Unbreak Me

by EJ Logan

  “I knew it! I told Jake you guys were falling for each other,” she exclaimed.

  "I think you heard me wrong Tess, like I said the feelings weren't mutual. I fell for him, and he just shut the door in my face,”

  "Oh Ari, with the way he has been acting, I have to say your wrong. He cares about you and when I say that I mean I think the boy's in love with you, but he has had a really messed up past and just doesn't know how to deal with it. As much as I want to see you both happy he needs to let go of his past before he'll be ready to let any woman fully have his heart. I just hope he figures his shit out soon, before he loses the perfect girl for him,”

  "Ahh, thanks for saying that, but I think your wrong. I don't think his feelings are that strong for me, yes I believe he cares for me, but as a friend and definitely not the way I feel for him. Even if he did, I'm afraid he may have already lost me. I don't think I can take any more rejection any time soon,”

  After our conversation, I got a text from Brent asking me to meet him at the pub. Not wanting it to seem like a date, I asked to bring Callie with me. The night ended up flying by with me having a blast dancing with both Brent and Callie and just smiling and laughing all night long. I could get used to hanging with Brent, he was a great guy.

  The next couple of days went by quickly Brent came by both days once bringing me lunch and then tonight we spent the night together ordering Chinese and watching movies. After agreeing to drive back following each other we hugged goodbye, and I went to my room with a huge smile on my face.

  I wasn't falling for him, sure he was hot, but it was more that he just made me feel good. He would always find a way to make me laugh, and that was what I needed right now. I couldn't have asked to find a better friend to help me through all of this, but even with how happy I felt, I still went to bed dreading tomorrow and going back to face Caleb.

  Caleb

  Today was the day she would be home. I stayed home and planned to serenade her as soon as she was in the house. I have a long speech planned in my head, I just hope I don't end up mixing up my words with the lyrics of the song.

  It was just after four when I heard the kitchen door open. Walking that way I called out “Ari baby I mi..,” I stopped in my tracks at the sight of some young guy walking in carrying Ari's bag. She was right behind him laughing at something he said. My heart sank, I was too late, I fucked it up to bad, and she's already met someone new. How could she think she loves me and then bring some guy home a few short days later?

  “Oh hey man you must be Caleb, I'm Brent I went to school with Ari and just moved here to lovely San Fran,” the guy said. I have to admit I barely listened to what he had to say, my focus was on only one thing, and that was a little brunette coming through the door behind him.

  "Uh, nice to meet you too man. I got this from here," I told him taking Ari's bag out of his hands.

  “Okay thanks man,” he said before making his way to Ari, where I had the displeasure of watching him kiss her cheek and then whisper something, making her laugh.

  That was all I could take I took Ari's bag to her room, grabbed my keys and called out to Ari as I left. "Hey, Air running out," I couldn't see that. Jumping in the car, I headed to the only place I knew to go, Jake and Tess' apartment.

  CHAPTERtwentyfive

  Caleb

  I was at Tess and Jake's in no time, as soon as I opened the door, and went straight to the liquor. Downing a glass of bourbon in seconds flat, I poured another and let out a deep sigh. "Shit!" Why the hell would she show up with some guy? A guy who seemed to know who I was, and Ari was comfortable enough with, to let him hug and kiss her. Sure it was on the cheek, but if he were just some guy she met, she would never be that comfortable with him.

  "AHHHH!" This is why I never tried before, and I don't want to feel this way. I could literally feel my heart break when he walked through my door. I had it all planned again; I was going to make her see how much I truly love her, how sorry I am for causing her pain and how I plan to spend every waking minute making it up to her. Maybe this is what I get for being such a jerk to women for so many years. That’s karma for ya, have me finally meet and fall in love with the absolute perfect women, only to ruin it and never get a chance to make it right.

  Okay, so maybe I'm a little dramatic about the whole thing, but it just pisses me off. We should be together right now. I should be holding her in my arms. Not some lame ass, not that he was holding her but. Ahhh I just need to get wasted and forget all this shit, but I can't, I have a huge meeting tomorrow. When we got a call saying we had won the bid to do the job in Houston, I was ecstatic. This is a huge break for the company, and I owe this job to Ari. She was what sold them, and they even told me that. As much as they loved the plans, they were also fond of what Nick had to offer, but they absolutely loved Ari. Who could blame them though, she is amazing. Oh and here I go again, I just can't get her out of my fucking head.

  I had just poured myself another drink when the door opened and in walked Tess. “Caleb, what are you doing here?” she asked looking confused as hell.

  “What can't a man just come see his little cousin, without any reason at all?” I asked acting hurt.

