know what’s happening.
“Today is the twentieth anniversary of her parents’ death. In a fire. That she survived because a firefighter found her hiding in a closet, alone, with her blue blanket.”
Suddenly, her free bagels and coffee make sense. And her aversion to dating any of the guys at the station makes sense, too.
“Each year, Kate takes the anniversary off. Today just so happens to fall on a holiday, as well. That’s why we went to Hooplas the other night. I was hoping to take her mind off of things. That’s why she’s not working today. And that’s why she brings bagels and coffee here every Sunday. To say thank you for all the work you guys do every day.”
“And so, you’re working for her today.” I surmise and she nods.
“Yes. Even today, she made sure I brought coffee and bagels to the station. Especially today.”
I start to pace, contemplating what she just told me, and then it clicks. Kate’s the little girl in the newspaper picture hanging in the station. I’ve seen it before and heard the stories about a firefighter that saved a little girl, but got hurt and was medically retired.
“Are you okay?” Grace asks me as she tracks me pacing the station bay.
I only nod as I keep thinking about all she’s told me. And then I realize, Grace is the best friend. I’ve always heard, if you make friends with the best friend, you have it in with the girl. I’m about to test that theory.
“Grace, will you tell me if she’s seeing anyone?”
“Why do you ask?” She squints her eyes. I can see that Grace is just as protective of Kate as I’m starting to feel.
I stop my pacing right in front of where she’s sitting on the back of the fire truck and cross my arms. I know I can be intimidating with my height and my bulging muscles, but it doesn’t seem to affect this girl.
I try anyway.
It doesn’t work.
“Why do you ask, Hudson? I’m not answering until you do. I’ve got better things to do than sit here and talk to you. I have a bagel shop to run.” I watch her pick at her cuticles.
Why do I ask? Do I really want to find out? Why am I feeling so protective over this woman? Right now, I’m fighting my urge to screw off work and go be with her. But I will not jeopardize my career for another woman, again.
Something is telling me to make this jump, though. Always, always listen to your gut. That’s what my father used to tell me. My gut has saved my ass a few times in a fire, a few times when I was a stupid teenager and the cops were asking questions, and a few times when making investments. Like Hooplas.
The few times I didn’t follow my gut, well, it never ended well.
I need to follow my gut here, as well.