by Jordan Ford
“What’s said in this office stays in this office.” He looks so sincere I dive into the handshake with a grateful smile. “Take a few more days to get yourself looking presentable. I’ll see you back here on Friday. Sound good?”
“Yeah.” I nod. “Thanks.”
I’m about to walk out the door when Keith stops me with a question. “What made you change your mind?”
“Huh?” I glance over my shoulder.
“Why do you suddenly want to stay? After what’s happened, I thought you’d want to hit the road.”
His keen eyes strip me bare until I’m forced to mumble, “Jules needs my help.”
“Jules?” Keith’s head jerks back. “Is she all right? Please tell me you’re not sleeping with her.”
“No. She—” I huff. “Look, it’s not my secret to share, but she helped me out when I was hurt the other night and I owe her. I…”
I’m too afraid to admit that I want to stick around because the thought of leaving her here, vulnerable and alone, is unbearable.
“She’s pregnant, isn’t she?” Keith’s voice is dry and resigned.
My eyes bulge. “How would you…?”
“Cassidy’s theory, not mine.” He raises his hands. “Women have this intuition thing going on. I try to ignore it but she’s so often right it’s scary.” Keith shakes his head with a laugh. “And apparently Jules’s apron’s getting tighter. My wife’s got eyes like a hawk.”
I wince. “Can you not say anything? I don’t want Jules thinking I’ve betrayed her or something.”
“I won’t say a word, but you might want to suggest that Jules does.”
I nod while Keith gives me a sly smile. “You falling for this girl?”
“I just want to help her out.” I shrug.
“Because you like her.” He gives me the kind of stare Grandpa used to when he was getting the truth from me.
I swallow and look away from it, then go for a casual shrug. “Well, what’s not to like?”
Keith’s eyes narrow and he points at me again. “You be good to her. She’s a sweet girl.”
“She is,” I agree with a smile I can’t fight.
Shit, am I blushing? I spin for the door before Keith notices. My mind is swamped with snapshots of Jules—from her tears at the table to her giggling over cards to her humming while she cooked.
I jerk to a stop and look over my shoulder again.
“Have you had her ambrosia pie yet?”
Keith glances up from his paperwork. “Nope.”
“It’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted. You want people lining up at the door, you add it to your menu.”
Keith grins and tips his head. “I’ll ask her to make me some tomorrow.”
I mirror his expression and head out the door. My step is light, almost has a bounce to it as I head for my bike. I don’t know why I feel so damn good. I should be heading for the highway right now, but I’ve got to stay.
I actually want to stay.
#19:
A Moonlit Walk in the Park
Julienne
It takes one mouthful for Cassidy to start moaning, and then Keith joins her two mouthfuls after that. Between the two of them the pie plate is practically scraped clean. I nibble on a marshmallow and can’t help a triumphant giggle.
Apparently Kade told Keith about the ambrosia pie when he came to ask for his job back.
The second I walked into work the next day, Keith asked me about it. And now, two days later, I’m standing in the kitchen watching these hungry wolves devour my dessert.
I cross my arms to quell my laughter.
Since telling Kade the truth I’ve been fighting off these happy bubbles in my chest.
I can’t explain why. Confessing my pregnancy should have terrified me, put me into hiding. But he didn’t judge me once. He promised to stick around, to help me out. No one’s ever put themselves out for me before, and I almost don’t know what to do with it.
“Well, that is definitely going on the menu.” Cassidy wipes her mouth with the paper napkin.
“Really?” I bob on my toes.
“You bet.” Keith pats my shoulder. “That’s the best dessert I’ve ever tasted. You are one good cook, Miss Julienne.”
“Thank you.” I lean into his hug when he squeezes me to his side.
“I’d love to know what other ideas you have.” Cassidy puts her hand on her hip and gazes at me. “I’ve been wanting to revamp the menu for months.”
