Page 23 of The Defense Rests
"Well, I met him at the club and he's such a breath of fresh air. Heart of gold, that one. He helped Ben that night feel more confident and included." She tells me softly while looking over at Shaun.
So they did know each other before today. Why does that sting a little? It was before we were reunited, so I can't be mad. But, I still don't like it.
I shouldn't ask, but the masochist in me needs to know. "Did they–" I trail off, not sure I want to finish my question.
"You mean, did they leave together?" I’m only able to nod since I don’t trust my voice not to crack. "No, sweetie. Shaun left alone that night. Ben fell asleep, and Shaun tucked him in before making his exit."
Why does that bother me more than it should? Not that Shaun played with Ben, but left him there asleep.
"You are so easy to read." Amber chuckles. "I took over watching over Ben so Shaun could leave. He said he had an important meeting the next morning."
That was when I met him at the law firm. He was probably at the club to release some tension. Playing with littles always did that for him; caring for others comes naturally.
Amber excuses herself when a young man steps up to my table, asking to speak to me in private.
The afternoon draws to a close, and after packing up some information packets I had left, I see Shaun talking to Ben, handing him a business card. At first, a pang of something like jealousy hits my chest before I take a deep breath and remember the flower shop connection Shaun is trying to help Ben make.
Thinking about Rockport Ridge, I wonder who this florist is back home.
Thirteen
Kai
The bell on the door chimes as I step into the warmth of the coffee shop. The fragrant coffee soothes my soul as I step up to the counter to place my order. Noah has his back to me, and I grin, watching him thrive in his element.
Noah and I went to high school together, and we both explored age play together. Well, not together. However, we showed up at the community center for a playdate at the same time and got to talking. He discovered that he was more of a middle, and I was definitely a little. Being able to let go and just play with dolls and toys brings me such peace, whereas Noah thrived in the competitive world of video games.
A few years ago, Noah took over the management position here at Steamed when the owner opened a new shop in a neighboring town after her husband received a job transfer. He says it’s just like owning the place, except without the stress of actually owning it.
When he finally turns around, he greets me with his usual casual smile.
“Kai, hey, I’m so sorry, I um…I’ve been in my head today and didn’t even hear the bell ring. You should have thrown something at me to get my attention,” he jokes.
So I reach over the counter, pick up a few straws from the holder, and toss them at him. “Can I get some service around this dump?” I tease over the newly renovated coffee shop.
“You do know we have the right to refuse service to anyone,” he deadpans before laughing and coming around the counter to give me a hug. “It’s so good to see you. It’s been way too long. How are things in the big ol’ city?”
“We don’t have time for that story,” I tell him with a wink and ask for my typical light roast coffee. I’ll add the milk and sugar myself.
“Hey, Jason, I’m taking a break,” he tells the man standing near the pastry counter. He seems to be around our age, with blonde, curly hair.
Noah guides me over to a booth that’s a little secluded from other patrons.
“Who’s the new guy? Caleb off today?” I ask, making casual conversation as I slip my messenger bag off my shoulder and settle in the booth across from him.
“Jason. He’s a friend of Marcus’ and moved here last summer. He’s a kindergarten teacher at Rockport Ridge Elementary and works part-time here for extra cash.”
“Ah, it must be spring break then if he’s here during the day.” Noah nods. “Well, teachers are full of patience and many are nurturing.” I lean in closer. “I bet he’d make a great daddy with that kind of patience.”
Noah lets out a bark of laughter.
“What about Caleb? Is he still around?” I haven’t seen him in a while, but again, I haven’t been back to Rockport Ridge for a minute. When I do come to town, it’s usually to have a brief visit with family and then back to the city for work.
“Caleb is no longer working here. I fired him.” Noah tells me with a seriously stricken face, but he can’t keep the charade going for too long and starts laughing when he sees my mouthhanging open. “Oh. My. God. Kai, you should see your face. Caleb is fine. He quit a couple of years ago. He works over at Peonies and Petals. Actually, Barrett and Caleb own it.”
I stare at Noah blankly. “I’m sorry. Say what now?” I think I blacked out for a minute. “Ourlittle Caleb owns a flower shop?” I hate that I’m missing out on my friends’ lives so much. I rub the center of my chest where a sharp pain just hit, driving home the idea of moving back.
Noah chuckles. “Yes. He took a night class to learn flower design and started making fun arrangements. He’s really talented. They were displayed all over the coffee shop, and customers started asking where they came from. Then, he began selling them. He fell in love with it and decided to open up a small shop. Barrett, of course, is still his daddy and takes care of the business side, allowing Caleb to focus on the design aspect.”
