by Renee Roman
“Morning.”
“Good morning.”
“What time is it?” Hudson stretched, her long arms reaching toward the ceiling.
She glanced at the clock. “A little after eight.”
“Holy shit.” Hudson sat up, disoriented.
Ari touched her arm. “Hey, it’s okay. It’s Saturday.”
Hudson relaxed against the headboard. “Wow. That was a head rush,” she said. “I do have classes today, but not till this afternoon.” She rubbed the sleep from her eyes like a young child, and Ari’s heart melted a little more.
She placed a gentle kiss on the corner of Hudson’s mouth. “I’ll turn on the coffee and start breakfast if you don’t mind making the bed.”
“Mmm…sounds like a deal.”
The aroma of coffee filled the kitchen, and she hummed as she pulled breakfast items from the refrigerator. She dared to imagine more mornings like this with Hudson. Maybe it was foolish on her part, but she couldn’t help it. Every time they were together the more she wanted another. There was only one other person who needed to share her sentiment. Hudson sashayed in as if on cue.
“Smells good.” She reached around Ari for the carafe and poured coffee. “Want some?”
“Please.” Ari whisked the pancake batter. When the griddle was hot, she ladled out four perfect circles and then turned the sausage links. Hudson handed her a mug. She inhaled the rich chicory aroma and blew across the steaming liquid. There was nothing like the first sip of the day. Her eyes closed and she relaxed against the counter, ready to face another day.
“I like seeing you just out of bed,” Hudson said. “You’re so damn sexy.”
“You don’t have to say that just because I’m cooking you breakfast.” The tease in her voice was an attempt to hide her embarrassment. She knew what she looked like in the morning, and it was anything but sexy. She flipped the pancakes before pulling plates from the cupboard. Warm hands on her shoulders guided her around.
“It’s true.” Hudson’s eyes spoke volumes. She saw the sincerity in them and wished they were always this vulnerable. Hudson’s natural charisma intensified when her guard was down. Like now.
“Thanks, but if you don’t let me get back to the stove, the pancakes will burn.”
Hudson slid her hands down Ari’s shoulders and stepped back. “We can’t have that.” Her voice was serious, but the hint of a grin wasn’t lost to Ari.
After the first mouthful, Hudson made satisfied noises and licked her lips, catching bits of food with her tongue. “These are delicious.” After the last morsel had been scraped from her plate, she sat back.
“They aren’t anything special, but I’m glad you liked them.” Ari stood.
“Come home with me.”
Ari stopped gathering dishes in mid-motion. “What?”
Hudson brought her plate and mug to the sink. She leaned against the counter. “Come with me to visit my mothers. They live on the Cape in P-town.”
Dumbfounded by the sudden invitation, she backed up to the counter across from Hudson and crossed her arms. “Where is this coming from? You’ve never mentioned your mothers before.” Ari wasn’t sure what the intention behind the invitation meant. If it was to introduce her to Hudson’s family, she knew it was a huge step, and she wanted to be sure Hudson was serious.
“I know I haven’t shared much about my life, and I want to start. I think you’d like them, and I know they’d like to meet you.”
“They know about me?”
“Well, they know of you. I haven’t talked to them in about a month, so they don’t know we’ve become—involved.”
“Why now?” She looked at the two catering orders hanging on the refrigerator clipboard. The first was a midweek engagement and the second was the following Saturday.
Hudson blew out a breath. “I want to know more about you, and you want to know more about me. Right?”
“Of course.”
“What better way than to meet my parents and take a little vacation at the same time.” Hudson’s eyes pleaded, even if she didn’t voice how much she wanted Ari to agree.
“I can’t drop everything and go away.” Hudson’s face fell, and Ari realized how much this trip meant to her.
“When were you thinking?”
“Whatever works for you.” Excitement filled Hudson’s voice. “I can help with anything you need.” Her face beamed like a child expecting her first puppy. How could she say no?
Ari pulled her date book closer and flipped through the next few weeks. She’d blocked off Labor Day weekend a few months ago. It might work. She tapped the page. “Here.”
