Hope MLM

The alarm went off at 7 a.m., shrill and unforgiving.

"Is it 7 already?" I groaned, dragging a pillow over my face. I shouldn't have stayed up so late watching the latest season of Bridgerton.

But I couldn't help myself. It's just so good.

After a much-needed hot shower, I clipped the leash onto my chihuahua, Margaret, and stepped out into the crisp morning air. She trotted ahead of me like she had somewhere important to be. She always did of course, she wanted her daily pupcup and who was I to not get it for her?

I love that dog more than I'd ever admit out loud. Margaret had been there through every breakup, every late-night spiral, every moment I've ever felt like I just wasn't enough for someone to stay.

Loving her was easy.

Being loved back? That has always been harder.

After our morning walk, I tried to made sure to get Margaret all cozy in the apartment. I, of course, gave her favorite toy to her, a lamb chop with a squeaker that drove the poor dog to madness when she couldn't get it.

I should probably go to the gym, I thought to myself. I have never been a gym rat or had the most impressive muscles, but I liked to try and keep myself in decent shape.

I've never filled out shirts the way some guys did. Lean, almost delicate in certain light, but quick on my feet. I made peace with that a long time ago.

After I finish at the gym, I should probably go back home and take another shower. Who wants to feel all gross during the day? I decided to myself that was the game plan.

Finally, it was time to go home. The walk was nice and peaceful, listening to all the conversations go by was so much better than hearing silence.

Once I got home, I went to the bathroom, so excited ready for my shower. But, of course, before I could hop in, my phone dinged.

It's was my mother checking up on me. We have always been extremely close. One would say that she is my best friend, outside of Margaret of course, I am most definitely a Mama's boy.

'Hey honey, do you want to meet up for lunch with me and your brother?' Adelaide Hampton was a great mother, always trying to spend time with her sons.

'Of course. Do you want to meet at the restaurant near 5th and 12th?'

Molly's Cafe was one of my mother's favorite places for lunch. They had a really good white mocha that we both love.

My brother Silas wasn't the biggest fan of coffee but loved their Hibiscus tea.

"I'll be back soon mag, be a good girl." I said to Margaret as I rushed out the door.

I put in my AirPods to listen to Lana Del Rey, she is my weakness. Her, and Labrinth always make me feel good. How can anyone not like their music?

I figured I'd just jog over to the cafe since it isn't too cold outside. I could have definitely use the fresh air to clear my head from all the stuff going on in my life currently.

As I was jogging, I slightly got distracted by an elderly woman and her dog. It's not my fault, it happens to the best of us, okay?

It was a Pomeranian that looked just like my childhood dog. Fluff was the best friend that I could have ever ask for growing up. He was so great, always there when I needed him.

That split second is all it took.

As I was turning back toward, I accidentally ran straight into what felt like a brick wall that smelled like Lilacs on a warm spring day.

"Oh my gosh I'm so sorry! I wasn't paying attention and -" I tried to rush out before I could look up at the person I had slammed into.

"Hey don't worry about it, no one was hurt." The man said with a calming voice.

I felt my cheeks heat up with a slight blush forming while listening to the man's southern accent.

Due to living in the Northeast, I always had a weak spot for southern accents and thought they were very attractive. They always seemed to sound so pleasant and sweet.

Of course, I was still struggling to find the right words to say.

I was dumbstruck for the first time in my life. The way this man talked, so gentle yet so commanding, was so very distracting. It should be illegal to be this hot.

"Okay good, I got distracted and didn't see you there. I promise it's not a habit tackling people in the street."

God why did I say that?

The guy chuckled at that. Still steadying me with his arms.

"Yeah, I'd hope not, you're too pretty to get hurt like that."

I felt myself blush even harder somehow, just by those few simple words.

"I'm Duke by the way, I just moved here last week."

Duke, I like that name. It reminds me of the old war horses from some of my favorite game growing up. Or a hound dog, don't ask.

"Wait did he just say I was pretty?" I thought to myself.

"Yeah I did." Duke said, grinning like the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland.

'Oh no, I said that out loud. Fuuck my life.' I thought to himself, panicking. I just stared at him like an idiot. Smooth Hudson, smooth. I really did just say that out loud didn't I?

Fantastic.

Duke cracked another grin. "So. Can I have the name of the attractive guy who jogged into me?"

"My name's Hudson. Again I'm so sorry about that. "

I yet again, blushed slightly, I wasn't used to such compliments. Especially from someone as attractive as Duke. God I could have lick butter off of those biceps, but not the time.

I mean, I'm not ugly by no means, but normally never try flirting. The idea of being turned down is absolutely mortifying. How could I get hurt if I never try? Stupid I know, but it's better this way.

"Want to go get a coffee with me? I'd love to find a decent coffee shop that's a smaller business." Duke said with that same grin.

If there ever was a time when I've wanted to say yes, it was most definitely now. I could always text mom and see if we can just do it tomorrow, but I knew how much our lunch dates meant to her.

"I have to go meet my mom but could we take a rain check on that coffee? I should have some time in an hour or two if that works with you?" I finally said after my mental rant, hoping he'll be available still by then.

