Due North (1/8)
Author: writewanderlust
Artist: sapphrein
Beta: therellbepeace3
Genre: RPS
Pairing: Jensen/Jared, with brief mentions of previous relationships
Rating: PG
Word count: ~ 4,400
Summary: Jensen is a barista with a sordid past, Jared is running away from the shambles of his engagement; they come together in the wilderness of Caribou, Maine. Jared is everything Jensen isn't: outgoing, noisy, and cheerful. It's annoying. Especially since Jared has apparently decided that he likes Jensen and will stop at nothing to get a date with him. Jensen can't send him away as long as he's paying for coffee, and Jared won't take no for an answer, so Jensen agrees to a single date. With a little luck, and the magic of the Northern Lights, maybe they can have a chance after all.
Jared Padalecki could say, with complete honesty, that he had never though he would ever be moving to Maine; that he would abandon his beloved San Antonio for the 40 degree highs of a place called Caribou, of all things. Population: a measly 8,500, and only a twenty-minute drive from the Canadian border.
Of course, if you’d asked him a month ago what he thought life had in store for him, his answer would’ve involved Sandy, a gorgeous sprawling ranch, and maybe three or four children running amuck.
Yeah, that worked out so well.
“Are you sure you want to do this, baby?” Sherri asked for what was probably the hundredth time, giving her son a tremulous smile. “You know you don’t have to go running away across the country.”
Jared sighed. “I know, Momma. It’s not running, it’s just…something I need to do.”
“I know, JT, but I worry about you.”
“I’ll be fine, Momma,” Jared hurried to reassure her. “I’ll have Chad with me.”
Sherri’s eyes flicked over to where Chad was wrestling the last box into the back of the UHaul, cursing up a blue streak. “Somehow, that doesn’t exactly make me feel better,” she said sarcastically.
“He’s got a good heart,” Jared defended with a little chuckle.
Sherri shook her head, but she was smiling. “He must, because I know my son doesn’t pick bad apples.”
Jared thought about Sandy, and how oblivious he had been, how shocked that she was calling it off. He didn’t think he was quite as good at reading people as his mother seemed to think, but he didn’t argue.
Sherri’s eyes were suspiciously misty when Jared glanced down at her again. “I’m gonna miss you, JT.”
Jared wrapped his arms around his mother, dipping his head down to rest on her shoulder. “I’mma miss you too, Momma,” he mumbled. “I’ll call every week.”
“See that you do,” his mother said sternly, pulling back to look him in the eyes. “It’s been lonely around here since your father’s been gone.”
“I know,” Jared said softly. “Have Megan set you up with Skype when she comes down next weekend, and then we can video chat, a’ight?”
“That sounds lovely, baby,” Sherri agreed. She gave him another squeeze and then stepped back, blinking away tears. “Now go on, get. You’ve got an awful long drive ahead of you.”
“Ready to go, J-Man?” Chad asked, ambling over to clap Jared on the shoulder.
“Just ‘bout.”
“You look out for my baby, Chad,” Sherri instructed, tugging the blond in for a hug.
“Always do, Mrs. P.”
“I’ll call when I get there, okay momma?”
“See that you do. And pull over if you get too sleepy.”
“I know, I know,” Jared said, rolling his eyes. “And I’ll use my turn signals too.”
Sherri swatted his arm playfully. “You better not be sassing your momma, Jared Tristan!”
Jared bounced out of her reach, laughing. “Never!” He sobered up fairly quickly. “I love you, momma.”
“Love you too, baby,” Sherri replied with a tired smile. “I hope this move helps you find what you’re looking for.”
“I hope so too.”
***
The first few hours of the drive were fun; sodas and a jumbo-sized bag of beef jerky split between them, the radio blasting some Top-40 station Chad had found. Jared sang along to the songs he knew and made up words for the ones he didn’t, heedless of his friend’s mocking from the passenger seat.
Chad was a good friend, even if he was kind of a douchebag. He got that Jared didn’t feel much like talking, so he provided noise and fun instead, and Jared appreciated the effort.
After the first four hours, though, Chad glanced at the map and gave a low whistle.
“Dude, we still got 32 hours to go,” he said. “If you want me to be in any sort of shape to drive when it’s my turn, I’mma need a nap.”
“Yeah, dude, ‘course,” Jared agreed, turning the radio down to a murmur while Chad clambered over the seat and into the back of the cab, cursing when he slipped and fell.
“You okay, princess?” Jared asked, grinning when Chad flipped him off in the rearview mirror.
“Wake me when it’s my turn to drive, asshole.”
Jared made a noise to the affirmative and Chad fell asleep almost instantly, head pillowed on his jacket against the passenger-side door. It was an ability that had always impressed and amused Jared in equal measure. He’d never been able to manage it, himself.
Unfortunately, without Chad’s antics to distract him, Jared’s mind wandered inevitably back to Sandy. To say he’d been blindsided by her quiet pronouncement would be a gross understatement. It had been the most shocking thing that had ever happened to him, and not in a good way.
“Jared…I don’t think we should get married.”
“Oh…well, that’s okay, we can wait for a--”
“No, I think we shouldn’t be together. We should break up. For good.”
Just two months earlier, he’d gotten down on one knee in freakin’ Paris, and then suddenly she was pressing the ring back into his hand and leaving him sitting alone, shell-shocked, at the table in their favorite Italian restaurant.
What kind of person thought it was a good idea to break off an engagement in a public place, anyway? Having a room full of people to witness your life deteriorating only made everything that much worse. Jared didn’t think he’d ever be able to stomach chicken fettuccini again.
And Jared genuinely didn’t begrudge Sandy her decision. It was her life, and he didn’t want her to marry him if she didn’t love him. But if that was the case, why had she said yes to his proposal, only to turn around and leave him?
It had hurt, more than Jared could have ever imagined, and he had to get away. So he’d sold the ring and used the money for a deposit on a little rental house as far away from Texas as he could think of: Caribou, Maine.