Hudson looked over her shoulder. “That’s a busy time on the Cape, but Mom squared will be thrilled.” She paused. It was plain she was deep in thought. “If we leave after work on Thursday and head back sometime Sunday, we’ll avoid the heavy traffic.”
“Mom squared?”
Hudson laughed. “Yeah. A nickname I came up with in grade school.”
Three nights away from thinking about the business would be good for her. If catering orders started coming in with any regularity, she wouldn’t be taking any vacations for a while. And getting to know more about Hudson and her family was something she’d wanted to ask about but hadn’t pushed.
“Okay, but only if I pay my way.”
Hudson waved her off. “We’ll be staying at my house if you don’t mind sleeping with me. I have a queen bed.”
“In your parents’ house?” The thought of Hudson’s mothers knowing they were sleeping together made her a little uneasy.
“Well, yeah.” Hudson faced her. “I think they already know I’m a lesbian.”
Ari slapped her in the stomach. “Smartass. You know what I mean. Won’t you feel funny?”
“I don’t think so. I have my own bathroom, so you won’t have to streak around naked…unless you want to.”
She chewed her lower lip. She hadn’t done an overnight at another person’s home since grade school. The times with Kara didn’t count because she was more like a sister. Still, the anticipation on Hudson’s face was hard to ignore. If Hudson was as excited as she appeared, maybe it meant she was gaining confidence, and Ari didn’t want to destroy any progress she was making.
“Okay, but I reserve the right to be embarrassed.”
“Fair enough.” Hudson glanced at the clock as she rinsed their dishes. “I hate to eat and run, but I need to go to the dojo before class.”
“I’d love to go sometime.”
“To the dojo?”
She nodded. “I’ve heard you talk about it so much I know it’s a big part of your life, and…well,” maybe this was a part of her life Hudson wanted to keep apart from Ari. “I’m sorry. It was a silly idea. You go ahead. I’ve got this,” she said and began filling the dishwasher.
Hudson stood next to her. “If you want to follow me in your car, I could still get to the Y in time.”
She studied Hudson’s face to see if she was just asking her to be nice, but she seemed genuine. “Only if you’re sure.”
“I am.”
Ari closed the dishwasher and glanced at her nightwear. “Can you give me fifteen minutes?”
“Okay. And thank you for agreeing to the trip. It means a lot to me.” Hudson’s mouth covered Ari’s, and the kiss conveyed her appreciation. “I’ll meet you outside.” Hudson’s smile lit up the room.
She’d do whatever she could to keep Hudson smiling, including sleeping in the same bed under her parents’ roof. God help me.
* * *
Hudson pulled next to her in the parking lot then took her hand as they walked up to the entrance.
“This is it.” The sign hanging over the door simply read Master Jin’s Dojo. The storefront windows had been painted halfway up, giving privacy to those inside while providing lots of natural light. “I’ll introduce you to Master Jin, but once I begin my practice, I might not make eye contact again until I’m done.”
“If you�
�d rather not have me there, I’d understand.”
Hudson shook her head. “No. I’m glad you’re interested. It’s just…” She blew out a breath. “I’ve never brought anyone to my dojo. Ever. But I want to share with you all the things that are important to me.” Hudson’s lips touched her cheek before she let go of her hand. She faced the door and closed her eyes, pulling in an unbelievably long breath before exhaling for an even longer time.
“Ready?”
The enormity of the moment wasn’t lost on Ari. Hudson was about to share a very private activity with her, and she was determined not to do anything to make Hudson regret trusting her.
“Yes.”
Ari didn’t know what she expected when she walked through the door, but the energy in the room surrounded her like a down comforter on a cold winter night. Hudson’s hand rested on the small of her back, and she waited, not sure what to do next. Hudson set her bag on the floor and watched as a small group of adults performed a type of slow-motion dance. The instrumental music playing in the background was just loud enough to be heard. Others, both young and old, knelt along the edge of thick mats that covered the majority of the center space. She wasn’t very good at guessing measurements, but she knew it was close to half of a basketball court. When the group ended, they bowed to a short, elderly gentleman, and Ari knew he must be the dojo master. He turned and walked in their direction, although she could have sworn his feet didn’t touch the floor, his movement was so fluid. Hudson closed her right hand into a fist and covered it with her left.
