Being a River

Chapter 7

Hudson's POV

My head refused to calm even after the spicy chicken soup Nanny Croff sent me.

Last night was wild… Damn

Never believed I'd gone down with her.

Yes I remember everything. From me kissing her in the car to the bedroom. I wasn't quite drunk

What was her name again? Fat Annie…

She was so beautiful. I couldn't hold myself 

Have been trying to forget last night though but the more I try, the more it gets more clear. 

It was hot

I would agree that girl was determined. Having s*x with me? Without fear.

She had sneaked out before I woke up. Even Brain didn't see her leave

I rolled my eyes as my phone lit up again. Interrupting my mind. Avery has been buzzing my phone all night. 

Wtf is her issue?

I buttoned the last remainings of my shirt, ready for my old man's emergency meeting.

I just needed more sleep

        “The car is ready Sir”

I jumped, startled with the unnoticed presence.

Brian's always sneaky.

        “I heard you had a great night Sir” he smirked.

There he goes. Snitch

      “Fuck off man”

I have a feeling he gossipped about me with Shirley. 

    “And I heard you made a deal with Shirley just to help her at the party… Never knew you were so kind”

           “Shut up bastard. I see I was the topic last night between you two huh”

         “Well at least you got paid for your act of kindness. Was she good?” 

‘She was…’ my mind answered instead

     

Brian wasn't just my PA and bodyguard. He was my bestfriend, my brother and business buddy. 

He was a labourer at the construction site when my granny took him in.

We were just seven 

And my mom… she adopted him

But Brain doesn't like feeling indebted, so he prefers to work.

      “Your hangover is not too visible. At least Uncle won't notice”

       “Do you know the reason for his sudden call?”

I needed a clue. My father can be a pain in the ass. He calls for no reason at all

Diner date, golfing, horse racing, whatever 

      “No sir, but he sounded serious”

    “Can you stop with the Sir shit?” I glared at him

I can take the ‘sir’ gesture from anyone but Brian. He’s just mocking me and besides I couldn't bear seeing him ordered around by some motherfuckers.

I employed him so he could have fun.

Asshole 

       “No sir…” he chuckled as he walk off the room

Fucking asshole

Our car halt in my father's mansion. The house was silent as usual. 

It has been ever since my mom left.

My parent's separated. No divorce.

Dad didn't agree to sign the papers and mom didn't press harder for the divorce.

Unserious lovers.

There he was. Mr Rivers Roberts. His glasses sat dolly on his pointed nose

I could tell he was bored

           “Dad…”

            “Hello uncle” Brain bowed and then turned. Ready to leave.

         “Sit down Brain… The meeting is for you too” 

And he did with a nod 

My father was a strict businessman. But is very fond of us. Especially Brain and Sherly. The guy love working. And Sherly just a baby girl.

Well I love resting.

       “Brain you'll be moving back to the family house with Hudson” 

There we go… 

        “Nana's orders gentleman” he cutted off Brain who was about to protest 

He rolled his eyes at my raised brows. 

What did I do?

Well whatever… Goodnews anyways  

       “And now to the main business” his blue eyes went from me to Brain. 

We are used to this tensed moment. Mr Rivers was never a man of many words nor a softie when it comes to Brain and I.

That only happens when he's with my mom and Shirley 

       “You both will be fully involved in the company from now on”

            “No!” I cut in

         “Brain is heading the fashion department and you Hudson… you're the M.D of all the departments… and tomorrow you both resumes office” he ordered 

              “Dad… you can't just assign us duties without asking”

          “It's an order Hudson not a plea” he fired back 

         “Dad I'm a very busy man…”

        “I can't have two sons and my company is being run by other people. You too will take responsibility from tomorrow”

As usual, Brain was calm. I mean why now. Despite all my gestures for him to talk

I mean he can work but not me. I already have my own responsibility.

I've been running an underground fashion show since college.

       “Although I would love to help, but no. Am not doing it”, I stood up, giving a slight bow before heading to the door 

      “I know you own a big Walk-way show Son…” My father's voice rang. 

My legs glued to my position. Frown lines formed on my forehead.

Turning to see a smirk placed across his chin.

How did he find out about ‘SHE’; my modelling company.

          “How… did you find out about that?”

         “I also know you're trying to go into the global markets… How about a collaboration with RiverStyle?”

Returning back to my seat, my eyes met Brains. He looked away immediately.

No surprise. No reaction. Just his normal evil face

I know he ditched on me

An impressive way to bring me into their net. But I won't be hooked 

         “That was a very business minded way to pursue a great potential for your business but I am sorry I will pass”

         “Well… hope you ponder more on it”

Pondering over this issue is not going to be in my agenda. Likewise working for my father.

I won't do it 

            “Lastly boys…”

His voice stopped us both on our track as we glance back at him.

I have a feeling this will not be a matter of seriousness.

        “Go horse racing with me…”

         “No!” We chorused as we both walked off. Leaving the old man in awe

Never again…