Jared was pretty sure this was either the best or worst decision he’d ever made in his life. And he only had 30 more hours to dwell on it. Yeah. This was gonna end well.
***
Jared drove until it got dark and his eyes were burning from exhaustion before he found a truck stop to pull over.
“Dude,” he hissed, swatting Chad’s thigh. “Wake up, ‘s your turn to drive.”
“Five more minutes,” Chad groaned, throwing an arm over his face.
“There’s a Mickey D’s in the truck stop.”
Chad opened one eye, squinting suspiciously at Jared. “Big Mac?”
“Get your own, asshole,” Jared said without much heat. “I’ve been driving for fifteen hours-I’m tired.”
“Fine, Jaredina, I’ll get up.” Chad levered himself up into a sitting position. “But I’ll have you know it’s the lure of red meat, not your puppy eyes, that I’m doing it for.” He slid out of the cab and cracked his neck, glaring up at the taller man.
Jared pouted. “You can’t resist my puppy dog eyes!”
“Keep telling yourself that, Jarpad,” his friend said, groaning as he stretched out on tiptoe.
Jared climbed into backseat and stretched out, then fixed Chad with his saddest eyes. “Bring me some French fries?”
Chad laughed and took off towards the building. “Fuck you, dude!”
But when he came back, five minutes later, he shoved a Super Sized carton of fries into Jared’s hands.
“Not a word,” he warned, climbing up into the driver seat and slamming the door.
Jared grinned, heedless. “Can’t resist the puppy dog eyes,” he sing-songed, laughing when Chad flipped him off in the rearview mirror for a second time.
He was still smiling to himself when he finished his fries and lay out across the seat. The hum of the engine was soothing, and it wasn’t long until he dropped off to sleep.
***
When Jared next woke up, he was disoriented and sore all over. It took him a moment to remember where he was, but finally Chad’s mumble-singing under his breath permeated his consciousness and he dragged himself up into a sitting position.
Chad was slumped halfway over the steering wheel, staring blankly at the road. He didn’t even blink when Jared hauled himself back over the into the passenger seat.
“Dude, you wanna switch?” Jared offered, even though he didn’t really feel all that rested himself. Maybe his momma had been right and they were going to have to stop for the night.
Chad shook his head. “We’re like five minutes away.”
Sure enough, as he was speaking, a sign flashed by, proudly welcoming them to Caribou. A few minutes later, they pulled into the driveway of a quaint looking little house with blue shutters. A stocky, dark-haired man was standing on the front steps, a big black and tan dog sitting faithfully at his feet.
“Called the landlord when we were about 20 minutes out,” Chad mumbled. “Didn’t want to sleep in the truck again.”
“We’ll have to unload the mattresses,” Jared pointed out.
“Worth it.”
Jared stumbled out of the cab, his back popping as he stretched. Chad staggered to his side as the landlord stepped forward, hand extended.
“You must be Jared,” he said, shaking Jared’s hand firmly. “I’m Jeff Morgan.”
“Nice to meet you,” Jared said with a tired grin, glancing at the dog who had followed him over. “And who is this?”
Jeff grinned. “That’s Bisou; she’s my best bud.”
Jared knelt down to offer the dog his hand for inspection while Jeff and Chad made their introductions. “Hey, girl, how you doin’?”
Bisou sniffed his hand cautiously and then allowed him to scratch behind her ears, whining contentedly.
“You have a dog, Jared?” Jeff asked, watching them with a warm smile.
“Two of ‘em,” Jared answered. “Harley and Sadie; they’re coming up next week.”
“Maybe y’all can set up a doggy play-date.” Chad said, with a roll of his eyes.
“Not a dog person?” Jeff asked Jared, eyes twinkling.
“Not so much.”
“I like dogs!” Chad protested. “I just don’t like them more than people the way Jay here does!”
“He’s also cranky because he hasn’t had his beauty sleep,” Jared teased, and Jeff threw his head back and laughed while Chad scowled at them.
“Well I’ll leave you boys to it, then,” Jeff said. “Once you get all settled in, you’ll have to come over for a barbeque…and that doggy play-date.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Jared answered, shaking his landlord’s hand for a second time.
Jeff let Bisou jump into the pickup before climbing in himself, starting the engine, and pulling out with a cheerful wave.
“Weird dude,” Chad said after a moment. “I like him.”
They ended up deciding it was too much effort to unload the mattress just then, and Chad climbed into the trailer to drag out the couch cushions and a couple blankets. When they unlocked the door and stumbled into the bare living room, Jared didn’t even bother to look around their new home, just dropped his set of couch cushions on the floor and collapsed on top of them. He saw Chad mirroring the action out of the corner of his eye before sleep claimed him once again.
***
The smell of pepperoni pulled Jared back to consciousness a few hours later. He was sprawled half on the hardwood floor, half on the cushions, with a blanket wrapped around his torso and head, but when he recognized the smell, he popped up immediately, blanket slithering back to the floor.
“Pizza?” he asked hopefully.
Chad smirked at him from his perch on the other set of couch cushions. A stack of pizza boxes sat by his knee and he had a giant slice of pepperoni pizza in hand. “Hungry, J-Man?”
“Gimme. Please,” Jared added, sitting all the way up. Chad shoved the boxes over and Jared scooped up a piece, still hot enough to burn his tongue.
“I dunno how you can sleep through the doorbell, but just the smell of pizza can wake you up,” Chad commented.
“With a stomach like mine, “ Jared said, patting his belly, “excellent sense of smell comes with the territory.”
They finished eating in a companionable silence and then Jared gathered up the boxes to take out to the dumpster. “I guess we should start unpacking huh?”
Chad groaned, flopping back against the cushions. “Do we have to?”
“If you wanna sleep in a bed ever again, then yeah.”
