I looked up at him. "What?"

"I wanted to say that I'm sorry for everything. I can explain my actions but either way it doesn't justify them. And it's just long.

"I have time," I said leaning on the counter.

He sighed. "The night before we... you know..." I looked at the floor. "I found out that my wife was cheating on me. I was so angry that I just wanted to take it out on something. I wanted to make her feel what I felt. The next day I was obviously still angry about it, but I had to go to work so I composed myself. But a couple of minutes before you came in, she called me and lied to me about where she was going which just reignited the anger. When you knocked I tried to calm myself down. I wasn't planning on asking you what I did. But when I saw you I just thought it was a perfect opportunity. I honestly don't know what I was thinking. Rage isn't a good look for me," he met my eyes and I could see the guilt he felt behind them.

"The day that you found out about Victoria, she came to my job to bug me about not spending enough time with her. I told her I had found out about her cheating and she tried to turn the blame onto me. I was just so fed up with her that I once again took my anger out by being rude and dismissive to you. I know that none of this is good reasoning and it still doesn't justify what I did, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm sorry. Especially since it was your first time and I took that from you."

I took a bite out of my waffle and processed what he said. Dang, this is a really good waffle. Focus, Lydia.

"I accept your apology." I took another bite of my waffle.

"Really?"

"Although I don't think you had to do what you did and I don't condone cheating in any circumstances, I understand the situation better. At the end of the day, I could've said no. You didn't technically force me. And, if I'm being honest, despite who it was with, it wasn't a bad experience. I'd rather have had my first time with someone experienced than these idiotic, immature high school boys who just expect you to give it up because they're nice to you. Honestly, who do they think they are!"

"Bad night?" he said, crossing his arms. I nodded my head. "Wanna talk about it?"

"Why not."

We heard someone's footsteps nearing. "Hide. You're not supposed to be in here."

I sucked behind the island, out of view of whoever was coming.

"Mr. Hudson?"

"Mrs. Fisher. How are you doing?"

"Fine. Who were you talking to?"

"I was on the phone with my wife, but I just hung up."

"Oh, okay. Why out here though?"

"I got hungry and came for a snack." I could see him grab one of my waffles and take a bite, leaning back on the island. "Delicious, frozen blueberry waffles," he said with his mouth full.

I could see Mrs. Fisher's feet turn around. I covered my mouth to try and hold back a laugh. It was no use. A little giggle came out.

"What was that?" She turned around.

Mr. Hudson started laughing. "I just thought about something funny. Sorry." I tried so hard to contain my laughter but Mr. Hudson just started laughing louder to cover my soft giggles.

"Okay then," Mrs. Fisher said and walked away. Mr. Hudson checked to make sure she was really gone.

"You are terrible at staying quiet," he said, helping me up.

"I'm sorry," I said laughing. "I couldn't help it. 'Delicious, frozen blueberry waffles'," I mocked him.

"Whatever. I was trying to save you from getting in trouble. She's always busting kids for stupid stuff."

"I know, but she loves me. She could watch me commit murder and not give a damn."

"Would've been nice to know before I stuffed my face with blueberry waffles."

"They were delicious. Don't disrespect my waffles."

"They were pretty good," he chuckled. He has a nice smile. Shut up. "You should probably head back to your tent before someone else comes in here."

"Wait. But you said I could talk to you about the boy."

"Right. Well, we can't do it here."

I paused. "Why don't we go to your room?" He hesitated. "Nothing will happen and no one will find out."

"Fine, but we gotta make it quick."