  She just rolled her eyes “Cut the crap, I assume this is about Ari, am I correct?” Oh, how she knows me too well. I just nodded. Not sure how much I should tell her, but wanting to tell her everything. I bit my lip and looked up at her. She looked like she was debating something as well. "Um so I know everything," she mumbled.

  “Wait, what, how?” How could she know everything unless.... “She told you?”

  "Yeah, we talked on Sunday, you know the day after your drunk dialing episode. Yeah, she told me all about that too. Messed up man. Using the way she feels against her that's just not right,” She said shaking her head in disgust.

  The thing is I have no clue what she is talking about. I know from my call log we talked that night for about five minutes, but I have no clue what was said. "Shit what did I say? I know I talked to her, but I just don't remember what was said. God I can't do anything right when it comes to her. I finally find the girl, who as cheesy as this sounds completes me, and I ruin everything. I let her go, because I'm too much of a pussy to put my heart on the line, even when she did. This girl, this amazing, beautiful girl who was both beaten and broken by the last man she loved, put her heart out there for me, and I just walked away from it muttering a stupid apology. AHHHHHH!" I screamed pulling at my hair.

  Tess just stared at me without saying a word "And twice since I have planned out how to apologize, how to try and fix everything, and it all goes to shit. First she leaves to go back to her mom's and then today I takeoff early to be there when she got home, but she wasn't alone. She was with some douche, some young, ugly, ass douche, who she was okay with hugging and kissing like I didn't ever mean anything to her,”

  "Hmm, that's not what she said" I barely heard her mumble.

  “What, what do you mean by that's not what she said?” I asked confused as to what part of what I had said she was talking about.

  "Um I was just saying, you know, never mind," she said shaking her head.

  "Oh, I don't think so, say what you were going to say,”

  “I was just going to say, she didn't describe him as ugly. More like a Calvin Klein model,” Again she mumbled the last part but I still heard.

  “Shit, she even talked to you about how she's attracted to the guy. What else did she say about him, did she sleep with him too?” I spit out angrily.

  Taking my arm Tess pulled me to the couch "Seriously Caleb calm down. First do you think she would just up and sleep with the guy? Second what do you mean by they were hugging and kissing?"

  Sighing I sat back and looked up at the ceiling. “When he was leaving, he hugged her and then gave her a kiss. Sure it was on the cheek, but Ari isn't one to just let some guy hug and kiss her, so I know they must be getting pretty close,”

  "Oh god Caleb, they have known each other since th
ey were kids. He's Kyle's cousin, not some guy she just met. She really didn't talk about him that much, mostly she talked about you and how she felt about everything. Oh and to answer your question about what you said when you were drunk. You asked her to come home because you couldn't sleep without her, and you went as far as to say something like I thought you loved me, just to try and get her back home. I'm pretty sure she cussed at you and then hung up, but I could be wrong on that,” She said shrugging like it was all no big deal.

  Rubbing my hands down my face, I mumbled. “I just fuck everything up,”

  "Caleb quit over thinking everything and go apologize, tell her how you feel. She loves you, now go show her that you love her too. I love you both, and I want to see you both happy,” She said giving me a hug. “But if you ever do anything else to break her heart I will mess you up, got it cuz,” She said giving me a stern look and putting out her hand.

  “What?” I asked confused

  "Keys, I'll drive you home, and you can pick up your car tomorrow, but I will not let you drive tonight,”

  She said sternly.

  "Uh, okay” I agreed to hand her my keys. I mean I wasn't drunk, but I definitely had a good buzz going on.

  Ari

  I can't believe Caleb just left without even acknowledging me. I mean; I was expecting some awkwardness but not this. I wish I would never have said anything to him, actually I wish we would never have hooked up. I would rather be his friend with some crazy sexual tension than to be nothing to him at all.

  After both Caleb and Brent left I went and unpacked, took a nice long shower and laid in bed watching a movie. Around nine, I heard the front door open. "All right here are your keys, go to bed and come get your car tomorrow, I'm going to go say hi to Ari. Oh, good luck with the meeting,” I first thought some slut from the bar had brought Caleb home, until I recognized the voice.

  A few seconds later there was a knock at my bedroom door "Come In,”

  “Hey hun, how are things? I heard Brent made sure you got home okay,”

  "Yeah, he wouldn't even let me carry my bag. He's a really sweet great guy, and I like him but..,” I said trailing off at the end not sure how to explain, how exactly I feel.

