Inheriting Trouble (In Ashwood Book 1)

by Kinney Scott

  “That is not how I see you. Kelsey, Look at all the risks you take.”

  After finishing off her beer, Kels slumped forward over her long legs. “I just live for a hit of adrenaline. Having a natural knack for the physical doesn’t make me daring; those are low risk decisions.”

  “What would be a risk for you Kels?”

  “Commitment in a relationship, or obligation at work. At the end of the rafting season this year the owner approached me. He wants to expand and offer adventures just for women. I have until the beginning of November to think it over. If I don’t take the opportunity he has someone else in mind, but I’m his first choice.”

  “That’s terrific Kels, you deserve that opportunity. Are you interested?”

  “Interested, absolutely, but scared to commit, scared shitless.”

  Kelsey got up, to found another beer. “Another thing terrifies me more, Nate. Risking my heart, as you did with Seth. Men like Mark are an easy choice. A little fun. I move on when it’s played out, no harm done.”

  “Anyone in particular you are thinking about, that might be worth risking your heart for?” Natalie knew the answer, but she needed Kelsey to admit it to herself.

  “Ben. When he showed up, and I thought he would be leaving soon, I was wildly attracted to him. Now that he lives in Portland, he terrifies me. If we explore the obvious chemistry between us, and it doesn’t work out, what then? I have a terrible record with relationships. I don’t want to hurt Ben. He is too good. Too solid. I don’t think I’m capable of becoming a woman he deserves. As sure as hell I’m not that woman now.”

  “Kels your bare honesty, that’s one of the things I love about you most. No one should expect you to invent a false version of yourself. Ben would never do that.”

  “You’re right, I know you’re right.” Kelsey hid leaned forward and hid in the curtain of her white-blonde hair. “Do you think Ben got hurt by showing up this weekend, and you know, seeing me with Mark?”

  “Probably, yes. Give Ben time. Get to know him. Ben and I also need time to figure out this whole family thing.” Natalie added with a broad wave of her hand. Ben isn’t going anywhere. You will have time to reach out.”

  “How? Nate, you are hours away now? Long distance relationships, I suck at them, even with my best friend.”

  “Don’t worry, Kels, these things have a way of working out.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Early the next morning Natalie lifted the large window to open her coffee shop. The weather had cleared, blue skies welcomed in the day. She used orange and brown chalk to display the specials. Decorating the menu with sketches of fall leaves and pumpkins, she stood back to admire her work. The sign perfectly reflected the change in the season.

  Kelsey woke to the aroma of pumpkin spice and hot organic apple cider. “I don’t know how you live around all these delicious smells. The air alone is loaded with calories!”

  “You have to try a slice of the apple cinnamon streusel coffee cake. It was still warm when the bakery delivered it this morning.” Swirling a generous portion under her best friend’s nose, Natalie enticed Kels to take a bite.

  “Oh my God! How can anything taste so good?” After polishing off her breakfast, and downing a quick cup of coffee she said, “I have to take off Natalie. I’m swinging by work to talk with the owner about next year’s schedule.”

  “Have you decided to accept his offer?”

  “I think so. It means a long-term obligation, but I love the idea of designing outdoor adventures specifically for women. He is trusting me to take the lead. I’ve decided to trust myself and commit to the project.”

  “Congratulations, Kels. You will love the challenge, and I know you will kill it.”

  An older couple wandered up to her coffee stand, lured in by the air cloaked in sweet cinnamon. “Give me a hug, Nate. I need to get on the road. I love you. Please come visit me in Ashwood soon.”

  “I promise. Love you too, drive safely.” With a quick hug goodbye, Kelsey moved on, as the couple placed an order.

  While Nate worked on their drinks, they quickly shared details of their latest travels. In the past, their story of a recent hike into the Grand Canyon would have intrigued her most. Now, sharing how much they had enjoyed spending the trip with their children and grandchildren was the gem worth cherishing.

  Later that day, Natalie found herself revisiting spots she shared with Seth during her first weekend at the coast. Following the creaky boardwalk, she wandered past shops in town. Looking through the tattoo studio window, Natalie paused.

