“For all that happened, you’re certainly in a good mood.” He ran his hand along her hair. The lovely scent of her soap was a rich taste of an autumn night.
“I’m always in a good mood when I’m with you.” Her husky voice scratched at his skin in a kittenish way.
“If I lean in any closer, I’ll dump my tea.” Jude kept his mouth a breath away from hers.
“We gotta get you a bigger truck.” She again pecked his lips. The velvety pucker was an invitation to keep kissing.
“An RV?” He couldn’t help the amusement in his voice. “Then we can disappear here without having to strain over a console?”
“Yeah.” Her husky voice was an octave lower, grazing at the lobe of Jude’s ear.
“If I get one, the kids’ll wanna come along. Kids love shiny new things.” He leaned in to brush her lips again. His cell phone dinged. Grunting, he reached inside the console. “Gimme one sec.”
“Sure.” Raven released their entwined fingers. She picked up her cup of tea.
Jude checked the caller who asked for a video chat. A shot of anger filled his chest. What the heck did Charlene want?
What’s up? I’m in the middle of something.
I need to talk to you when you’re free.
I’ll call you later tonight.
I tried the landline. Emery answered.
I’m busy. We’ll talk later.
Jude stuck the phone back into the console.
“Who was that?” Raven asked.
After everything she’d been through, Jude wasn’t going to upset her again. “Emery.”
Chapter Thirty-one: Tell It to the Telephone
Jude picked up the landline and flopped in the recliner with a cup of black tea. They were in the same time zone, and it was ten o’clock. He punched in the number for Charlene and Stephen’s place.
The phone only rang once. Charlene’s little-girl voice came through the line. “Hi.”
His number must have come up on her call display. “Hey. What can I do for you?”
“Is it okay if I call your cell and we video chat?”
“I guess we can.”
“Great.”
Just as he hung up, his cell phone rang. He switched off the cordless and picked up the cell. Charlene’s face appeared on the screen. Her wavy blonde hair was tied back in a ponytail, just like she’d used to do in the late evenings. She also used to scrub off her makeup upon getting home and only reapply it if she was going out to a meeting after dinner. Her rosy pale face was minus the light application of blush, foundation, and whatever else women liked to slap on. A hint of fine lines gathered around her piercing blue eyes, and a smidgen of dark circles, too.
“You okay?” He’d seen this stare many times. Quiet resignation. But he wasn’t around to make her feel this way anymore.
“I’m fine. A little tired.” She wet her pink lips with the cupid’s bow that he used to trace.
“What’d you need to talk about?”
“You look great.” Her mouth curved upward, but her eyes failed to sparkle.
“Thanks.” He reached for his tea. She probably had some concerns about the kids.
Her eyes darted back and forth. Ten bucks she was squeezing and un-squeezing her fingers. Even tensing her legs. Whenever she’d sat with the laptop on her thighs, the computer had always moved with her coiling muscles.
“What is it?” Thanks to Raven, he didn’t use his direct tone. He’d learned how insensitive he’d been, but no more.
Charlene’s delicate mouth formed into an O. “I... uh... oh...”
Jude had to stifle his chuckle. Yeah, she sure wasn’t used to this approach from him.
“I... uh... Stephen’s out of town. He... he had a meeting to attend for the school board.” She lifted a glass of wine to her lips.
No wonder they’d divorced. Charlene hated talking about her feelings. And, like a true ass, he’d taken a direct approach with her, which had only worsened their situation. He almost had to bite his tongue to refrain from telling her to spit it out.
“Are you making friends?” He set the tea on his lap. It’d been the first time he’d ever inquired sincerely about her personal interests or life since their separation.
“Yes. Quite a few. It’s... I’ll admit... I miss... I miss Thunder Bay.” Her titter was forced, the strain coming from between her teeth. “Do you... um... miss Thunder Bay?”