“When you put it that way…” Chad murmured. “My porn’s all packed up, too.”
Jared flung a couch cushion at his head. “Dude, TMI.”
Chad threw him a wolfish grin. “Aw, baby, don’t be jealous, I still love you more. Just not in a sexy way.”
Jared climbed to his feet and offered his friend a hand up. “Guess I’ll just have to keep pining for you then. One day, you’ll realize you love me too.”
“In your big gay dreams, Padalecki.”
***
Between the two of them, they got all the boxes and furniture from the truck and into the house in just under two hours. Chad took the truck back to the UHaul center, and Jared set to work unpacking his room. By the time Chad got back, he had his bed and entertainment system set up and was starting in on his clothes.
“Dude,” Chad said, leaning against the doorjamb and watching his progress. “I did lunch and took the UHaul back, so you’ve gotta get dinner.” He tossed Jared’s keys at him and Jared dropped the sweater he was holding to catch them, one handed.
“Sounds good. I wanted to explore town anyway.”
Chad snorted, “Not much to explore, to be honest. This town’s tiny.”
“So what took you so long getting back?” Jared asked, puzzled.
His friend smirked. “Got held up with the girl at the UHaul store.”
Jared made a face. “Why am I friends with you again?”
“Because of my charming personality and your big gay crush on me,” Chad quipped. “Now go get me some dinner, bitch.”
Jared whacked him upside the head on his way out the door, laughing at the outraged noise his roommate made.
***
The town, Jared discovered, was just as small as Chad had claimed. It only took him five minutes to get from their new house to Main Street, and Jared decided to park and wander around for a while before he picked up dinner. He left his car parked along the curb under a street light and started down the sidewalk with no particular destination in mind.
A bright red “Help Wanted” sign caught his eye and he stopped, leaning forward to peer through the shop window. There were precariously stacked boxes everywhere, labeled neatly with Sharpie: “Fantasy,” “Historical,” “Romance.” Beautiful floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined the walls, empty and waiting. A bookshop, then. Jared grinned. He’d loved to read ever since his English-teacher momma had taught him how.
Jared climbed the steps and let himself in through the shop’s front door. Somewhere deep with in the shop, he heard the faint chime of a bell, followed by a startled yelp. A few seconds later, a dark head popped up from behind a teetering stack of boxes.
Jared took an involuntary step backwards, chest tightening painfully. The tiny, dark-haired woman reminded him so strongly of Sandy that he was thrown, uncertain what to say for a moment. “Sorry, I didn’t mean-I’ll just go.”
“Oh, no, don’t go!” the woman said, making her way over through the maze of boxes. “It’s just so quiet in here, you startled me.”
“Sorry,” Jared repeated. He felt a little foolish, and still blindsided by the reminder of his ex, and he was beginning to wonder if he shouldn’t have come in.
The woman didn’t seem to have any similar reservations, offering her hand with a sunny smile. “I’m Genevieve Cortese.”
“Jared Padalecki,” he replied, taking her hand automatically. “Just moved into town.”
“Well, welcome to Caribou,” she laughed. “What can I do for you, Jared?”
Jared smiled, despite himself. Genevieve’s chipper attitude was infectious, and he’d never been very good at being stoic to begin with. “I just saw your sign. You’re hiring?”
Genevieve took a step back to get a better look at him. “You’re not a serial killer, are you?” she asked, face serious.
Jared huffed out a laugh. “Never hurt a fly.”
“And you like books?”
“Been reading since I was four.”
“Know how to work a cash register?”
“Sure,” Jared answered.
Genevieve grinned again. “Perfect! You’re hired!”
“Just like that?” Jared asked, surprised.
“Just like that,” she agreed. “Can you start Monday? I know you said you just moved here, but I was really hoping to do the grand opening on Monday. We can get all the paperwork and stuff done then, if that’ll work?”
“That’s great!” Jared exclaimed when she finally stopped for breath. “You’re pretty awesome, Genevieve.”
“No, really, you are,” she corrected. “I was afraid I was going to have to get this place started up all by my lonesome.”
“Glad to help,” Jared said, smiling. “Listen, I hate to run, but my roommate’s waiting for me to bring back dinner.”
Genevieve nodded. “There’s an awesome old-school diner on the corner-you should definitely check it out. Jim makes an excellent cheeseburger.”
“I will, thanks!” Jared said, reaching for the doorknob. “Any other advice for the newbie?”
“If you like coffee, you’ll wanna check out Kitchy Coffee right across the street,” Genevieve answered, pointing. “They make the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had.”
“Excellent,” Jared said. “Thanks so much for everything, Genevieve!”
“Lemme know if you need help with anything else while you’re getting settled in,” she offered. “And I’ll see you here Monday, say…8 o’clock?”
“Sounds great,” he agreed. “I’ll see you then!”
The diner was just another block up, so Jared decided to walk. Even though it was cooler than he was used to for January, he had a new coat, and the snow on trees branches was so pretty. He kind of wished that he could see those famous fall colors he’d heard so much about, but they’d be here for him next autumn. He was feeling pretty good about the decision to move; the place was gorgeous and he had already found a job, even if his new boss did remind him of his ex.
The diner was a great little place, complete with black and white checkered tiles and red vinyl booths. There was even a little jukebox in the corner, Elvis crooning from the speakers. The couple who ran it, Jim and Sam, were very nice. When they heard Jared was new to town, they packed two extra slices of pie into his to-go boxes, free of charge.
“Be sure to check out Danni’s coffee shop!” Sam advised as he headed out. “Best damn cup of Joe you’ll ever taste.”
By the time he got back to the car, just across the street from the coffee shop, he was sufficiently curious, not to mention cold. He just wasn’t used to this kind of weather. Besides, everyone seemed to have great things to say about the place, and if Jared hoped to finish unpacking tonight, he was gonna need a pick-me-up. Chad could wait, Jared decided. He stuffed his keys back into his pocket and crossed the street.
