Looking for You (Oh Captain, My Captain 1)

I nod. “My lunch date with Hudson was amazing. He was kind, initiative, and funny. Even though I didn’t mean to tell him everything about my past, I actually didn’t feel bad about it. He seemed to really care.”

“I’m so proud of you. I mean it. But why are you having a date on a Friday afternoon?”

“Well, I think you’re right. He has to work on Saturday, so I’ve taken Friday off to spend it with him.” I can’t believe I’m going on another date with Hudson again.

“So, what does he do?” Lacey inquire.

“I’m not sure. When he showed up, he was dressed nice, but not overly done up.”

We sit there drinking our wine. I know Lacey is thinking about something because her face is all scrunched up.

“What are you thinking?” I ask her.

“I’m just surprised that he hasn’t told you what he does for a living. I mean that is usually one of the first questions that I ask.”

“Well, I’m not like you. I don’t care what he does. He seems nice, and the fact that he doesn’t want to go to fancy restaurants or nightclubs, makes me happy.”

Lacey just shakes her head. “Have you ever been to a nightclub?”

I don’t want to answer her, because the truth is, I haven’t.

“Okay, that’s it. I’m taking you to a nightclub on Saturday,”

I groan. There’s no way I’m going. No way.

“I have to go. I will let you know how the date goes tomorrow.” I give her a hug and head home.

When I get home, I finish up some paperwork that I have to get to Jeffrey, before he blows a gasket. It’s then I notice a text from Hudson.

Hudson: I need your address if I’m picking you up tomorrow.

I didn’t think about that. Should I give him my address? I remember my aunt always told me to be cautious, but I don’t get a bad vibe from Hudson. I take a deep breath and text my address before I lose my nerve.

Hudson: See you at noon?

Me: Sounds perfect.

My hands are shaking a little bit. Hudson is coming to my house. I look around. My house is small. It’s a single floor, with two bedrooms. I have a small front and backyard, but my favorite thing is my porch. I can sit on the porch and watch the world around me. Kids riding their bikes. Wives power-walking with their strollers. It’s therapeutic to watch.

I head for the shower, and then to bed. I have a big day tomorrow.

~

Just like our lunch date, my whole body is trembling. I put my frizzy hair in a ponytail and put a little bit of makeup on. I’m wearing a pair of running pants, a tank top, and a lightweight jacket. I slip my tennis shoes on, as there’s a knock on my door. He’s here. I stare at my door, like it’s the portal to the underworld. He knocks again, and I open the door.

Hudson stands on the other side. He’s in basketball shorts, and a hoodie with a Viking helmet on it. I can’t help my eyes as they wander up and down his body.

“Hey, Ellie.” His voice is smooth, and I bite down on my lip.

“Hi, Hudson. Would you like to come in? I need to grab my pack in the kitchen.”

He walks into my house. It makes me realize that no male has ever been in my house. I shut the door and head towards the kitchen. I pick up my backpack and finish putting supplies in it.

“What’s that?” Hudson asks.

“Oh, there are several bottles of water, granola bars, first-aid kit, emergency battery for the phone, a flashlight, rope, and a couple other odds and ends.” I shrug like it isn’t a big deal.

“Wow, are you prepared for zombies too?”