Good question. And no, he didn’t. Strange. At first, he’d had misgivings about his sudden up and move, but he’d dove headfirst into the community, like he did regarding everything about his life. “No. Can’t say I do.”
“I... I didn’t think so.” She sipped more wine, the glass trembling in her elegant hand.
As much as Jude didn’t wish to be an insensitive ass, it was after ten and time to turn in. He cleared his throat. “You’re calling about the kids?” He was pretty sure Emery had mentioned the children had video chatted with their mom earlier this evening.
“I hope whoever bought our house likes it.” Charlene set her long nail against her lip.
“Char,” he delicately began, “it’s after ten. Did you need to talk about something?”
Her gaze kept hovering about. Jude tapped his teacup, waiting.
Finally, after a very long few moments, she said, “I’m wondering about the annulment.”
“What about the annulment? I thought you would’ve started the process by now.” She had asked Emery to serve as a witness.
“I have the paperwork and everything.” She drained the last of the wine. Her gaze continued to roam about. “I wasn’t sure how comfortable you were. At first... I... I thought it was for the best, but...”
She glanced away.
“I have no problem with it.” Maybe she assumed he did. “Whatever you wanna do is fine. I’ll sign off on it, no problem. Just don’t bash me too much,” he added to lighten the mood, so humor slid into his voice.
Funny, he’d been furious over her affair, but now, water under the bridge. They were doing not too shabby co-parenting the kids from two different places.
“That’s it... should we... should we go through with it?” She wouldn’t look into the phone and kept staring somewhere else.
Come again? He wanted the annulment. They were Catholics. In the eyes of the Church and God, they were still married. “Yes. You’re building a new life. You plan on remarrying. While we’re seeing other people, in your case, living with someone, it puts a strain on our participation at Mass.”
Her eyes widened. “Uh... wh-what? You’re seeing someone?”
Great, Jude had spoken hypothetically. “If I do consider introducing the children to someone, I’ll be sure to let you know. As of right now, it’s me and the kids.” Which was true. But once Charlene got wind of Raven living at Mom and Dad’s, who knew how Jude’s ex might react. Was this why Charlene was having a change of heart about the annulment?
“Oh... okay.” Her voice relaxed.
Annoyance twitched at the back of Jude’s neck. What was her problem anyway? She’d cheated. He’d filed for a legal separation to initiate their divorce. She’d run off to Kenora. He’d signed the divorce papers. The realtor had sold their once beautiful sanctuary. Case closed.
He’d better get his rising temper under control. She was the mother of his children. And a great mother. Charlene might be in Kenora, but she kept in close contact, video chatting with them every night if she wasn’t busy. He’d hear the kids laughing and talking to their mom while he made dinner.
“Remember, I accepted your relationship. I do hope you’ll accept mine.” This time he used his normal tone.
Her face reddened. “There’s someone, isn’t there?”
“Like I said, if I choose for the kids to meet someone, I’ll let you know. They’re your kids, too. What affects them affects you.”
Charlene’s gaze darted around again. “I feel... never mind.” She si
ghed. “You’re right. They’re our kids. Nobody else’s.”
“I want us to do this the best way we can.”
“Do-do wh-what?”
“Parent.” He shifted in the chair. “They deserve to have us get along and make the best decisions for them by putting aside our differences. I don’t want us to fight. They’ve been through enough.”
“They miss us as... well, together.” Her lower lip twitched.
“They’re kids. Of course they do. But they’re starting to accept their new normal. They still have a hard time with going to Kenora, but give them a few more visits. They’ll eventually look forward to going.”
“I don’t want to interfere... you know. They’re schooling. I’d like to see them a bit more. One weekend a month and holidays are tough. I worry...” She pressed her lips together.
“You’re their mother. I’ll be sure if I introduce a new woman to them, they understand—”
“There’s someone. Just say it.” The words huffed from her mouth.
“For now, there’s nobody.”