  Early last week Nate met Rebecca, too intrigued by this exhilarating temptation to resist meeting the local artist. On her second visit, Nate brought in an image. She knew she would regret leaving the coast without following her heart. With her final sketch in hand, Nate screwed up the courage to push the door to Rebecca’s studio open. A brass bell trilled as Natalie entered, prompting the owner to look up, “Hi, Nate, how are you? Do you have any more questions about the hummingbird design we’ve been working on?”

  “Only one question Becca, when will you have time to work on it? I’m ready.” She said with enthusiasm and a little fear.

  “That’s terrific! I have refined the details. It seems like you have a few new ideas as well. Pull up a seat. Let’s take a look.”

  Perched on the tall fifties-style stool at the sleek counter, Natalie took in the artists recent changes. “Becca, you captured what I imagined perfectly. Thank you for being so patient. I’m ready when you are.”

  “Do you have time now? I had a cancellation. A client’s kid came down with the flu, now I have all afternoon. Maybe this was meant to be?”

  “Okay, I’m super nervous, but absolutely sure. What’s next?”

  After prepping her skin, Rebecca positioned the stencil of the custom piece. Natalie climbed onto the table to give Rebecca access to her hip, her canvas. “You chose a great spot for your first tattoo, the hip isn’t as sensitive. Let me know if you need to take a break at any time.”

  Trying to relax as the buzzing of the machine began, Nate held as still as she could, while Becca massaged gel across her hip and pulled her skin taught. Electric cold, the contact was not exactly painful, just an accumulating sensation that was impossible to ignore. Attempting to distract herself, Nate focused on the retro art that decorated the studio. Conversation began to flow as they shared what brought them to this coastal town.

  Rebecca began her work as an apprentice in California, and later hopped up the west coast to Oregon. She stopped here when she found this established business that was looking for someone with experience and a fresh aesthetic. Natalie lost herself in the music and Rebecca’s story, surprised as her freshly decorated skin was wiped clean.

  “Already finished? I won’t lie, it hurt, but after a while I found myself focused on you, and forgot about the needle.”

  Standing before the floor length mirror she beamed with satisfaction. The spare design depicted a blue and green hummingbird caught midflight, sipping nectar from a delicate pink flower. “Thank you, Rebecca I could not be happier.”

  With this permanent memento and a little discomfort, Natalie stopped in and picked up a to-go bowl of chowder from the little restaurant she had first visited with Seth. Now, ready to say goodbye to this adventure, each step took her closer to home. Home to Ashwood.

  ***

  Thursday morning, at first light, Wade locked the rear door on his final truck. His employees, joined on this trip by Seth, would each take a spot in the Mosquito Brewing caravan, heading east to Boise. Wade fought the distraction of another worry. He had scheduled a series of meetings with a large distributer, a possible key to rapid expansion.

  These consultations with executives from a large regional brewer and distribution giant could increase his reach far beyond the west coast market. Would this be the right fit for expansion? Best not to obsess over events outside his control. Temperature, mash, hops, fermentation, those were elem
ents he could calculate. That was enough. Wade knew to keep it simple.

  “I’ll take up the last spot in the caravan,” Seth said as he climbed into the fourth vehicle bound for Boise. Wade drove the refrigerated truck. Two pickups hauled trailers loaded with tents, chairs and supplies. Seth’s rig housed the custom bar designed with salvaged barn wood, cast iron, and wood stools. Details like this set Mosquito Brewing apart, drawing a more appreciative customer, who was willing to pay for a product brewed with immaculate care.

  Skirting the Columbia on Interstate-84, the miles ticked by. Tall, white windmills spun in a slow dance high on the golden hills. Occasionally a barge carrying grain or a fishing boat drifted by on the Columbia River.

  The caravan pulled into a truck stop at about the halfway-point. After topping off the vehicles, three men and two women staggered in to the café and placed an order for greasy burgers and fries. Seth mingled with Wade’s crew. He was the new guy this weekend, and listened as they discussed the event details. Each took brewing as seriously as he took building. They shared a passion, born in the practice of creative obsession.