When he opened the door, instead of the chime he expected, what sounded like the chorus of “Hello, Goodbye” played on a xylophone. It was definitely different than any coffee shop Jared had ever set foot in. Instead of chairs, there were colored cushions clustered around low tables with various knick-knacks as centerpieces. The walls were painted a deep purple and adorned with all sorts of photographs: a black and white shot of an elderly couple sitting on a park bench, a close-up of a bright yellow flower, one that looked like it had been taken by someone lying underneath a Christmas tree. The music, at least, was familiar; classic rock played low over the sound system.
Jared stepped up to the counter and glanced up at the menu. The barista had his back to the counter, rinsing out some glasses, so Jared took his time looking over his options. He didn’t even realize the barista had turned around until a rich honeyed voice was asking him: “You plannin’ on ordering something?”
Jared dropped his gaze to meet the guy’s eyes and, as cliché as it sounded, his breath caught in his throat. The barista was easily the most gorgeous person Jared had ever seen, with ridiculously green eyes and eyelashes almost too thick to be believed. He had a chiseled jaw that looked like it belonged on a model and full, perfect lips.
“Wow.” Jared said, and the barista raised an eyebrow.
“What?”
“You’re just really beautiful, oh my God,” Jared blurted out. His face flushed when he realized that he’d spoken out loud.
The barista didn’t look particularly amused, his forehead creasing. “So…did you come here for coffee or just to shout your internal monologue at complete strangers?”
“I-I came for the coffee,” Jared stammered. “I didn’t expect--” Oh, God, he was making it worse.
“Yeah, because who expects to see a barista behind the counter of a coffee shop?” the guy shot back, voice dripping with sarcasm.
“What’s your name?”
The barista’s eyebrows crept even higher. “Do you have Tourette's?”
Jared was pretty sure he was being insulted, but he felt his lips twitch into a smile nonetheless. “No.”
“Uh huh,” the barista didn’t look like he was buying it. “Did you want coffee or what?”
Jared opened his mouth to reply (and probably to stick his foot in it again), but a beautiful woman appeared out of nowhere before he could say a word. She punched the barista in the arm, but she was grinning. “You aren’t harassing the customers, are you, Jensen?”
The barista-Jensen-looked relieved. “Danni! Perfect timing! I’m supposed to be going on break…and I know how much you like helping first-time customers. I’ll just let you take over here.” Before either of them could protest, he slipped from between Danni and the register and vanished into the back room. Jared watched him go, inexplicably disappointed.
“Sorry about him,” Danni said, turning back to Jared with a smile. “He’s a little prickly.”
“Not at all,” Jared said a little dazedly. He kind of felt like he was dreaming or had been hit upside the head, or something equally dramatic. Usually, he was so good with people and socializing; this had never happened to him before.
When Jared came back down to Earth, Danni was watching him with a knowing smile. “Don’t worry, Jensen’s just shy. He’ll warm up to you if you come around enough.”
“Oh!” Jared started to protest. “I didn’t--I wasn’t--I mean…I heard you made really good coffee.”
Danni laughed. “I wasn’t accusing you of anything,” she reassured him. “So are you new to the area?”
“Just got into town last night. I’m Jared,” he added. “My roommate sent me out on a food run and I just got distracted.”
“Well, you’ll have to try our Kick Start Latte!” Danni exclaimed, already fiddling with the espresso machine. “Four shots of espresso-perfect for anyone who has lots of unpacking to do.”
“Sounds good,” Jared agreed. “How much do I owe you?”
“Oh, no charge,” Danni said, waving her hand dismissively. “Got to get you good and addicted…then I’ll start charging you money!” She sat two massive cups of coffee in front of him. “Give it a try?”
Jared obediently picked up one of the cups and took a sip. It was full-bodied and rich, just the right temperature, with just a hint of sweetness.
“This is really good,” he admitted, surprised even after all the raving he’d heard. “Really, really good.”
Danni’s grin broadened. “Glad to hear it. Take that other cup and be sure to get your roommate addicted too!”
“I will,” Jared agreed. “And I’ll definitely be back.”
“I don’t doubt it,” Danni said with a smirk, eyes flicking in the direction of the door Jensen had left through. Jared felt his face heat again and ducked his head, letting his bangs fall into his eyes.
“I, uh, thanks for the coffee,” he mumbled, scooping up the cups and beating a hasty retreat to the door. Danni just waved cheerily and went back to wiping down the counters.
The brisk air did nothing to clear Jared’s mind as he wandered back to his car in a daze. That Jensen guy-he’d been attractive, Lord yes, but Jared inexplicably found him endearing and fascinating too, despite the fact that their three-minute conversation easily topping the list of the most awkward Jared had ever experienced.
He was still preoccupied when he got home, so much so that he barely noticed Chad barreling down the stairs with all the grace of an elephant.
“Where the fuck have you been, Padalecki? I’m starving here, man, what took you so-” Chad stopped dead, studying Jared’s expression with a bizarre intensity. “Oh, man, you have got to be kidding me!”
“What?” Jared asked defensively, ducking behind his bangs again. He felt strangely vulnerable under Chad’s gaze. “Dude. What?”
“You met someone!” Chad accused. “You and Sandy broke up, like, two weeks ago, how can you possibly have fallen in love again already?”
“I-I’m not in love, Chad!” Jared sputtered, indignant. “There was just…there was a really attractive guy at the counter at the coffee shop, but I’m not-”
“Oh my God,” Chad groaned. “You’re in big gay love with a barista, could you be any more cliché?”
Jared just rolled his eyes. There was no talking to Chad when he got like this. Yeah, Jensen was gorgeous and Jared was weirdly charmed by him, but love-at-first-sight wasn’t even a real thing.
Was it?
“Oh my God,” Chad said again, yanking the coffee and to-go box out of Jared’s hands. “If my food is cold, that’s on you, Elton John.”
