Chapter 44
Chapter Forty-Four
Kendall
Staring at my phone screen, I willed Jude to reply to my texts.
“Come on, Jude,” I whispered to myself.
My phone vibrated just after I set it back on the counter. I snatched it up quickly.
Blake: Hey sis, I just want to thank you.
Me: For what?
Blake: Giving me a little kick in the ass. I needed it.
Me: Good. I think?
Blake: I’m grabbing coffee. Can I get you some? Or better yet, you want to meet me here?
I let out a sigh, but I needed coffee. I had successfully gotten Blake out of my tiny apartment. His ex-girlfriend was gone. It was all for the best.
Me: You got it. When should I meet you?
Blake: About 15 minutes?
I zipped through a shower and eyed Travis. I’d already taken him out for a walk.
“Alright, Travis. We’re stopping for some coffee, and you need to behave in the car . You’ll be running free out at the rescue program once I get to work.”
I could swear he understood entire conversations.
He raced in a little hopping circle around my legs.
He took another pee break before I drove down to Firehouse Café.
When I pulled into the lot and didn’t see Jude’s truck, I tried to tell myself I shouldn’t have expected it.
But I couldn’t help glancing around. Of course it wasn’t here. A girl could hope.
I crossed my fingers, telling myself he was busy. He’d just gotten back from a five-day trip. It was winter. They had a ton of things going on at the resort.
Casey was at the register when I walked in. She cast me a quick smile. “Hey there, your usual?”
“Yeah. I’m meeting Blake. Is he here yet?”
“He is now,” she said as the bell on the door chimed behind me.
I chuckled as he approached. “I’m getting Kendall’s!” he called out.
“Look at that. Aren’t you a good brother?” Casey teased.
I almost made a sarcastic comment that he was working on it, but I bit the words off just in time.
Blake tapped my shoulder before giving me a quick squeeze around the shoulders. “Hey, sis. You’re getting donuts, right?”
“I haven’t even ordered yet,” I pointed out.
“Luna has started making scones, and they’re delish,” Casey commented.
“Haven’t you always had scones?” I asked.
“Luna’s updated the recipe. They’re much better.” Janet came walking out from the back, catching the tail end of our conversation. “Everything Luna makes is better,” she added, completely serious.
A laugh slipped out. “And, you’re at peace with this?”
“Absolutely. I would describe myself as a serviceable baker and cook. Luna is next level.” Janet grinned.
“I’ll take a scone. I love a good scone,” I said.
Blake rolled his eyes. “They’re giant crumbs.”
I snorted. “That’s insulting to those of us who love scones.”
“They’re too dry for me. I’ll take two donuts.”
“Going all out,” Casey teased. “And, you’re getting your sister’s coffee.”
“I have a new job,” Blake said.
“You do?” My gaze whipped to him. Although it wasn’t a physical reaction on his part, I could feel his internal wince.
“I do.” He lifted his chin.
“That’s awesome, Blake.”
He dipped his chin, a slight smile crossing his face. “It’s a good thing.”
Janet’s gaze bounced between us. “It is. You’ve got this, Blake.”
She rounded the counter to give him a hug and actually patted his cheeks when she stepped back.
“Thanks, Janet.” His tone was somber as he eyed her steadily.
“Encouragement is always a good thing. We never get too old for it,” Janet said lightly.
“I’ll take every ounce I can get,” he said.
After Casey handed over our orders, we sat down at a table together. I took a few sips of coffee before asking, “So, what’s the job?”
Blake cleared his throat. “I got a paralegal position at Blackthorne Law. I can keep it until I pass the bar. As long as I do a good job,” he added quickly.
I could tell he was nervous. He was fidgeting, first with the napkin, followed by his fork, before taking quick sips from his coffee.
“I’m proud of you, Blake.”
He cleared his throat. “Thank you. I’m sorry about everything.”
“Blake, you don’t need to keep apologizing.”
“But I do. For me. I know the assault wasn’t my fault, but it doesn’t change that I made a mess of things.”
My heart ached as I studied my brother. The change in him during high school had been profound and painful to witness. “You’ve got this. Okay?”
His eyes shone as he held my gaze before nodding once. “Okay. I’m going to try.” He took a gulp of coffee before shifting gears. “So, how are you and Jude?”
“Well, uh, we haven’t talked since you spent the night.”
“Ah, I feel like that timing wasn’t so good for you two.”
I took a quick breath. “Maybe it wasn’t. Jude has opinions.”
“He’s always tried to have your back while you’ve been busy trying to clean up in my wake.”
“Is Cheryl gone gone?”
“Yeah, she is. Her brother picked her up. I changed the locks on the apartment and told her not to call me again. I even blocked her number. She’s a hot mess. I don’t mean that in a cute way. I felt bad for her, so I caved. That’s something I have to work on. Fucking boundaries, man.”
“Seems like you could talk with your therapist about that,” I offered.
“I am. If you wanted to come to an appointment or two, that might be okay. I don’t want to pressure you,” he said hurriedly.
“I don’t need to come to your therapy appointments, Blake.”
He shrugged. “I wish Mom and Dad would go to therapy.”
I snorted before taking a swallow of my coffee. “That might help.” I took a bite of my scone. “Oh, wow, these are amazing.”
Blake eyed my scone skeptically. We enjoyed our coffee and chatted casually. All the while, customers came in and out, and I ignored the door.
And yet, the very second Jude came walking in, I knew it. I could feel his presence like a live wire.