Thirteen
Kai
The bell on the door chimes as I step into the warmth of the coffee shop. The fragrant coffee soothes my soul as I step up to the counter to place my order. Noah has his back to me, and I grin, watching him thrive in his element.
Noah and I went to high school together, and we both explored age play together.
Well, not together. However, we showed up at the community center for a playdate at the same time and got to talking.
He discovered that he was more of a middle, and I was definitely a little.
Being able to let go and just play with dolls and toys brings me such peace, whereas Noah thrived in the competitive world of video games.
A few years ago, Noah took over the management position here at Steamed when the owner opened a new shop in a neighboring town after her husband received a job transfer. He says it’s just like owning the place, except without the stress of actually owning it.
When he finally turns around, he greets me with his usual casual smile.
“Kai, hey, I’m so sorry, I um…I’ve been in my head today and didn’t even hear the bell ring. You should have thrown something at me to get my attention,” he jokes.
So I reach over the counter, pick up a few straws from the holder, and toss them at him. “Can I get some service around this dump?” I tease over the newly renovated coffee shop.
“You do know we have the right to refuse service to anyone,” he deadpans before laughing and coming around the counter to give me a hug. “It’s so good to see you. It’s been way too long. How are things in the big ol’ city?”
“We don’t have time for that story,” I tell him with a wink and ask for my typical light roast coffee. I’ll add the milk and sugar myself.
“Hey, Jason, I’m taking a break,” he tells the man standing near the pastry counter. He seems to be around our age, with blonde, curly hair.
Noah guides me over to a booth that’s a little secluded from other patrons.
“Who’s the new guy? Caleb off today?” I ask, making casual conversation as I slip my messenger bag off my shoulder and settle in the booth across from him.
“Jason. He’s a friend of Marcus’ and moved here last summer. He’s a kindergarten teacher at Rockport Ridge Elementary and works part-time here for extra cash.”
“Ah, it must be spring break then if he’s here during the day.” Noah nods. “Well, teachers are full of patience and many are nurturing.” I lean in closer. “I bet he’d make a great daddy with that kind of patience.”
Noah lets out a bark of laughter.
“What about Caleb? Is he still around?” I haven’t seen him in a while, but again, I haven’t been back to Rockport Ridge for a minute. When I do come to town, it’s usually to have a brief visit with family and then back to the city for work.
“Caleb is no longer working here. I fired him.” Noah tells me with a seriously stricken face, but he can’t keep the charade going for too long and starts laughing when he sees my mouth hanging open.
“Oh. My. God. Kai, you should see your face. Caleb is fine. He quit a couple of years ago. He works over at Peonies and Petals. Actually, Barrett and Caleb own it.”
I stare at Noah blankly. “I’m sorry. Say what now?” I think I blacked out for a minute. “ Our little Caleb owns a flower shop?” I hate that I’m missing out on my friends’ lives so much. I rub the center of my chest where a sharp pain just hit, driving home the idea of moving back.
Noah chuckles. “Yes. He took a night class to learn flower design and started making fun arrangements. He’s really talented.
They were displayed all over the coffee shop, and customers started asking where they came from.
Then, he began selling them. He fell in love with it and decided to open up a small shop.
Barrett, of course, is still his daddy and takes care of the business side, allowing Caleb to focus on the design aspect. ”
“I’m so proud of him. And you. This remodel is fantastic. How hard did you have to fight for this to get done?” I compliment the coffee shop while looking at all the wonderful changes. New wood laminate flooring, modern light fixtures, and even new cups.
“No fight at all. It was just a matter of deciding to put my own stamp on this place.” Noah winks at me, and it takes a few beats for me to figure out what he’s saying.
“Wait.” I shake my head. “You’re not.”
“Yep. I’m the new owner of Steamed.” Noah beams with pride.
“Well, look at you, all grown up.” I tease.
“Not fully. I still have my daddy to help me get through things,” he admits proudly.
Marcus and Noah met at the center at the same time I met Shaun.
Their story isn’t dissimilar to mine and Shaun’s.
They lost touch for a couple of years and got reunited.
I was always a bit envious of their easy relationship.
“How is Marcus?”
“Still working at the zoo and doing his research. Life is great. He’s on a more flexible schedule these days, which is nice when I need his help .
” Noah’s face blushes at the mention of needing help, and I think I get the underlying message.
Where I like to get tied down to escape my headspace sometimes, Noah likes to feel the sting on his ass.
“Well, again, the place looks great. I love these private booths. Especially for those who need to work.” I tell him.
“We have a lot of people who work out of here throughout the day, and it was a suggestion several customers made. As long as they’re buying snacks and coffee, we let them hang out as long as they need.”
“Good to know. I came here to get some work done myself. It’s a new case I’m working on. Mind if I crash out here for a bit?” Shaun is at the clinic until late, and I really needed to make some headway.
“You’re a long way from home to work on a case. Unless,” Noah breaks off and leans in closer before shaking his head. “Never mind.”
“In case what?”
“I don’t want to gossip. But do you remember that Daddy you used to have playdates with at the center, Dr. Whitmore?” Noah pales just mentioning his name. It’s almost like he believes Shaun is guilty.
“Yes, I remember Shaun. Why?”
“Well, this is a coffee shop, and I hear a lot of conversations. His malpractice lawsuit has been the talk of gossip for over a year. I’m sure you’ve even heard about it.
” I nod in agreement. “Well, last week, a woman was on her cell phone Facetiming another woman. The woman on the other side of the screen said something to the effect that her lawyer had finally been fired, and she has a new one who has already sealed the deal. And then after a few more minutes, I heard her mentioning taking Dr. Whitmore down and that her lawyer was even getting his license revoked.”
My brain is trying to keep up with this conversation. Was the woman on the other end of the line my old client?
“I don’t get it,” Noah adds. “What would she possibly have against Dr. Whitmore. She told her friend, and I quote, finding a doctor in a small town was exactly what she needed to get a payout.”
What. The. Fuck. I knew it. The bitch is a scam artist…or a wanna be scam artist.
“Thanks, Noah. I’m actually representing Shaun now, so this information might help my research today. I already have some vital information from my parents and Shaun that can help me find what I need. I just have a lot of records to reread, and I’m running out of time.”
“Well, you’re more than welcome to camp out here. I’ll keep you caffeinated on the house.” He offers me a small pat on my hand before excusing himself back to work.
I pull out my laptop and plug in my thumb drive.
Alright, Heather. What are you trying to pull over on
us?