“Silas is in town because he’s located his son. It’s really sad. His son was taken away when he was only a baby.” His mother gave Silas her best look of pity.
Wow. That was sad. Shaney felt kinda sorry for the man. “I’m glad you found your son.”
Silas smiled. “As am I. Soon we will meet.”
Shaney nodded and said, “I should go head back, but I’ll call you.”
He had just turned to head back to Hudson when his mother called out, “I’ll stop and say hi before I leave.” Shaney cringed. Almost got away. He prayed she didn’t embarrass him in front of Hudson.
Shaney slid into the booth.
Hudson cocked an eyebrow. “So is that your dad with your mom?”
Shaney’s guffaw was loud. “No. My dad died when I was little. My mom says the guy was a friend of my father’s, but I’ve never met him before. He’s in town to see his son.”
Hudson fiddled with his silverware. “I ordered us some French toast and bacon. If you don’t like that, I can call the waitress and get you something else.” The nervous waiver and tentative expression in Hudson’s voice was unsettling.
“I love French toast. I could eat it for every meal. My dad used to make the best cinnamon French toast out of that thick bread. Yum.” Shaney was being a little over the top with his assurances, but Hudson’s relaxed smile returned and the effect on the man’s face was worth Shaney’s effort.
“Good. And, hey, I’m sorry about your dad.”
Shaney shrugged. “Thanks, but he died when I was ten. He had a heart attack. It’s weird though—he was only in his thirties.”
“Wow, that’s young,” Hudson said, running his fork through the thick syrup on his plate. Without looking up he said, “It’s something you don’t get over no matter how much time’s passed.”
Shaney studied Hudson for some clue and decided to ask about his family. “You’re parents live around here?”
Hudson shook his head then sat back as the waitress brought their orders. Once she’d gone, Hudson said, “No. They moved downstate when I was sixteen. They like the city life. Go into New York City all the time for plays, museums, art galleries, parties, stuff like that. I stayed here with my grandfather to finish high school. Went away to college and studied business, which I hated, and then came back. I like living here. It’s quiet, laid back.”
Shaney nodded, pouring copious amounts of syrup over his french toast. City life sounded like torture. Before he could ask about Hudson’s grandfather, Shaney spied Silas with a black felt fedora pulled low on his forehead and a brown scarf wrapped around his lower face, hastily exit the diner. That could only mean...
“Shaney.”
Shaney lowered the syrup and took in a breath to gain his nerve. Please, don’t embarrass me.
“Hudson, this is my mother, Judy Mills. Mom, this is Hudson Turner.”
Hudson immediately rose and shook her hand. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Mills.”
She giggled. Really? “Call me, Judy.”
Hudson nodded.
“Thank you for giving Shaney a chance to finish his hours,” she said her smile a little too wide. God, was she flirting with Hudson?
“I can really use the help and I’m glad to have him. I’m sure he will be very useful to have on the job site.”
Shaney’s mother flinched, but Hudson didn’t seem to notice. The things that woman had seen her son get into probably kept her up most nights.
“I’m sure he will. I have to run, but Shaney, call me and come for dinner. Bring Hudson.”
Shaney gasped at the horror of allowing his mother free reign over Hudson. Shaney would be scraping his manly pride off the floor when she was done. Probably show his naked baby pictures. Shaney shuddered as his mother leaned over and planted a kiss on his face.
“Nice to meet you, Judy,” Hudson said with a wistful look in his eyes.
“You, too,” she said and rushed off.
Hudson sat down and put his napkin back in his lap. “Your mom’s really nice.”
Shaney nodded. “A little overbearing, but she’s a mom.” He loved his mom, but he could OD on the mothering at times. After Shaney had gotten up close and personal with that grill, her mothering had kicked into high gear.
Hudson nodded and tucked into his food. They finished their meal in silence.
* * * *
Todd stared blankly at Shaney from his spot on the couch. “No way.”
Shaney nodded slowly, waiting for the information to soak in.
Todd’s eyebrows rose then lowered into a frown. His head cocked to the side as he leaned back against the couch. “Seriously?”