Artist: sapphrein
Beta: therellbepeace3
Genre: RPS
Pairing: Jensen/Jared, with brief mentions of previous relationships
Rating: PG
Word count: ~ 4,400
Summary: Jensen is a barista with a sordid past, Jared is running away from the shambles of his engagement; they come together in the wilderness of Caribou, Maine. Jared is everything Jensen isn't: outgoing, noisy, and cheerful. It's annoying. Especially since Jared has apparently decided that he likes Jensen and will stop at nothing to get a date with him. Jensen can't send him away as long as he's paying for coffee, and Jared won't take no for an answer, so Jensen agrees to a single date. With a little luck, and the magic of the Northern Lights, maybe they can have a chance after all.
Jared Padalecki could say, with complete honesty, that he had never though he would ever be moving to Maine; that he would abandon his beloved San Antonio for the 40 degree highs of a place called Caribou, of all things. Population: a measly 8,500, and only a twenty-minute drive from the Canadian border.
Of course, if you’d asked him a month ago what he thought life had in store for him, his answer would’ve involved Sandy, a gorgeous sprawling ranch, and maybe three or four children running amuck.
Yeah, that worked out so well.
“Are you sure you want to do this, baby?” Sherri asked for what was probably the hundredth time, giving her son a tremulous smile. “You know you don’t have to go running away across the country.”
Jared sighed. “I know, Momma. It’s not running, it’s just…something I need to do.”
“I know, JT, but I worry about you.”
“I’ll be fine, Momma,” Jared hurried to reassure her. “I’ll have Chad with me.”
Sherri’s eyes flicked over to where Chad was wrestling the last box into the back of the UHaul, cursing up a blue streak. “Somehow, that doesn’t exactly make me feel better,” she said sarcastically.
“He’s got a good heart,” Jared defended with a little chuckle.
Sherri shook her head, but she was smiling. “He must, because I know my son doesn’t pick bad apples.”
Jared thought about Sandy, and how oblivious he had been, how shocked that she was calling it off. He didn’t think he was quite as good at reading people as his mother seemed to think, but he didn’t argue.
Sherri’s eyes were suspiciously misty when Jared glanced down at her again. “I’m gonna miss you, JT.”
Jared wrapped his arms around his mother, dipping his head down to rest on her shoulder. “I’mma miss you too, Momma,” he mumbled. “I’ll call every week.”
“See that you do,” his mother said sternly, pulling back to look him in the eyes. “It’s been lonely around here since your father’s been gone.”
“I know,” Jared said softly. “Have Megan set you up with Skype when she comes down next weekend, and then we can video chat, a’ight?”
“That sounds lovely, baby,” Sherri agreed. She gave him another squeeze and then stepped back, blinking away tears. “Now go on, get. You’ve got an awful long drive ahead of you.”
“Ready to go, J-Man?” Chad asked, ambling over to clap Jared on the shoulder.
“Just ‘bout.”
“You look out for my baby, Chad,” Sherri instructed, tugging the blond in for a hug.
“Always do, Mrs. P.”
“I’ll call when I get there, okay momma?”
“See that you do. And pull over if you get too sleepy.”
“I know, I know,” Jared said, rolling his eyes. “And I’ll use my turn signals too.”
Sherri swatted his arm playfully. “You better not be sassing your momma, Jared Tristan!”
Jared bounced out of her reach, laughing. “Never!” He sobered up fairly quickly. “I love you, momma.”
“Love you too, baby,” Sherri replied with a tired smile. “I hope this move helps you find what you’re looking for.”
“I hope so too.”
***
The first few hours of the drive were fun; sodas and a jumbo-sized bag of beef jerky split between them, the radio blasting some Top-40 station Chad had found. Jared sang along to the songs he knew and made up words for the ones he didn’t, heedless of his friend’s mocking from the passenger seat.
Chad was a good friend, even if he was kind of a douchebag. He got that Jared didn’t feel much like talking, so he provided noise and fun instead, and Jared appreciated the effort.
After the first four hours, though, Chad glanced at the map and gave a low whistle.
“Dude, we still got 32 hours to go,” he said. “If you want me to be in any sort of shape to drive when it’s my turn, I’mma need a nap.”
“Yeah, dude, ‘course,” Jared agreed, turning the radio down to a murmur while Chad clambered over the seat and into the back of the cab, cursing when he slipped and fell.
“You okay, princess?” Jared asked, grinning when Chad flipped him off in the rearview mirror.
“Wake me when it’s my turn to drive, asshole.”
Jared made a noise to the affirmative and Chad fell asleep almost instantly, head pillowed on his jacket against the passenger-side door. It was an ability that had always impressed and amused Jared in equal measure. He’d never been able to manage it, himself.
Unfortunately, without Chad’s antics to distract him, Jared’s mind wandered inevitably back to Sandy. To say he’d been blindsided by her quiet pronouncement would be a gross understatement. It had been the most shocking thing that had ever happened to him, and not in a good way.
“Jared…I don’t think we should get married.”
“Oh…well, that’s okay, we can wait for a--”
“No, I think we shouldn’t be together. We should break up. For good.”
Just two months earlier, he’d gotten down on one knee in freakin’ Paris, and then suddenly she was pressing the ring back into his hand and leaving him sitting alone, shell-shocked, at the table in their favorite Italian restaurant.
What kind of person thought it was a good idea to break off an engagement in a public place, anyway? Having a room full of people to witness your life deteriorating only made everything that much worse. Jared didn’t think he’d ever be able to stomach chicken fettuccini again.
And Jared genuinely didn’t begrudge Sandy her decision. It was her life, and he didn’t want her to marry him if she didn’t love him. But if that was the case, why had she said yes to his proposal, only to turn around and leave him?
It had hurt, more than Jared could have ever imagined, and he had to get away. So he’d sold the ring and used the money for a deposit on a little rental house as far away from Texas as he could think of: Caribou, Maine.