“Oh my gosh, are you serious? I have so many ideas!” My voice goes fast and squeaky as I start rattling off all the recipes I’ve considered. Cassie scrambles for a pen and starts writing them down, and we spend the next hour discussing the plausibility of different recipes, approximating costs and timing, figuring out what will work for Skate Home.
Her eyes are on me as I speak. Her head is bobbing. Keith jumps in with suggestions and practicalities, then gives me an opportunity to respond. He even lets me tell him about the marketing idea I had to show off the new menu and get people checking out the bar.
It’s amazing.
No one’s ever listened to me for that long before.
By the time we’ve mapped out a revamped menu I’m flying high.
“This is great, Jules. I can’t wait to get started.”
I nod, still processing my surprise.
“And we’re happy for you to work for as long as you’re able.” Cassidy tips her head and gives me a knowing smile.
My heart stops beating and I move out of Keith’s embrace.
“As…as long as I’m able?” I swallow. “Wh-what do you mean?”
They share a glance and then give me awkward smiles.
“He told you?” I whisper, totally betrayed.
My heart lurches into my throat, pounding, trying to cut off my air supply.
Tears burn as anger rises swiftly. I’m going to kill Kade.
“No, he didn’t tell me.” Keith scratches his beard. “Cassidy guessed.”
“Oh.” My shoulders slump.
“Sweetie.” Cassidy’s laughter is breathy, her expression that of a mother hen’s. “Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I’m an eighteen-year-old dropout who got herself knocked up.” My eyes fill with tears. “Who wants to admit that?”
“Do your parents know?”
“No.” My voice sounds tiny.
“Did you run away to hide it from them?” Keith’s face bunches with concern.
I nod. “I figured I could have the baby and return without them knowing.”
Cassidy rises from her seat. “What are you planning on doing with the baby?”
“Give it up for adoption.” My voice cracks. “I can’t take care of a kid but I just couldn’t…” I shake my head. “I don’t know what to do. I’ve been trying to ignore the problem, I suppose.”
Cassidy’s eyebrows rise, her gaze darting to Keith’s before dropping back to the floor. Her skin tinges pink and she shakes her head like she’s dispelling a thought before it can grow.
“Have you…have you been in touch with any adoption a-agencies?” Cassidy’s tone is soft, curious and totally nonjudgmental. I don’t understand.
I look between them, then focus on the droplets of water that need wiping off the counter. “I haven’t even been to see a doctor yet. I didn’t want anyone to know.”
“But you told Kade.” Keith’s voice is deep yet gentle.
“I was kind of forced to.” My voice pitches. “I’ve been getting these pains and—”
“Pains?” Cassidy’s eyes fill with worry. “What kind of pains? Are you okay?”
“It’s just ligaments stretching, but I didn’t know and I got scared for a second.” I look between them. “Kade helped me.”
A warm sensation, tender and comforting, blooms inside my chest whenever I think about him carrying me home.
“Well, I’m not okay with this.” Cassidy shakes her head. “You have to see a doctor. You’ve got to get checked
out.”
“I don’t know. I…”
“It’s not something to consider. It’s something you must do.”
“My family can’t find out about this.”
“They won’t.” She takes my hand. “Sweetie, you’re eighteen. The doctor has no right to divulge anything without your permission.”
“But I’ve got no way to pay.” I swallow. “I can’t use my dad’s medical insurance without him knowing, and I’ve only got eight hundred dollars of savings which isn’t really mine. I mean, Kade says it is, but he doesn’t know—” I bite my bottom lip to stop from saying Antonio’s name. I don’t want him brought into this kitchen.
Cassidy and Keith are staring at me kind of confused so I fill the gap with more prattle. “Even if I do use the money, it might pay for a visit or two, but what if they make me get a scan or insist I have the baby in the hospital. That’s really expensive, right? I don’t know how much, but…I can’t… I mean, I just can’t afford that.”
Their expressions crumple in unison, Cassidy’s eyes glistening with motherly affection while Keith calms my oncoming hysteria with a gentle shoulder rub.
