Chapter 13
ARDEN
The Kettle and Kiln is busy but not too busy that I can’t concentrate. My reasons for that have nothing to do with the cozy little coffee shop and everything to do with the brooding bar owner that had invaded my kitchen the other night.
Looking around at the white walls and hanging plants, I think fondly of the first time I came here, when I’d recently arrived in Blackstone Falls.
I’d done an article on all the businesses in town and had chosen to start here.
I’d interviewed the owners, Nicolette and Karina, the two women as passionate about their coffee as they are each other.
And pottery.
With a sign that reads you make ’em we bake ’em, it’s a full stop shop. Nicolette offers pottery classes in the back, and it’d been so fun to highlight such a unique facet of their business. For research purposes, I made a mug that’s proudly displayed on my counter.
The memory brings a smile to my face and that has my mind wandering to another piece I wrote highlighting a bar full of cliché décor and its grumpy owner. And because I’m okay with any excuse not to do my actual work, I type out a text to Jude.
ARDEN: You never told me
JUDE: Never told you what?
ARDEN: Did you find a dog at Vetted Paws?
JUDE: Can you believe I was a little preoccupied, Tennessee?
ARDEN: Maybe
JUDE: But yes. His name is Dez—some kind of lab—silver I think
JUDE: He has blue eyes and I don’t know, I saw him and didn’t need to see any others
ARDEN: Aww he’s your soul dog!
JUDE: My what?
ARDEN: Your four-legged soulmate
JUDE: I am not even going to respond to that…
ARDEN: It’s adorable
JUDE: Nothing about me is adorable
ARDEN: Disagree
Picking up my pen, I jot down a few ideas for stories, plus a reminder to talk to my boss about getting Vetted Paws some ad space so they can continue to help rehome as many dogs as possible.
I’ve talked to Sorren and Tanner about their plans for expansion, but they’ve been pretty tight-lipped so far.
I circle the note for later as my phone buzzes again.
JUDE: I didn’t ask how you’re feeling
ARDEN: Is that you asking now?
JUDE: Yes
ARDEN: I didn’t puke today
JUDE: That’s a good start
ARDEN: I had toast and now I’m at Kettle & Kiln
ARDEN: Want me to bring you something?
JUDE: You don’t need an excuse to see me—you can just come over
ARDEN: I know I don’t need an excuse. I’m carrying your baby
JUDE: We’re still gonna talk about that
Frowning, I set my phone down, not because I don’t want to talk about it but because I don’t want to do it in the middle of the coffee shop. And there’s so much to talk about.
Things between us.
Things with the baby.
How will we manage coparenting?
Will we need to go to court and get something formal or will we be able to figure it out ourselves?
The list is endless and that doesn’t even include that I have to tell my parents.
Ugh, why do I have to tell anyone? Can’t I just surprise them in seven months, like, hey here’s a baby!
If only…
JUDE: Do you think Dez will need another dog friend? Is that a thing?
ARDEN: I have no idea. I’ve never had a dog
ARDEN: Or a pet
JUDE: Really?
ARDEN: I wanted to get a cat but Mom didn’t want to deal with the hair
JUDE: That sucks—we always had pets growing up. Strays mostly but I don’t think we ever just had one
ARDEN: Maybe start with one?
ARDEN: What does your brother say?
JUDE: It was his idea—doesn’t want me to be a hermit
ARDEN: That sounds nothing like you
JUDE: …
ARDEN: Okay, it sounds a little like you but you talk to me
JUDE: You and Deacon—that makes two
ARDEN: You have to talk to more people than that—you see people all day every day at the bar
JUDE: Out of necessity
ARDEN: Well I’m excited to meet Dez
ARDEN: I’ve done no work so text me your coffee order and I’ll bring it to the bar
JUDE: A guy could get used to this, Tennessee
ARDEN: You’re the only guy I’m tolerating right now, Country Rhodes
JUDE: I’ll take the win