Jared was pretty sure this was either the best or worst decision he’d ever made in his life. And he only had 30 more hours to dwell on it. Yeah. This was gonna end well.
***
Jared drove until it got dark and his eyes were burning from exhaustion before he found a truck stop to pull over.
“Dude,” he hissed, swatting Chad’s thigh. “Wake up, ‘s your turn to drive.”
“Five more minutes,” Chad groaned, throwing an arm over his face.
“There’s a Mickey D’s in the truck stop.”
Chad opened one eye, squinting suspiciously at Jared. “Big Mac?”
“Get your own, asshole,” Jared said without much heat. “I’ve been driving for fifteen hours-I’m tired.”
“Fine, Jaredina, I’ll get up.” Chad levered himself up into a sitting position. “But I’ll have you know it’s the lure of red meat, not your puppy eyes, that I’m doing it for.” He slid out of the cab and cracked his neck, glaring up at the taller man.
Jared pouted. “You can’t resist my puppy dog eyes!”
“Keep telling yourself that, Jarpad,” his friend said, groaning as he stretched out on tiptoe.
Jared climbed into backseat and stretched out, then fixed Chad with his saddest eyes. “Bring me some French fries?”
Chad laughed and took off towards the building. “Fuck you, dude!”
But when he came back, five minutes later, he shoved a Super Sized carton of fries into Jared’s hands.
“Not a word,” he warned, climbing up into the driver seat and slamming the door.
Jared grinned, heedless. “Can’t resist the puppy dog eyes,” he sing-songed, laughing when Chad flipped him off in the rearview mirror for a second time.
He was still smiling to himself when he finished his fries and lay out across the seat. The hum of the engine was soothing, and it wasn’t long until he dropped off to sleep.
***
When Jared next woke up, he was disoriented and sore all over. It took him a moment to remember where he was, but finally Chad’s mumble-singing under his breath permeated his consciousness and he dragged himself up into a sitting position.
Chad was slumped halfway over the steering wheel, staring blankly at the road. He didn’t even blink when Jared hauled himself back over the into the passenger seat.
“Dude, you wanna switch?” Jared offered, even though he didn’t really feel all that rested himself. Maybe his momma had been right and they were going to have to stop for the night.
Chad shook his head. “We’re like five minutes away.”
Sure enough, as he was speaking, a sign flashed by, proudly welcoming them to Caribou. A few minutes later, they pulled into the driveway of a quaint looking little house with blue shutters. A stocky, dark-haired man was standing on the front steps, a big black and tan dog sitting faithfully at his feet.
“Called the landlord when we were about 20 minutes out,” Chad mumbled. “Didn’t want to sleep in the truck again.”
“We’ll have to unload the mattresses,” Jared pointed out.
“Worth it.”
Jared stumbled out of the cab, his back popping as he stretched. Chad staggered to his side as the landlord stepped forward, hand extended.
“You must be Jared,” he said, shaking Jared’s hand firmly. “I’m Jeff Morgan.”
“Nice to meet you,” Jared said with a tired grin, glancing at the dog who had followed him over. “And who is this?”
Jeff grinned. “That’s Bisou; she’s my best bud.”
Jared knelt down to offer the dog his hand for inspection while Jeff and Chad made their introductions. “Hey, girl, how you doin’?”
Bisou sniffed his hand cautiously and then allowed him to scratch behind her ears, whining contentedly.
“You have a dog, Jared?” Jeff asked, watching them with a warm smile.
“Two of ‘em,” Jared answered. “Harley and Sadie; they’re coming up next week.”
“Maybe y’all can set up a doggy play-date.” Chad said, with a roll of his eyes.
“Not a dog person?” Jeff asked Jared, eyes twinkling.
“Not so much.”
“I like dogs!” Chad protested. “I just don’t like them more than people the way Jay here does!”
“He’s also cranky because he hasn’t had his beauty sleep,” Jared teased, and Jeff threw his head back and laughed while Chad scowled at them.
“Well I’ll leave you boys to it, then,” Jeff said. “Once you get all settled in, you’ll have to come over for a barbeque…and that doggy play-date.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Jared answered, shaking his landlord’s hand for a second time.
Jeff let Bisou jump into the pickup before climbing in himself, starting the engine, and pulling out with a cheerful wave.
“Weird dude,” Chad said after a moment. “I like him.”
They ended up deciding it was too much effort to unload the mattress just then, and Chad climbed into the trailer to drag out the couch cushions and a couple blankets. When they unlocked the door and stumbled into the bare living room, Jared didn’t even bother to look around their new home, just dropped his set of couch cushions on the floor and collapsed on top of them. He saw Chad mirroring the action out of the corner of his eye before sleep claimed him once again.
***
The smell of pepperoni pulled Jared back to consciousness a few hours later. He was sprawled half on the hardwood floor, half on the cushions, with a blanket wrapped around his torso and head, but when he recognized the smell, he popped up immediately, blanket slithering back to the floor.
“Pizza?” he asked hopefully.
Chad smirked at him from his perch on the other set of couch cushions. A stack of pizza boxes sat by his knee and he had a giant slice of pepperoni pizza in hand. “Hungry, J-Man?”
“Gimme. Please,” Jared added, sitting all the way up. Chad shoved the boxes over and Jared scooped up a piece, still hot enough to burn his tongue.
“I dunno how you can sleep through the doorbell, but just the smell of pizza can wake you up,” Chad commented.
“With a stomach like mine, “ Jared said, patting his belly, “excellent sense of smell comes with the territory.”
They finished eating in a companionable silence and then Jared gathered up the boxes to take out to the dumpster. “I guess we should start unpacking huh?”
Chad groaned, flopping back against the cushions. “Do we have to?”
“If you wanna sleep in a bed ever again, then yeah.”
“When you put it that way…” Chad murmured. “My porn’s all packed up, too.”
