Chapter 4 – Jude
Chapter Four
JUDE
Idon’t know what I expected but it went better than I thought. It was clear she was uncomfortable with the whole situation, well not the whole situation. The me part of the situation was the problem.
You know how I feel.
How did she feel? What had I done to earn such dislike? I knew Paul wasn’t my biggest fan but we’d been forced to work together in the past and it had been fine. Mostly fine.
No other Warrens had a problem with me that I knew of.
Mama D has basically adopted me. Lola, obviously, didn’t have any problems with me and Elle and I got along just fine. We weren’t best friends or anything but she’d never been quiet about her feelings. If she didn’t like me, I would definitely know.
I can’t let this take up anymore of my thoughts today.
I’ve got work to do.
Lola and I chat for a few more minutes after Mabel leaves and then I head out, making my way to the small orchard we’ve been cultivating for the last year. We recently hired two new field workers and I’m meeting up with them today to assess how well they’ve been adapting to their new jobs.
It’s been a long day, I’m ready to shower and head to bed. I’m still not sure how to feel about the new hires and think it’s going to take another day or two to get a real feel for them as individuals.
Reese seems okay, a little over eager, but I got strange vibes from Zeke.
He acted like he knew more than he could possibly know about the running of this farm.
After my meeting with him, I’d double checked his resume and he had worked at a lot of other farms but it was pretty cocky to assume one was just like all the others.
Of the two, I don’t think Zeke’s going to last but only time will tell.
I make quick work of cleaning off the work day. I’d really like to throw on pajamas and go to bed early but I’d made a promise to Mama D to come to dinner tonight and I don’t particularly feel like breaking a promise today.
I pull on a clean pair of jeans and an old Warren Honey t-shirt.
The background sounds of the on-site employees made me grateful for the Warren family.
I’d been living in the Bunk House since I was eighteen and was used to living with others, beds as close to each other as possible to make the most of the room.
With this new position, about as high up as you could get at the Farm, Lola had insisted on adding an addition to the Bunk House, giving me my own room and bathroom. I had resisted for almost the whole build but I eventually acquiesced after a talk with Mama D.
That woman could talk me into almost anything at this point.
Like coming to this freaking dinner.
Taking a fortifying breath, I climb up the steps to Mama D’s house. I knock to announce my arrival but don’t wait for anyone to come and answer the door. “It’s just me!” I call out as I shut the door behind me, heading straight into the kitchen and dining area.
“Judey baby, always on time.” Mama D rounds the kitchen island and wraps her small arms around my not small body. “Don’t tell anyone but that’s why you’re my favorite.” A gasp full of hurt and shock echoes behind the two of us.
“That’s absolutely not fair. Dude’s like seven feet tall, we were right behind him!
” I chuckle at Patrick’s outrage. It was very on brand for him to take such an exaggerated fake offense to Mama’s declaration.
Elle and Patrick make themselves visible, both making their way to the kitchen sink and washing their hands.
“Don’t worry, babe. Next time, I’ll make sure to take out a kneecap so you can beat him and earn Mama’s favor.
” Coming from Elle, I wasn’t sure if she was joking or not.
“Thank you, sweetheart.” Patrick makes quick work of drying his hands, passing the hand towel to his fiance, he cups her cheeks and tips her head up to his.
I turn my back to them, not needing to see the couple kiss.
“You’ll do no such thing, Elle. You’re just going to have to kick it in the butt, mister.” Mama D hands me an oversized salad bowl, gesturing for me to place it on the table. Soon enough, the rest of the family arrives.
Mabel walks in looking like a dream, her cheeks are slightly red from being in the sun.
Everyone helps move the assorted dishes of food to the table before settling, I notice two extra place settings but don’t pay them much mind.
Talks of Elle and Patrick’s upcoming wedding take over, what needs to be done, who needs to be invited.
I tuned most of it out, a rock of something weighed down in my gut every time the wedding had been brought up lately.
I was happy for my friend. Patrick had even asked me to be his Best Man, something I was not expecting but a role I was happy to fill for him.
We’d all taken a front row seat in watching Elle and Patrick’s relationship develop.
It was the only real time I never felt any less than optimistic feelings from half of the Warren clan.
“Gramma!” Henry and Anika enter the kitchen, the little man running and wrapping his small arms around Mama D’s middle.
“Oh my grand-baby boy! I’m so glad you could make it!
” Mama D peppers Henry with kisses while Anika stood a few steps behind, nibbling on the side of her lip, looking unsure about being here.
I’m sure confusion painted all of our faces, not one word had been mentioned about Paul’s son or the mother of his child joining dinner.
Just like I was sure that Mama D had been not only expecting them but purposefully omitted their invitation.
“Nik, why didn’t you tell me you were coming? We could have driven together.” There are so many emotions in Paul’s voice, it’s hard to land on one. Definitely sadness and I think a little bit of excitement to see her.
I’d never assume someone else’s relationship but Paul doesn’t really try to hide that he has more than co-parenting feelings for Anika.
They had a falling out around the time Anika got pregnant, before that everyone had assumed they were end-game.
Nobody knows what happened between them and everyone is afraid to ask.
“I wasn’t sure…” Anika’s voice trailed off, her gaze darting over to Mama D.
“I invited her. It took some pestering to get her to agree.” Mama D stops lovin’ on Henry to explain, Henry darts to Mabel and repeats the process of hugs and kisses, and stands up to wrap her arms around Anika in a tight hug.
Anika seems to freeze for a moment before returning the hug with gusto. They exchange a few whispers before taking a seat at the table. Mama D has a wicked smile that sends a shiver down my spine. “I’m so happy to have you all here. I have plans that I can’t wait to tell you all about.”
My stomach flips like I’m at the top of a roller coaster just waiting for the drop. I don’t think I’m ready for whatever she’s got up her sleeve.