“Jude...” Her reddening face meant she was growing frustrated and ready to snap. And then stalk off, as she’d done a million times in the past.
“Char... please. Okay? Let me handle this.” Trying to consider his ex-wife’s feelings and not set her off was like being dragged down the dirt road by Emery’s four-wheeler.
“Just be honest with me.”
He kneaded his thigh. “This stays between you and me. If the kids find out from you, there’ll be—”
“I won’t say anything.” She gasped. “Do you really think I’d tell them something that might hurt them?”
“Then yes, there’s someone. She’s staying at Mom and Dad’s.”
“What?” The background in the phone’s screen moved. Charlene was sitting up. Maybe standing. And probably tightening her fist. “Why’s your... girl-girlfriend staying at Maria and Norman’s?”
“Because they asked her to.”
“Asked?” Charlene’s eyes popped.
“There’s a lot going on. A lot. It’ll take all night for me to explain. I’ll send you an email in the morning.”
Charlene nodded, but her mouth remained grim.
“I’ll talk to you after you had time to read the email.”
“Fine.” Her tone was snappish.
“Goodnight.” Jude switched off the cell.
First Clayton and his bullshit, and now Charlene having second thoughts about the annulment and getting all pissy because he’d moved on without her. What the hell was going to happen next?
* * * *
Just like on Tuesday, Wednesday morning wasn’t any different. Everyone at the diner was still talking about Clayton’s and Darryl’s letters.
Raven balanced three plates she took to where three regulars sat by the window, copies of the letters on the table. She braced herself for the same questions.
“Hey, this part of you and your brother’s strategy?” Hank held up the paper.
Again, Raven explained she wasn’t campaigning for Clayton anymore. She set the three plates down.
“Then who’s campaigning for him?” Roger asked. “Can’t believe how shit hit the fan while I was away.” His old eyes crinkled mischievously.
“I don’t know. You’ll have to ask Clayton.” Raven turned to fetch the coffee pot from the counter to begin pouring refills. She couldn’t believe her brother wasn’t around to address the numerous questions asked by the community.
At least Darryl was doing his part. He’d stated in his letter his office door at the band office was open to anyone who needed to talk. And from what Raven had heard, the band office was busier than the diner.
“Hehehe, there he is,” someone said.
Raven swiveled with the just-fetched coffee pot. Through one of the main windows, she saw Clayton had pulled up in the parking lot. She gripped the handle. Great. Everyone would soon hear about the family feud.
For once the main area of the diner went quiet. The only noise carried from the kitchen. Everyone stared at the glass door while Raven forced her legs to move. She proceeded to refill empty mugs.
When Clayton strutted inside, flanked by Fawn and her youngest son, the diner became so quiet, Raven’s eardrums hurt. Cookie stood at the swinging doors, hands buried in a dishtowel.
“I stand by what I wrote.” Like a too-confident cowboy from a spaghetti western, Clayton ambled up to the counter. “If you have any questions, I’m right here to answer them.”
He sat on the stool, Fawn on his left and Louie on his uncle’s right.
“I got a question.” This came from Max at the back table. “Raven said she’s not your campaign manager anymore. And the deacon dropped her off for work, again. What’s going on?”
Oh great, now everyone would hear about what a horrible person Raven was, because Fawn and Louie wouldn’t even look her way.
“Those questions’ll be answered at a special forum.”
Raven spun on her heel. The customers had been so intent on Clayton, they hadn’t heard the bell above the door tinkle or witnessed Jude strolling in and answering the question.
“Special forum? What forum?” This came from Moses.
“What? Forum?” Clayton stood.
“A special forum Darryl is challenging you to the Monday after March break.” Jude held out the paper.
Clayton snatched it. As he read, his frown formed into a smirk. “I see. He needs time to come up with a proper excuse for cheating on his ol’ man, hey?”
“What about the hooker?” Barney stared at them.