Jared flung a couch cushion at his head. “Dude, TMI.”
Chad threw him a wolfish grin. “Aw, baby, don’t be jealous, I still love you more. Just not in a sexy way.”
Jared climbed to his feet and offered his friend a hand up. “Guess I’ll just have to keep pining for you then. One day, you’ll realize you love me too.”
“In your big gay dreams, Padalecki.”
***
Between the two of them, they got all the boxes and furniture from the truck and into the house in just under two hours. Chad took the truck back to the UHaul center, and Jared set to work unpacking his room. By the time Chad got back, he had his bed and entertainment system set up and was starting in on his clothes.
“Dude,” Chad said, leaning against the doorjamb and watching his progress. “I did lunch and took the UHaul back, so you’ve gotta get dinner.” He tossed Jared’s keys at him and Jared dropped the sweater he was holding to catch them, one handed.
“Sounds good. I wanted to explore town anyway.”
Chad snorted, “Not much to explore, to be honest. This town’s tiny.”
“So what took you so long getting back?” Jared asked, puzzled.
His friend smirked. “Got held up with the girl at the UHaul store.”
Jared made a face. “Why am I friends with you again?”
“Because of my charming personality and your big gay crush on me,” Chad quipped. “Now go get me some dinner, bitch.”
Jared whacked him upside the head on his way out the door, laughing at the outraged noise his roommate made.
***
The town, Jared discovered, was just as small as Chad had claimed. It only took him five minutes to get from their new house to Main Street, and Jared decided to park and wander around for a while before he picked up dinner. He left his car parked along the curb under a street light and started down the sidewalk with no particular destination in mind.
A bright red “Help Wanted” sign caught his eye and he stopped, leaning forward to peer through the shop window. There were precariously stacked boxes everywhere, labeled neatly with Sharpie: “Fantasy,” “Historical,” “Romance.” Beautiful floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined the walls, empty and waiting. A bookshop, then. Jared grinned. He’d loved to read ever since his English-teacher momma had taught him how.
Jared climbed the steps and let himself in through the shop’s front door. Somewhere deep with in the shop, he heard the faint chime of a bell, followed by a startled yelp. A few seconds later, a dark head popped up from behind a teetering stack of boxes.
Jared took an involuntary step backwards, chest tightening painfully. The tiny, dark-haired woman reminded him so strongly of Sandy that he was thrown, uncertain what to say for a moment. “Sorry, I didn’t mean-I’ll just go.”
“Oh, no, don’t go!” the woman said, making her way over through the maze of boxes. “It’s just so quiet in here, you startled me.”
“Sorry,” Jared repeated. He felt a little foolish, and still blindsided by the reminder of his ex, and he was beginning to wonder if he shouldn’t have come in.
The woman didn’t seem to have any similar reservations, offering her hand with a sunny smile. “I’m Genevieve Cortese.”
“Jared Padalecki,” he replied, taking her hand automatically. “Just moved into town.”
“Well, welcome to Caribou,” she laughed. “What can I do for you, Jared?”
Jared smiled, despite himself. Genevieve’s chipper attitude was infectious, and he’d never been very good at being stoic to begin with. “I just saw your sign. You’re hiring?”
Genevieve took a step back to get a better look at him. “You’re not a serial killer, are you?” she asked, face serious.
Jared huffed out a laugh. “Never hurt a fly.”
“And you like books?”
“Been reading since I was four.”
“Know how to work a cash register?”
“Sure,” Jared answered.
Genevieve grinned again. “Perfect! You’re hired!”
“Just like that?” Jared asked, surprised.
“Just like that,” she agreed. “Can you start Monday? I know you said you just moved here, but I was really hoping to do the grand opening on Monday. We can get all the paperwork and stuff done then, if that’ll work?”
“That’s great!” Jared exclaimed when she finally stopped for breath. “You’re pretty awesome, Genevieve.”
“No, really, you are,” she corrected. “I was afraid I was going to have to get this place started up all by my lonesome.”
“Glad to help,” Jared said, smiling. “Listen, I hate to run, but my roommate’s waiting for me to bring back dinner.”
Genevieve nodded. “There’s an awesome old-school diner on the corner-you should definitely check it out. Jim makes an excellent cheeseburger.”
“I will, thanks!” Jared said, reaching for the doorknob. “Any other advice for the newbie?”
“If you like coffee, you’ll wanna check out Kitchy Coffee right across the street,” Genevieve answered, pointing. “They make the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had.”
“Excellent,” Jared said. “Thanks so much for everything, Genevieve!”
“Lemme know if you need help with anything else while you’re getting settled in,” she offered. “And I’ll see you here Monday, say…8 o’clock?”
“Sounds great,” he agreed. “I’ll see you then!”
The diner was just another block up, so Jared decided to walk. Even though it was cooler than he was used to for January, he had a new coat, and the snow on trees branches was so pretty. He kind of wished that he could see those famous fall colors he’d heard so much about, but they’d be here for him next autumn. He was feeling pretty good about the decision to move; the place was gorgeous and he had already found a job, even if his new boss did remind him of his ex.
The diner was a great little place, complete with black and white checkered tiles and red vinyl booths. There was even a little jukebox in the corner, Elvis crooning from the speakers. The couple who ran it, Jim and Sam, were very nice. When they heard Jared was new to town, they packed two extra slices of pie into his to-go boxes, free of charge.
“Be sure to check out Danni’s coffee shop!” Sam advised as he headed out. “Best damn cup of Joe you’ll ever taste.”
By the time he got back to the car, just across the street from the coffee shop, he was sufficiently curious, not to mention cold. He just wasn’t used to this kind of weather. Besides, everyone seemed to have great things to say about the place, and if Jared hoped to finish unpacking tonight, he was gonna need a pick-me-up. Chad could wait, Jared decided. He stuffed his keys back into his pocket and crossed the street.