“Don’t you worry about a thing. We’ll just take it one step at a time.” He smiles. “We’ve got you covered for anything you can’t afford.”
“I can’t take your—”
Cassidy cuts me off with a little hand squeeze. “Let me make you an appointment with my doctor. She’s the sweetest lady, and she’ll take great care of you. Once we know everything is healthy and on track, we can set up everything else. We’ll find a loving family…for the baby.” She looks to Keith and I spot unspoken yearning in her expression.
I nearly blurt that they’re welcome to it, but something holds me back.
I don’t even know what it is. But all I can do is nod.
My voice goes into hiding while Keith and Cassidy start organizing me. I let them do it. It’s easier that way.
They make phone calls and I get busy in the kitchen. I’m grateful for the work. It’s a good distraction and as the night wears on, I come alive. The sizzling grill plays music for me as I dice, fry, stir and sauté. Now that my morning sickness has passed, I’m able to enjoy the smells and flavors again.
The evening flies by in a rush.
Grabbing the last of the dirty utensils, I drop them in the sink.
“I’ll leave you to finish up.” Austin’s voice is low and grumpy. He’s been like that ever since Keith showed him the new menu ideas and went on about how great I am.
“Okay.” I try to keep my voice light and chipper but he still gives me a glare before slamming out of the kitchen.
The sharp sound is followed by a heavy silence. I can hear the soft shuffle of Keith and Cassidy upstairs, but the bar is quiet and I feel like the only person in the world right now. It’s kind of unnerving so I hurry to finish up the dishes and wipe down the countertops.
As soon as I’m satisfied, I grab my stuff, switch off the lights and lock the back door.
The air outside is cold and biting. Hunching my shoulders, I shove my hands in my jacket pockets and start walking fast.
A pang gets me, forcing me to slow down. I give my belly a rub. Knowing what it is makes it less scary and I’m able to breathe through it until the intensity passes.
Taking it slow, I round the corner and jerk to a stop when I spot Kade leaning against his bike.
“Hey.” He stands tall and smiles at me.
The moonlight makes his bruised, misshapen face look beast-like. If I didn’t know him, I’d probably scream and start running.
Instead I smile and slowly approach. “What are you doing here?”
His jacket rustles as he shrugs. “Thought I’d drive you home.”
I glance at his bike and shake my head. “Sorry. I don’t do motorcycles.”
“What?” He snickers. “Why not?”
“They’re dangerous.”
He grins and leans towards me with that wicked smile of his. “I’ll drive slow.”
Crossing my arms, I shake my head, pretty adamant. “Our neighbor died in a motorcycle accident. It was ugly, and I promised myself I’d never get on the back of a bike. Ever.”
With a reluctant sigh, he buries the keys in his pocket. “Okay, fine. I’ll walk you home.”
Melt my heart. He makes it impossible not to like him.
“You don’t have to do that.” I wave him off.
“I want to.”
Three simple words, yet they mean the world.
A shiver jerks my spine as that warm fuzz flutters through me again.
“You cold?” Kade wraps his arm around me, rubbing my shoulder and pulling me against him. I’m engulfed, and happy to be so.
We start walking through the park, something that usually frightens me, but tonight I don’t mind ambling. Kade’s arm around me is strong and reassuring. I can’t stop glancing up at him, wondering if this is actually real or just some weird dream.
Antonio used to pick me up after work. But he always had ulterior motives.
Will Kade?
My heart skips into a run, my body tensing. What if he’s just being nice because he wants to sleep with me? I’m pregnant, so he knows I’m not opposed to sex.
“You okay?” Kade’s voice is soft and undemanding.
“Yeah.” I swallow. “I’m just wondering why you wanted to walk me home.”
“Because it’s dark out. You’re young and beautiful…and the perfect prey for some asshole. I hate the idea of you walking alone through this park each night. If I’d known, I would have been offering a lot sooner.”