  Taking out his phone, Seth sent a text to Natalie: Half way to Boise. Hope you are having a good weekend. Miss you.

  Usually she texted right back, but must have been busy with customers. After this trip with Wade, Seth wanted nothing but an entire weekend with her. Thanksgiving was just around the corner. He planned to invite both Natalie and Ben to celebrate the holiday with his family.

  Seth’s phone buzzed with a return message: Miss you too. Have a safe trip. Can’t wait to hear all about it.

  Natalie wandered over to Faye’s home to wrap up final arrangements before her move. Faye stood from her work on the herb beds that surrounded her tiny home.

  “I will miss you, Natalie, and I will miss the rich compost that came from your coffee grounds!”

  “I’m so sorry to move on this quickly. I feel like I’ve left you in a pickle for winter. Don’t be surprised if a few of my perishable goods continue to be delivered for a few days. I’ve made arrangements with the local foodbank to pick up what our community can’t use.”

  “I knew the moment I saw you with Seth, this was not where you were meant to be. I’m happy your path sent both of you my way, even for a short while. You have such a lovely spirit, Natalie. Promise me you and Seth will spend time here at Driftwood, in a few months.”

  Natalie wondered at the certainty in Faye’s observation. “How can you be so sure about Seth and me?”

  “Normally I would say I have a sense about these things, because I do. But, dear, even a rock could see that you two are destined. It does not surprise me that you both are the last to realize. Keep in touch. I look forward to future visits. I’ll be here by the sea, waiting for you to come on by!” Faye laughed, with that warm welcoming essence that invited Natalie in. Yes, she could picture herself visiting Faye in the future.

  Nate left Faye to her gardening and began to pack up her home. As she worked, she thought about recipes she could cook for the good-bye potluck planned for Friday night.

  Ben would arrive late for the potluck, spend the evening, and the siblings would leave together early Saturday morning. Should I tell Seth to expect me in Ashwood after his trip to Boise? No, I will wait. I love Seth, but he is not my only motivation for returning. Ashwood has become my home.

  Distracted by the preparations for the move, Natalie missed a text from Seth that afternoon. The Mosquito caravan had arrived safe; he would try to reach her later.

  Time seemed to creep along at a snail’s pace. To pass the hours she found an old movie online, made a batch of buttery popcorn with plenty of salt, and curled up in her loft with her laptop. Rain pattered on the roof above her head, the liquid cadence lulled Nate to sleep.

  In a light sleepy state dreams played out in her mind, images of her family spending a day by the lake. As dreams will do, one minute she was a child playing with Ben and the next she was a mother running races on the lawn with her own children. Seth held their baby in the crook of his muscled arm. Kelsey visited her dream, tucked securely at Kent’s side, as they walked along the lakeshore.

  Pulled back to reality by a buzzing sound, her phone vibrated on the mattress, and woke Natalie from this strange, almost prophetic dream. She swept the screen to answer. “Hello Seth”, her voice a little gravelly and distant.

  “Babe, I’m sorry I woke you.”

  “That’s ok, it really isn’t late. I was just dreaming. I fell asleep watching an old movie.”

  “Dreaming about me I hope.”

  “Of course. We were at the lake on the wide lawn at Kelsey’s parents place.”

  “Well, probably not a sexy dream, then?”

  “Not even PG, sorry babe. How was the drive?”

  “Great, sort of a long haul, but interesting. The stretch along the river was beautiful. I love those tall windmills. After we arrived we set up in Old Boise, this historic downtown has great character. A few days ago a decent snowfall hit the hills and the tops are still white.”

  “Be sure to take some pictures. Boise sounds wonderful. I would love to see it with you someday.”

  “I wish you were here. The team would love you. They are incredibly passionate about brewing. Wade seems worried about something, but he’s keeping it to himself.”

  “That’s strange, he is normally so laid back. Isn’t it unusual that he wouldn’t talk with you about it?”