“Everything’ll be addressed at the forum. I already stopped by the band office and told Darryl not to answer any more questions. Please respect the forum we’re hosting and save your questions till then. The agenda’s being delivered this evening by the high school students.”
“Then we’ll find out why Clayton fired Raven as his campaign manager?” Charlie asked.
“I didn’t fire anyone.” Clayton sputtered. “Raven resigned.”
Everyone looked at Raven. She turned and headed into the kitchen. Her involvement in the election was finished. She wouldn’t answer any questions. Darryl could on her behalf.
She washed her hands at the sink to tackle the next round of orders, since Cookie was still standing out in the main area. One of the swinging doors squeaked.
“Go ahead and take a break,” Raven said. “I got these.”
“It’s me.”
Raven pivoted. She reached for the tea towel to dry her hands.
“How you holding up?” Concern filled Jude’s voice.
“Okay...” Her insides mirrored a car careening all over the road, trying to find traction to right itself.
“Don’t give me that. It’s an answer I’d expect from...” The concern in Jude’s eyes faded, and he glanced to the upright freezer.
“Your ex-wife?”
Jude nodded, shrugging.
“I’ll give you the gory details when we have time alone.” Raven picked up an order. “I should get back to work. Your mom said you’re stopping by for dinner.”
“Yeah. The kids wanna spend time with their grandparents before they leave.” Jude smiled. “I’ll see you tonight.”
Raven shivered. She’d be officially eating a meal with his kids and parents. But this didn’t mean it was an official serious dinner. It was for the kids, and she merely happened to be living there. “Okay. See you tonight.”
Mrs. Matawapit insisted Raven relax in the living room instead of helping in the kitchen. After spending from seven to two-thirty at the diner, Jude’s mom said a woman had a right to relax. Raven was doing just that after completing her school assignments earlier. She’d also had a shower to freshen up for Jude and the kids.
Before getting kicked out of Mom’s house, Raven had tanned the deer hide for the moccasins she was crafting. Already, she’d cut the vamp and bottom. She was w
orking on the sole, top, heel, and welt. Hopefully Rebekah and Noah would like the gifts.
“Woodlands style?” the deacon asked, peeking over the top of his newspaper. He sat in the recliner.
“Yes. We’re woodlands people.” Raven had expected to be uncomfortable here, but the Matawapits were excellent hosts. Instead of true sinew, she used artificial to sew the material.
“You do beautiful work.” The deacon flicked his gaze to the moccasins on Raven’s feet—the ones she liked lounging in.
“Thanks. My kokums taught me.”
“It’s a lost art. I heard you used to teach the young girls ...” The deacon’s face reddened.
She knew he was referring to the protest two summers ago, when Clayton had insisted the family leave the Traditionalists Society.
“I plan on returning.” Raven made another stitch with the leather needle. “I want the girls to learn what my kokums wisely taught me. I asked Emery and Darryl to get me another hide the next time they’re out hunting.”
“From scratch? You’ll teach them how to tan and dress one?”
“Yep. It’s the best material to use. Fresh. Not the store-bought stuff. I do sincerely believe in using as much from the deer as possible. And a brain-softened smoked hide is the best kind. But I buy the sinew. It’s easier. I should make my own. I just don’t have the time.”
“Understandable. You’re very talented. Do you sell your items on the powwow trail?”
“No. My schedule’s too crazy. I was considering starting a website. I planned on it...” She made another stitch. “Clayton loaned me his spare laptop. I’m without one now.”
“We have one here you’re more than welcome to use.” The deacon nodded at the laptop resting on the side table.
Maybe all wasn’t lost? Raven’s heart was in crafting. Yes, she loved the restaurant, and she’d viewed the diner as her only hope to become financially independent, but if she could sell her crafts full-time and make enough money, she’d be in heaven.
She made ribbon skirts. Ribbon shirts. Mittens. Mukluks. Vests. Purses. Dream catchers. Key chains. Crafting had always been a hobby and a way to de-stress.
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