I can’t form a response. That’s so incredibly sweet.
Knights in shining armor don’t exist, though. It’s a fairytale. I have to keep reminding myself of that.
But my heart’s begging me to consider the fact that maybe they do.
Maybe I’ve met one of the rare few.
I lick my lips and try to still my racing heart. This is ridiculous.
We turn on to my street. Neither of us has said much but Kade doesn’t seem to mind. It’s been peaceful walking with his arm around me, the moonlight guiding our way.
As we near my door, Kade lets me go. A biting chill rushes up my spine and I’m taken by the urge to keep him near. I step back into his space and scramble for something that will make him linger.
“Keith tasted my pie,” I blurt out. “He wants to put it on the menu.”
Kade grins. “I knew he would.”
“Cassidy wants to revamp the whole thing. It’s kind of amazing.”
“But not surprising.”
“You don’t think so? I’m blown away.”
Kade snickers. “You would be.”
I tip my head trying to figure out what he means.
“You underestimate yourself, Julienne Bishop.” He winks and I want to lean against the house with a swooning sigh.
Thankfully I control the urge, but can’t avoid an embarrassed chuckle. “I’m no big deal. I’m just a stupid girl who got herself pregnant.”
“That’s not what I see.” He brushes his finger down my cheek.
I gaze into his smile, my insides going crazy with starbursts and butterflies. “Thank you…for walking me home. I’m not used to having someone look out for me. It feels really nice.”
Now it’s his turn to blush. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he digs his boot into the ground and murmurs, “It feels good to do the right thing. You deserve to be looked after, Jules.”
I give him a watery smile, then impulsively wrap my fingers into his jacket. Rising to my toes, I brush my lips against his and whisper, “Good night…Kade.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” His husky voice caresses my cheek and I float inside, wondering how much it’s going to hurt when my feet hit the ground again.
#20:
Heavy Uncertainty
Kade
The sky is overcast. Grey clouds are looming over Reno, growing darker by the hour. I’
m not bothered by them. Nothing seems to be able to dampen my mood at the moment.
It’s been over two weeks since I decided to stay and help Jules out and I’ve been surprisingly happy. Work is fun and Jules is…
I glance at her, sitting in the passenger seat of Keith’s pickup and squeezing her hands together. We’re heading to the hospital so she can get an ultrasound. The doctor recommended it when they met. Cassidy took her to that appointment. Jules was so nervous when they left that I ended up pacing around the bar, my list of jobs forgotten.
She returned with a timid smile though, and Cassidy relayed a bunch of details while we ate lunch together. Jules and the baby are both healthy.
Apparently this ultrasound today is just standard procedure to check on the baby’s vital organs. Last night, Cassidy asked me if I could take Jules to the hospital. I kind of didn’t know how to reply at first, but I promised I’d help Jules out any way I could and said yes before I thought too much about it. Cassidy and Keith are out of town today. I’ve borrowed Keith’s truck, since Jules doesn’t do motorcycles, and I’m trying to quell her nervous twitching with some upbeat country music. I don’t think it’s really working.
Reaching across, I gently squeeze her hands. “It’s going to be okay. It’s just an ultrasound.”
“I know.” Her voice always goes so soft and tiny when she’s stressing.
I’d love to know what she’s thinking. The doctor told her they can probably determine the sex of the baby today. Maybe she’s wondering about whether to find out or not. I nearly ask her but as we catch sight of the hospital, her entire body tenses.
“So, I’m thinking of having dinner at Skate Home tonight, before I walk you home.” I distract her. “What are you gonna cook me?”
Jules glances at me and blinks a couple of times. “It’s your day off. You don’t want to eat there.”
“Yeah, I do. Your food’s the best. I’d eat it every night of the week if I could.” I grin, loving the way her cheeks tint red whenever I give her a compliment.
“So what’s on the menu tonight?” I slow the truck and turn into the parking lot.
Jules’ eyes dart to the large white building and then back to me. “Um…”