When he opened the door, instead of the chime he expected, what sounded like the chorus of “Hello, Goodbye” played on a xylophone. It was definitely different than any coffee shop Jared had ever set foot in. Instead of chairs, there were colored cushions clustered around low tables with various knick-knacks as centerpieces. The walls were painted a deep purple and adorned with all sorts of photographs: a black and white shot of an elderly couple sitting on a park bench, a close-up of a bright yellow flower, one that looked like it had been taken by someone lying underneath a Christmas tree. The music, at least, was familiar; classic rock played low over the sound system.
Jared stepped up to the counter and glanced up at the menu. The barista had his back to the counter, rinsing out some glasses, so Jared took his time looking over his options. He didn’t even realize the barista had turned around until a rich honeyed voice was asking him: “You plannin’ on ordering something?”
Jared dropped his gaze to meet the guy’s eyes and, as cliché as it sounded, his breath caught in his throat. The barista was easily the most gorgeous person Jared had ever seen, with ridiculously green eyes and eyelashes almost too thick to be believed. He had a chiseled jaw that looked like it belonged on a model and full, perfect lips.
“Wow.” Jared said, and the barista raised an eyebrow.
“What?”
“You’re just really beautiful, oh my God,” Jared blurted out. His face flushed when he realized that he’d spoken out loud.
The barista didn’t look particularly amused, his forehead creasing. “So…did you come here for coffee or just to shout your internal monologue at complete strangers?”
“I-I came for the coffee,” Jared stammered. “I didn’t expect--” Oh, God, he was making it worse.
“Yeah, because who expects to see a barista behind the counter of a coffee shop?” the guy shot back, voice dripping with sarcasm.
“What’s your name?”
The barista’s eyebrows crept even higher. “Do you have Tourette's?”
Jared was pretty sure he was being insulted, but he felt his lips twitch into a smile nonetheless. “No.”
“Uh huh,” the barista didn’t look like he was buying it. “Did you want coffee or what?”
Jared opened his mouth to reply (and probably to stick his foot in it again), but a beautiful woman appeared out of nowhere before he could say a word. She punched the barista in the arm, but she was grinning. “You aren’t harassing the customers, are you, Jensen?”
The barista-Jensen-looked relieved. “Danni! Perfect timing! I’m supposed to be going on break…and I know how much you like helping first-time customers. I’ll just let you take over here.” Before either of them could protest, he slipped from between Danni and the register and vanished into the back room. Jared watched him go, inexplicably disappointed.
“Sorry about him,” Danni said, turning back to Jared with a smile. “He’s a little prickly.”
“Not at all,” Jared said a little dazedly. He kind of felt like he was dreaming or had been hit upside the head, or something equally dramatic. Usually, he was so good with people and socializing; this had never happened to him before.
When Jared came back down to Earth, Danni was watching him with a knowing smile. “Don’t worry, Jensen’s just shy. He’ll warm up to you if you come around enough.”
“Oh!” Jared started to protest. “I didn’t--I wasn’t--I mean…I heard you made really good coffee.”
Danni laughed. “I wasn’t accusing you of anything,” she reassured him. “So are you new to the area?”
“Just got into town last night. I’m Jared,” he added. “My roommate sent me out on a food run and I just got distracted.”
“Well, you’ll have to try our Kick Start Latte!” Danni exclaimed, already fiddling with the espresso machine. “Four shots of espresso-perfect for anyone who has lots of unpacking to do.”
“Sounds good,” Jared agreed. “How much do I owe you?”
“Oh, no charge,” Danni said, waving her hand dismissively. “Got to get you good and addicted…then I’ll start charging you money!” She sat two massive cups of coffee in front of him. “Give it a try?”
Jared obediently picked up one of the cups and took a sip. It was full-bodied and rich, just the right temperature, with just a hint of sweetness.
“This is really good,” he admitted, surprised even after all the raving he’d heard. “Really, really good.”
Danni’s grin broadened. “Glad to hear it. Take that other cup and be sure to get your roommate addicted too!”
“I will,” Jared agreed. “And I’ll definitely be back.”
“I don’t doubt it,” Danni said with a smirk, eyes flicking in the direction of the door Jensen had left through. Jared felt his face heat again and ducked his head, letting his bangs fall into his eyes.
“I, uh, thanks for the coffee,” he mumbled, scooping up the cups and beating a hasty retreat to the door. Danni just waved cheerily and went back to wiping down the counters.
The brisk air did nothing to clear Jared’s mind as he wandered back to his car in a daze. That Jensen guy-he’d been attractive, Lord yes, but Jared inexplicably found him endearing and fascinating too, despite the fact that their three-minute conversation easily topping the list of the most awkward Jared had ever experienced.
He was still preoccupied when he got home, so much so that he barely noticed Chad barreling down the stairs with all the grace of an elephant.
“Where the fuck have you been, Padalecki? I’m starving here, man, what took you so-” Chad stopped dead, studying Jared’s expression with a bizarre intensity. “Oh, man, you have got to be kidding me!”
“What?” Jared asked defensively, ducking behind his bangs again. He felt strangely vulnerable under Chad’s gaze. “Dude. What?”
“You met someone!” Chad accused. “You and Sandy broke up, like, two weeks ago, how can you possibly have fallen in love again already?”
“I-I’m not in love, Chad!” Jared sputtered, indignant. “There was just…there was a really attractive guy at the counter at the coffee shop, but I’m not-”
“Oh my God,” Chad groaned. “You’re in big gay love with a barista, could you be any more cliché?”
Jared just rolled his eyes. There was no talking to Chad when he got like this. Yeah, Jensen was gorgeous and Jared was weirdly charmed by him, but love-at-first-sight wasn’t even a real thing.
Was it?
“Oh my God,” Chad said again, yanking the coffee and to-go box out of Jared’s hands. “If my food is cold, that’s on you, Elton John.”