I wasn't aware of how close Duke stood beside me. I could still smell his fragrant cologne.

"Awe, that's sweet of you. I'll give you my number if you want so we can plan to meet up. I'm looking forward to it." Duke said with a wink as he pulled out his phone.

"Thank you! I'll let you know when I'm through. It was great meeting you Duke!" I said as I reeled myself in from staring into those beautiful intense green eyes.

They seemed like emeralds glistening in the sun. Or, pools that made you want to dive in and never get out of. They were truly beautiful, I could look into them all day and never get bored. God what's wrong with me?

I noticed Duke's accent became more pronounced when he teases me, that bastard. That was cute. I'm loosing it aren't I? Grippy sock vacay here I come.

As I continued to jog to the cafe, I could stop thinking about Duke and how he had the slightest dimple on his left side when he smiled one of those beautiful grins.

What were the odds of jogging into someone so kind and beautiful? Was today my lucky day? I can't help but think that I had to have done something good in a past life. There's no other explanation, I had to be a saint or some shit.

I finally made it to Molly 's cafe, I could see mom sitting at one of the tables near the electric fireplace with my brother.

My brother is about 4 years older than me, but we have completely different interests. While I liked tennis, football and gardening, Silas enjoyed playing video games, traveling, and painting.

Silas was an amazing artist, he always made such beautiful works of art, I can't draw a circle to save my life. It somehow always looks like an oval, but A for effort, right?

As I walked in to the cafe, I could smell the most delicious smell of fresh ground coffee beans. They smelled heavenly, god I wish that my apartment could smell like that all the time. But then I'd never want to leave so that wouldn't be great.

"Hey baby! Did you have a good week? I know I've been a bit busy and haven't been able to call you as much as I'd like to." Mom said putting her hand in mine. I swear I have the best mother in the universe.

"You're fine mom, yeah I had a pretty good week so far. It's been hectic trying to get all my boxes and furniture situated in the apartment. This move was stressful to say the least."

Mom smiled at that "I'm so proud of you honey, hopefully soon you'll have everything done and I can come over for dinner. It would be nice to see the place."

"Yeah absolutely. I should have everything unpacked and situated by next week. I've already started unpacking some." I'm sure that I'd be able to get everything done in a few days but mom knew better than that. Can't a man be optimistic anymore?

"Sounds perfect to me. If you need any help Silas can do it."

Silas raised an eyebrow at our mother "Yeah of course little bro, but you have to make sure not to micromanage me."

I know I can be bad about that at times, but I liked things to be a certain way. Everything has a home and if it doesn't, I don't need it. I may be a bit of a perfectionist, so sue me.

"Of course and I would appreciate the help honestly. I didn't realize I had so many things. Remind me to hire movers the next time I move." I still definitely regret not hiring out my move. How many things can a guy own? Too many. I need to donate some stuff and that'll help some.

"You seem distracted." Mom said to me gently.

I almost told her about the collision, the accent, the smile. Those beautiful green eyes.

Instead, I just shook my head. "I'm just tired mom, you know how exhausting a move can be." Smooth, she doesn't need to know about Duke, I'm sure I'll never hear from him again anyways.

I had a light lunch with Mom and Silas over the next hour before I realized that I should get home to Mag soon, so I said my goodbyes to them.

The entire way home, I kept thinking about Duke and those green eyes of his. Since I ran into him, all I had done was think about that shameless grin and smile.

I finally got home to Margaret, who was the bestest girl while I was gone, she just laid in one of her many beds and played with her toys. I could tell that she had napped plenty as well while I was out. I swear, she could give professional nappers a run for their money.

She greeted me at the door with her big sleepy eyes, she wanted to go outside. I decided to take her on a walk before I'd text Duke.

After the walk, I went to change into something a little more fashionable, I found my favorite light blue button up and Calvin Klein jeans. I decided to pair them with my nice leather loafers. This will look good right? Not like I'm trying too much?

I pulled out my phone and decide to message Duke. "Hey! Are you still wanting to go get a cup of coffee?"

I couldn't believe that I actually messaged him. Fuck. Was this a mistake? God, I was spiraling. Why did I message him?

Not even a few minutes later, my phone dinged. "I would love to. Where should we meet up?"

Okay, this is really happening, fuck, fuck, fuck. Be cool. We could just meet up at the fountain and walk to Molly's cafe. They won't judge me for being there twice in a few hours right?

After we finalized our plans and I went to leave, fuck, I started to get even more nervous. Did this count as a date? No, it was just two guys getting coffee. That's all. I hadn't been on a date for years. Whenever I tried to go on one, I always talk myself out of it.

For the first time in a long time, I felt something unfamiliar.

Hope.

The last time I let myself hope like this, I ended up alone in a restaurant booth pretending I wasn't checking my phone every two minutes, trying to ignore the pitying look the waitress kept giving me.

Authors note:

This is my first time writing a story so go easy on me please 🥺😩. I'm in the process of rewriting the beginning chapters to feel more like me and not something clinical so please bare with me loves ❤️❤️ definitely don't hold back on feedback, I'd love to get everyone's thoughts so far. Im writing this on my Wattpad, My profile is Justforfunmyguy. Much love, J.