  “He will, when he’s ready. What are your plans for the weekend?”

  Natalie wondered if she should tell Seth, but again, decided to wait. “Ben plans to visit,” at least that was partially true.

  “Again, after only a week? He must love the ocean, or hate Portland.”

  “I don’t think he hates Portland. He doesn’t know too many people at his new job yet.”

  “True. Natalie I need to go. We have a team meeting about scheduling for the festival. Can I call you later?”

  “Sure, but don’t’ feel obligated, especially if you are busy. Enjoy your time in Boise.”

  “Okay, sweetness. Have fun with your brother. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  Natalie finished the call, rolled over on her back, and sank into her warm comforter. The rain continued a steady cadence on her roof. Her mind wandered back to the dream, parts of it seemed so real, as if re-living a memory.

  Did I ever visit Ashwood as a child with Ben? Perhaps Grandpa Pete brought us to the lake when we were young. Dream mingled with recollection, slowly she felt the puzzle pieces of her life were slipping into place, clicking together her history, leaving vacant sections for her future.

  **

  Ben arrived late on Friday, the potluck already underway. He wandered into the somewhat industrial common building the residents shared. Faye walked up to Ben, hooked her arm through his, and escorted him to the table laden with eclectic food choices. His stomach growled. Spicy curry, a vegetarian hot pasta dish and marshmallow fruit salad were among the tempting array. “Fill a plate and join us. We just opened another bottle of wine.”

  Faye wandered back to the long table, grabbing two of Natalie’s irresistible snickerdoodles as she passed by. He could not remember the last time he filled up a plate at a potluck. His uptight father would have run the other way at the sight of this home-spun feast. Ben absolutely loved it.

  “Natalie, thanks for inviting me, this is terrific. I haven’t had this much home cooked food since I moved to Portland.” Ben managed to say, between mouthfuls.

  “We have these gatherings about once a month. Ben, I am adding you to my email invite. Now I know you may not be able to make it very often, but you are welcome anytime.” Faye insisted.

  One of the guests leaned in, “She is serious young man. At almost every potluck we have a past resident stop by”

  Natalie was already a permanent fixture on Faye’s email guest list, “How many invites do you send Faye?”

  “Let me think, it must be close to 150 by now. Pa
st residents, family, friends, the more the merrier!”

  “Count me in!” Ben happily agreed, “Do you need my e-mail?”

  “Already got it. You are Nate’s emergency contact.”

  Ben dug in to the pasta, a roll, potato salad, and chili. Once he had reached near capacity, he perused the dessert table. Brownies, a slice of blackberry pie, and a vanilla iced cupcake filled his plate. Sitting down again, Faye’s infectious laugh lit up the room, “I love a man who can eat! Damn satisfying to cook for you Ben!”

  “I aim to please.” Ben joined in her laughter, enjoying the mild flirtation from this free spirited woman.

  Natalie leaned over to her brother, “I’ve finished most of the prep for the move. We can relax this evening. I’ve already had two glasses of wine. There will be no work for us tonight!”

  Before she had another glass, Natalie decided to send Seth a good night text. If he called her later, after she had a bit more wine, she might spill the surprise about her return to Ashwood.

  Natalie typed a little white lie: Hope you are having a great day. I have to turn my phone off, Ben and I decided to catch a movie. Miss you.

  Seth was busy but sent a quick reply: Have a great night with Ben. Tell him hi. Talk to you tomorrow.

  He appreciated how much Natalie cared, but also loved that she didn’t need the same sort of high maintenance attention that Chelsea had demanded. With Chels a missed call, or late arrival home resulted in the silent treatment, or accusations of infidelity. With Natalie trust flowed equally in both directions.

  Someone broke out a deck of cards and a game of rummy came together. Board games appeared from the storage closet. Ben and Natalie joined teams for rounds of Pictionary. About midnight the party began to thin, by 12:30 the final few dishes were cleared and put away. When Natalie first arrived at Driftwood Shores, she mistook independence for distance. Each individual loved their freedom, or they would not have chosen this life, but they also cared for one another deeply.