Chapter 24 Jude
JUDE
ARDEN: I had pizza today—it was really good
ARDEN: (link to pizza place)
ARDEN: (picture of pizza)
Ismile, my whole body relaxing a little more as I lie in bed with Dez curled up next to me. It’s been four days since Arden left for Chicago, and begrudgingly, I think she was right. She needed the change of scenery.
I just wish I could be there with her.
JUDE: (Picture of Dez sleeping)
JUDE: I know you can’t tell but he’s jealous you had pizza
ARDEN: I can tell
ARDEN: Are you up for a call?
JUDE: Always for you
My phone rings and I settle in against the pillows, propping my hand behind my head as I do. “Evening.”
“You have an absurdly sexy phone voice,” Arden huffs and I chuckle. It’s not the first time she’s told me that, and I’m more than happy to play that to my advantage.
“So you’ve said. Tell me about today.”
She talks a mile a minute about getting to see the sketches of the illustrations for Kat’s recent release, the way Kat decides what works and what doesn’t, and all the people involved along the way.
She’s animated, and I love hearing the life that’s filtered back into her voice since she’s been gone.
But I still hate that she had to leave to reset.
“That sounds incredible,” I tell her. “I added a spicy pulled pork mac and cheese to the menu—not quite the same level of excitement.”
“Oh, but that sounds so good.” Pausing, she adds, “I don’t even like spicy food—at least I didn’t.”
“I’ll make you a mild version when you get home and then we can go from there.”
“Perfect. Speaking of home…” There’s a strange tone to her voice and I feel my stomach sink.
“Hmm?”
“When you came to get me from book club, my mom had texted me.”
“Was that part of your decision to go to Chicago?”
“Yes.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“She said all the same things she has before—she loves me and just wants what’s best for me—but it feels like such a hollow sentiment. Then I got a message from my father asking how I’m feeling which was nice, but then he said I should talk to my mom so that kind of ruined it.”
“Can I tell you what I think?”
“Sure.”
“I think you should just enjoy your time in Chicago, and when you get home we can make a plan on how you want to handle them.”
“Ugh, it would be so much easier if I didn’t have to deal with it.”
I chuckle but I know she’s not really kidding. “I offered to move away with you.”
“My sister would kill us.”
“Well then, I guess we need to figure it out.” Her sigh is tired, and I hate that this is still weighing on her.
“I told you back in the parking lot of Vetted Paws that I’ll do all the heavy lifting.
I know you’re hurting and stressed, and I need you to understand that I feel it too. I need you to let me help.”
“We’ll make a plan when I’m home, okay? You can be the muscle because honestly, I really love your muscles.”
“I’ll take it.” She yawns and I can hear rustling on the other end. “Get some sleep, Tennessee, and we’ll talk tomorrow.”
“I think I miss you, Country Rhodes.”
“I miss you too, Arden. Sweet dreams.”
JUDE: Alana
ARDEN: No
JUDE: Cassidy
ARDEN: No
ARDEN: Margot
JUDE: No
JUDE: Rachel
ARDEN: No
JUDE: Chloe
ARDEN: No
ARDEN: What if we decide on a girl name and I’ve been wrong this whole time and it’s actually a boy?
JUDE: Then we’ll have the second half of your pregnancy to figure it out
ARDEN: If it is a girl, are you sure you don’t want her name to be Harmony after your mom?
JUDE: No, I like Mom’s name for her middle name but I want our daughter to be her own person—have a name that’s all hers
ARDEN: You’re making me cry in the middle of this library, Country Rhodes
JUDE: There’s like six of those little tissue packets in your purse—you’re good
ARDEN: I hate when you’re practical
JUDE: I’ll make a note of it
JUDE: How’s the event?
ARDEN: Kat is so great with the kids—she’s excited and engaging and still manages to incorporate the adults without it seeming forced or overdone
JUDE: I can’t wait to read all about it
ARDEN: Ugh stop being sweet
JUDE: (picture of Dez wearing the cookie pajamas)
ARDEN: Not helping
JUDE: I disagree
JUDE: Octavia
ARDEN: No
ARDEN: I wonder if we’ll ever find one (crying emoji)
JUDE: Don’t worry, Tennessee, we’ll find one and it’ll be perfect
ARDEN: Stock up on tissues in the meantime
JUDE: Say no more