“Master.” Hudson bowed.
He bowed in return.
“I would like you to meet my…friend, Ari. Ari, this is Master Jin.”
Ari was about to reach out to shake his hand, but caught herself at the last minute and did a small bow instead. “Master Jin.”
Master Jin met her gaze, and a small smile graced his lips. “Ms. Ari. Have you come to join us today?”
She glanced at Hudson before answering. “Not today, but I would like permission to watch.”
Master Jin’s eyes sparkled with more than curiosity. He gave the slightest nod and with an open hand gesture, led her to a bench with a thick cushion. She was glad it had a smooth back to lean against. She settled in, noticing Hudson was no longer in the room.
“Thank you.”
He moved to the center of the room and invited four of the more than dozen onlookers to the mat. They lined up behind him and closed their eyes, breathing similarly to the way Hudson had before they’d entered the building.
And then she was there.
Hudson knelt on the corner of a mat across the room. Her eyes were closed and her face relaxed. She wore a bright white gi with a black belt tied high around her waist. Ari turned back to the group and watched as they repeated the movements several times. When they finished, everyone bowed before returning to the edge of the mat. Others paired off at the far end of the room and engaged in mock combat. There didn’t seem to be any force behind the punches and kicks because none landed, but she imagined there was a great deal of energy behind them. Each one could have been a lethal blow. Master Jin didn’t make a sound when he faced Hudson, but her eyes opened as though he had spoken. He invited her to join him, and they turned to each other.
Master Jin bowed first, and Hudson followed, their gazes locked. “Begin.”
Hudson’s body moved in a fluid motion, unlike anything Ari had ever witnessed. Each pose morphed into the next without her knowing where one ended and the next began. Within a few minutes, Hudson had performed a series of leaps, kicks, and punches. Ari couldn’t believe Hudson wasn’t even breathing heavy from the exertion. Then all movement ceased with a gesture from the master.
They faced each other again, and the sparring began. A rapid succession of blocked kicks and thrown punches followed until Hudson landed on her back with a thud. With lightning speed, she was back on her feet and engaged in the battle. She made contact twice before Master Jin took her to the mat again.
Ari was transfixed. The speed at which things happened while everything seemed to move in slow motion was nothing short of amazing. It was easy to understand how Hudson’s body had developed such chiseled musculature. For the entire time, Hudson didn’t look at her, and she knew why. Even a second of lost concentration could bring a serious injury. When she fell, each landing was controlled. No energy was wasted in the motions of engagement. When she attacked, she knew how far her body had to move to make contact, although she rarely got the chance. Master Jin avoided most strikes with a simple shift of his weight. Their battle ended as quietly as it began.
Hudson cleaned the mats they’d used and then retreated to a corner, once more closing her eyes for several minutes before walking through the only other door at the end of a short hallway. Ari imagined that was where the lockers and showers were located. She felt a peaceful calm wash over her as the floor participants continued practicing. They were respectful of each other and their master. Most impressive was the sureness of their art. She had a much better understanding of the pull the dojo held. Hudson reappeared a few minutes later. Her hair was wet, and she’d changed into her street clothes.
Master Jin approached Ari, and she stood out of respect.
“I hope you have found what you were looking for.” He spoke in a gentle tone, and his eyes softened as Hudson neared.
Ari gazed at Hudson, then faced Master Jin. “I believe I have.” This time she did hold out her hand. “Thank you.” She’d thought about saying more, but it wasn’t necessary. She had no doubt he knew what she meant.
Fist in hand, Hudson bowed to her teacher before guiding Ari to the exit.
