Jude wrinkles his brow but says nothing.
“So, how do you like it in Golden Peak so far?” Kara asks. “Is everyone being welcoming?”
“Uh, yeah, so far everyone has been great,” Jude says, glancing longingly toward the door.
His mood changed the minute Kara showed up. It’s frustrating because we were bonding nicely before she arrived. Obviously it’s not fair to blame Kara, especially considering I invited her, but I can’t help the twinge of irritation I feel at her timing. It felt like Jude was just starting to really open up when she arrived.
“Do you think you’ll like living up here on the mountain?” Kara asks.
“I think so,” Jude says, once more shooting a look toward the exit.
Kara takes her drink from Jim. “Thanks, Jim. You’re a lifesaver. I’ve been dreaming of this martini all day.”
Jim smiles at her. “Well, I do make the best martini in town.”
“Yes you do.” Kara laughs, swiveling toward Jude and lifting her glass. “Hey, everybody, how about a welcome-to-Golden-Peak toast to Jude!”
Jude’s cheeks flush as everyone turns toward him, lifting their glasses as they shout the cheer. I’m annoyedforhim. I just got everyone to stop staring at him, and he’s back in the spotlight again because of Kara.
“Thanks, everyone.” He forces a smile, but I sense he’d like to crawl under the nearest table.
Once the chatter from the toast has quieted, Kara says, “I heard you’re living at the Blue Pine Apartments, Jude. Do you plan on buying a house or staying there long term?”
“I… I haven’t thought that far ahead yet.”
“Those apartments are fine short term, but if you like it here you should think about buying a house. There are several great properties up for sale at the moment. There’s a beautiful three bedroom two bath home that you could get for a bargain price. The seller is very motivated.” She leans toward Jude. “In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m in real estate.”
“Oh, that’s great.” Jude laughs awkwardly and then takes a gulp of his beer. Once he’s swallowed, he says, “I’ll let you know if I decide to buy.”
Kara grins. “Please do.”
I clear my throat. “How about we let Jude decide if he even likes living in Golden Peak before we pressure him to put down roots?”
Jude gives me a grateful look.
“Sorry.” Kara sighs. “I love my job. There’s nothing more fulfilling than helping someone find the perfect home.”
“Well, if… if the time comes, I’ll be sure and let you handle the sale,” Jude says.
“Awesome,” Kara says brightly.
Sally and a few others come over to chat with us. Jude responds if they ask him something, but there’s a distance in his expression that wasn’t there before Kara arrived. He’s polite, but he’s retreated into his shell again.
At one point, I get up to use the restroom and when I return, Jude is gone. Disappointment hits me as I look at his empty stool. I turn to Kara who’s laughing at something Sally said.
“Did Jude leave?” I ask.
She glances over at his empty spot. “Oh, I… I guess he did.” She frowns. “He didn’t even say goodbye.”
Sally sighs. “I get the feeling he’s not very sociable. I could barely get a word out of him.”
Kara nods. “He did seem on the quiet side. He was almost kind of cold.”
Something protective surges inside of me. “Hey, he’s my partner. Don’t badmouth him in front of me.”
Kara grimaces. “We’re not badmouthing him…”
“Sure seems like it,” I grumble. “I think he did great, considering. Imagine how tough it must be for him. He juststarted a new job in a new place. He doesn’t knowanyone. Every person he meets is a stranger. You guys would probably feel overwhelmed too in that situation.”
