Chapter 14
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
ABBEY
The soft hum of music fills the room as I flow from one yoga pose to the next, solely focused on my breath and maintaining balance and harmony.
After I ran out on Carson, I never thought I’d feel centered and at peace again.
Now, I feel more at peace than I have in a long time, thanks to Jude.
A smile tugs at my lips at the mere thought of him. Over the past few weeks, I’ve seen a completely different side of him than the man I first met on the night of my bachelorette party.
Granted, his grumpy side makes an appearance on occasion, but I’d like to think I’ve learned the secret to cracking through that tough outer shell.
And when I do, there’s nothing better than his laugh. And don’t get me started on those dimples.
As I transition into a reverse warrior pose, the doorbell interrupts the peaceful serenity of the townhouse. Assuming it’s just a delivery, I remain in the lunge position with one arm extended over my head and the other along my leg, maintaining steady breaths.
Then a feminine voice breaks through.
“Abbey? Are you in there? It’s Danielle Lawrence. Jude’s mom. I know he’s out for a run, so I figured now would be the perfect time to drop by.”
I straighten, nervous butterflies taking flight in my stomach over the prospect of meeting Jude’s mom. But I have nothing to be nervous about. It’s not like I’m dating him or anything. I just work for and live with him. Temporarily.
That’s it.
“I brought banana bread and blueberry scones,” she sings.
“Coming,” I call out, quickly rolling up my yoga mat and propping it against the wall.
After turning off the music on my phone, I hurry toward the front door, pausing by the entryway mirror to check my appearance. My complexion is slightly flushed, my dark curls pulled back into a messy bun on the top of my head. Not exactly presentable, but it’ll have to do on such short notice.
Drawing in a breath, I turn to the door and open it to reveal a petite woman with a plate of baked goods in her hands. She looks like an older version of Dylan — blonde hair, green eyes, and a heartwarming smile.
“I hope I’m not interrupting.” She scans my attire — tight fitting tank top and slim black yoga pants. “I thought I’d drop by to meet Jude’s new roommate and bring you a little something.”
“You’re not interrupting at all. I was just doing some yoga, but I’d much rather eat. Come on in.”
I step aside, and the smell of freshly baked bread fills the air as she walks inside.
“I’d much rather eat than do yoga, too. My body doesn’t bend that way anymore.”
I laugh politely and follow her into the kitchen. “Would you like some coffee, Mrs. Lawrence?”
“If it’s not any trouble. And please. Call me Danielle.”
“Okay, Danielle.”
I head toward the one-cup brewer and prepare a few cups while she takes a seat at the bistro table, unwrapping the plate of goodies. Once I’m done, I place two mugs onto the table, along with milk and a variety of sweeteners.
“How are you liking Sycamore Falls so far?” she asks after preparing her coffee and taking a sip, her eyes sparkling with genuine interest.
“It’s definitely quieter than what I’m used to in San Francisco, but it’s nice. Everyone has been so welcoming and kind.”
“My son included?” She arches a brow, obviously well aware of how he can be.
“Your son included,” I assure her. “I don’t know what I would have done if he didn’t help me. Not only offering me a job, but a place to stay? There’s a good person hidden underneath that tough exterior.”
“That’s my Jude. He has a heart of gold.” A nostalgic gleam sparkles in her eyes as she gazes off into the distance. “When he was little, he found a stray dog on the side of the road and begged us to keep it, even though we already had two dogs. Said it was his duty to help. Even attempted to build a doghouse — by himself, mind you — without telling anyone. We came outside, and there he was, hammering away. He couldn’t have been more than seven.”
“That must’ve been something to see,” I remark, wanting her to tell me everything Jude’s ever done so I can get a deeper understanding of who he is.
While we’ve been living and working together, we haven’t had many deep conversations. Not since the first day I helped out at the taproom. Instead, our interactions have been mostly work-related, supplies that need to be ordered or other issues that arise at the taproom.
“It was. He’s always had a good heart. A kind soul,” Danielle says, her voice full of affection. “But he’s had his fair share of heartbreak, too. More heartbreak than anyone should have to suffer.”
The words linger between us, and I’m reminded of the ultrasound photo I found in his room. While I don’t feel right asking her about it directly, considering I discovered it when I was snooping, maybe I can get her to share more about Jude’s past without prying too much.
But before I have a chance, the front door opens and heavy footsteps move through the townhouse before coming to a stop. I shift my eyes up, my cheeks heating at the sight of Jude, shirtless and sweaty from his run, muscles taut, skin glistening. He’s all hard lines and raw intensity, and I have to force myself to look away. I can only hope that Danielle doesn’t notice the flush creeping up my face.
Hope that Jude doesn’t, either.
“Mom, what are you doing here?”
“Is that any way to greet the woman who endured over twenty-four hours of labor to bring you into this world?” she retorts playfully, unfazed by his somewhat gruff tone. “I came to meet your new roommate. Brought some of my famous banana bread and blueberry scones.”
“They’re quite delicious,” I offer around a mouthful of scone.
“You shouldn’t just come over unannounced,” he says evenly. “Abbey may have things she needs to do.”
“I don’t mind. Your mom’s been telling me all about how you were as a little boy.”
“Don’t believe a word out of her mouth.” He heads into the kitchen and grabs a bottle of water from the refrigerator. I have to purposefully avoid gawking at him as he takes a sip. He looks like a walking advertisement for a sports drink company.
“You should come to Second Sunday tomorrow evening,” Danielle suggests to me.
“Second Sunday?” I furrow my brow, taking another sip of my coffee.
“It’s a family tradition,” she explains. “We all get together for a big dinner the second Sunday of every month.”
“I wouldn’t want to intrude on your family time.”
“Nonsense.” She covers my hand with hers. “The more the merrier. I’d love to have you.”
“I’m sure she doesn’t want to spend her Sunday night dealing with our family,” Jude says, rubbing the back of his neck.
“It sounds nice, actually.” I shift my attention back to Danielle. “I’d love to go. Thank you for including me.”
“Wonderful!” Danielle beams, clearly pleased. “Jude can drive you.” When she looks his way and smirks, something passes between them. It reminds me of the looks he’s shared with Dylan at the bar, as if they’re having entire conversations without uttering a single word.
I suppose when you’re as tight-knit of a family as they appear to be, you can do that.
“Well, then…” Danielle cuts through the silence, pushing back from the table and standing. “I’ll get out of your hair. I’ll see you both tomorrow.”
“Looking forward to it,” I say as I stand.
“It was lovely to meet you, Abbey.” She wraps me in a hug, catching me off guard. I’ve never experienced this level of affection from a complete stranger before.
Hell, I’ve never even experienced this level of affection from my own family, if you can even consider my parents family.
“You, too,” I manage to say, hiding the emotion in my voice.
She pulls back, giving me a once over before dropping her hold on me and moving toward Jude.
“Love you, Jude.”
“Love you, too, Ma.” He leans down and brushes a soft kiss to her cheek.
Once the door closes behind her, Jude shifts his gaze toward me.
“You really don’t have to come tomorrow if you don’t want to,” he says softly. “My mom can be a bit pushy. I don’t want you to feel pressured into doing something you’re not comfortable with. You’re not required to come just because you live here.”
“Do you not want me there?” I shift my weight, crossing my arms in front of my chest.I notice his eyes briefly dip to my cleavage before returning to my face.
“I just don’t want you to feel obligated. That’s all.”
“Well, I want to come. I mean, go. I’d like to go.”
“Okay.” He nods, his gaze lingering on me a little longer than normal before he finally turns and disappears up the stairs.