She wasn’t sure if she should talk. She’d witnessed more than just sparring and blows exchanged. Hudson and her master had engaged in a reverential dance of death that was full of life. And now, as she tried to recall specific details, it all felt surreal. As if it was more a dream than reality. Perhaps it had been. Time had stood still.
Ari took Hudson’s hand. “Thank you seems feeble after what you’ve shared.”
Hudson’s face reflected serenity. “Thank you for wanting to be a part of it.” She gestured to the building. “This is a big part of my life.” Hudson cupped her neck and leaned in. Their lips met in a soft kiss.
“Can I see you tonight?” Ari asked.
“I’d like that.” Hudson slid her hand over Ari’s shoulder and trailed down her arm. “I still have laundry to do. How does seven sound?”
Ari brought Hudson’s open palm to her lips. “Until then.”
Ari watched Hudson drive off, then looked at her phone. They’d been at the dojo almost two hours. Where had the time gone? No wonder Hudson felt the need to be here as often as she did. It brought things into perspective. She felt centered even though she hadn’t participated. The energy that had washed over her left her feeling changed. Cleansed.
Life with Hudson would be filled with many experiences she’d never imagined. If she were ready. If Hudson was willing. Bringing her today should have convinced Ari that Hudson wanted her to be involved in every aspect of her life. Not to mention asking her to go with her to her childhood home to meet her parents.
She started the car and decided to stop at the farmers’ market to pick up a few things for dinner. They needed to talk about the trip, and she had to make sure she could handle the booked catering jobs on her own.
* * *
Hudson poured a capful of detergent into the swirling water and thought about her earlier turmoil. When Ari had mentioned wanting to go with her to the dojo, her first reaction was to make an excuse why she couldn’t go. However, thinking about the philosophy of Asian arts and how all people and events were connected to the greater cosmic realm had changed her mind. The dojo did not “belong” to anyone. It was a vessel for interaction and awareness. It was a gift to her, and she was obligated by those beliefs to share it with everyone who was called to seek a deeper understanding of the Universe. Ari had embraced i
t, and Hudson liked seeing the awed expression of what she was witnessing. Ari also understood it was a part of her life never witnessed by any former partners. Until today, it had been her refuge and respite from the angst of the world. She’d been concerned that somehow Ari’s presence would change those feelings, but she needn’t have worried. If anything, Ari had earned another level of trust. If Hudson could share an activity that she considered sacred, and Ari acknowledge how special the sharing was to her, it only solidified what Hudson already knew. Ari was unique, and she would be a fool to let the past keep her from her future.
Checking the clock to see how much time she had before heading downstairs, a thought surfaced.
“Shit.” What the hell was I thinking? She had to call home. She knew it wouldn’t be an issue for her to spend the holiday weekend, but she needed to let her parents know she was bringing Ari. It had been years since she’d brought anyone to meet her folks. Not since before she and Pam moved in together. Look how well that had gone. She shrugged off the thought. Ari wasn’t Pam. Far from it. They were total opposites, and it wasn’t fair to her or Ari to keep comparing them. So why do I do it? The cell phone in her hand mocked her. It had been a few weeks since she’d called home. She missed her parents, even more so when self-doubt reared its ugly head. They’d always been her greatest supporters, and she should have relied on them more when she was at her lowest, but she’d wanted to prove they’d raised a strong, independent woman.
“Well, if it isn’t my long-lost daughter,” her mother’s voice was flat.
She rolled her eyes, glad Momma G. couldn’t see her. “Hi, Momma, I’m not lost. In fact, I’ll be home in a few weeks.”
Her mother squealed on the other end, and Hudson pulled the phone from her ear. “Hudson honey, you’ve made my day.”
Hudson heard the smile in her mother’s voice. “Good.” She pulled in a breath and pushed on. “I’m bringing Ari with me.”
“Oh? As a friend?” She waited quietly on the other end.
“Yes. No. I mean, she is a friend, but we’ve been—seeing each other.” Hudson didn’t know why she was shy all of sudden. She’d always been able to talk about anything with her mothers, especially Momma G.