  Nodding she gave me a sad look “I get it. He's great, good looking and probably close to the perfect guy. He's just not THE guy, right,”

  "Yep," I said nodding "I can never fall for the right guy, I mean I knew with Caleb it was wrong. I knew he would never reciprocate my feelings, but I don't know it felt like he had. He even whispered he loved me the first night we were away, when he thought I was asleep. I just don't get men,”

  "Amen sister, I am engaged to one and still don't get him half the time,” She joked making me crack a smile. "See there's that beautiful smile. All I can say don't rush into anything with anyone. People may surprise you,”

  “Tess that's all you’re going to give me some cryptic 'people may surprise you.' You've got to give me more than that. I know Caleb was with you, are you going to tell me he didn't say anything?" I asked giving her my best pouty face.

  "Oh, don't look at me with that cute face. Believe me Caleb said a lot, but it's not my place to tell you. I just want you guys to work everything out. Jake and I love you both; you are our best friends, and we really hate seeing you both so unhappy,” She said giving me a big hug and then walking to the door.

  "I know, and I love you guys too, everything will be fine, I promise we'll get back to the way things were before,” I said giving her a smile. "Oh, I got all the info on guests and the date for your pre-wedding party. I also left a message with Aiden for some music help. So I just have to go over a few details with Caleb, and we'll have this party set. I still can't believe my party girl Tess will be a married woman in less than two months,”

  “I know it's crazy to think about it that way, but I couldn't be happier than I am now,” She said beaming with happiness.

  "I know, I can see it, I am so happy for you. If anyone deserves this kind of happiness, it's you love,” I said standing and giving her another hug.

  "Your wrong there, if anyone deserves this kind of happiness it’s you,” She whispered to me squeezing a little tighter before letting go and making her way out of my room. I wanted to go out and just see him but I didn't let myself. Instead, I crawled back into bed and let sleep take me over.

  I woke with a start, another nightmare. Were they ever going to stop? It makes no since I feel like I have come to terms with everything that happened, so why do I still have them?

  I heard my door knob turn, but my door was locked. “Ari, Ari baby the doors locked are you okay?” Caleb asked.

  So badly I wanted to snap don't call me baby, but I stopped myself. If I were going to fix this, I would have to let it go. "Yeah, I'm good,” I replied

  “Unlock the door and let me in,”

  “I'm fine Caleb, just another stupid nightmare, just go back to bed,” As much as I wanted to fix everything, I wasn't ready for him to hold me and comfort me like he always did after a nightmare.

  “Come on Ari, we need to talk anyways, just let me in,” He pleaded

  "Caleb we'll talk, but we have a big meeting tomorrow, and I just want to go back to bed. We can talk tomorrow night, I promise. Just go get some more sleep,”

  “Um...Okay. Well goodnight,” He said deflated

  “Night” I whispered

  The next day was somewhat awkward. I smiled at Caleb as I met him in the kitchen for coffee like we did every morning, but I know he could tell it was forced. "Hey," Was all I said as I pushed past him. I just didn't know what else to say not till tonight anyways that I had planned out. I know exactly what to say to fix all of this. I just need to wait for the right time and be convincing. Hey, I was in drama all through school, I should be able to pull off a little acting.

  “Uh... hey did you ever get back to sleep?”

  "Yeah, I did, sorry for waking you,” I said to him not meeting his eyes. I didn't want to see the pity I knew he would have in them for the broken girl in front of him.

  "Ari don't be sorry, you know it doesn't bother me and that I have my fair share of nightmares myself,”

  "I know," I said nodding "Well we better take off so we can be prepared for this meeting," I said walking towards the garage, and he followed.

  The ride to work was pretty quiet, well until my phone rang "Hello,”

  “Hey Ari, I got your message when is this party?” Aiden asked

  "Oh yeah, it's November eighth and it is going to be in Hawaii. So I wanted to see if you knew of a good dj and maybe even good venue's we could check out,”

  "Oh, wow that's soon, they sure are getting married quickly. Well, okay let me look into it. I'm about to board the plane back home now. Maybe I can come over after you guys get off work tomorrow, and we can talk about everything. I have something else I want to talk with you about too... but I'll see ya tomorrow okay?" He asked

  I knew what he wanted to talk about, and I felt bad but I wasn't going to go behind Callie's back and give him any info on her. She had his number and could call him if she wanted. As much as I would love to see them together that was all on her.

  "Okay, I'm sure that will be fine. Well, see you tomorrow then, bye,”

  "Bye beautiful,”

  The day went by way to fast though the meeting went amazingly, those were great guys, and I was happy we would be working with them. Now though, it was time for the best acting of my life. I had done pretty well so far today but now I would be looking Caleb in the eye and lying threw my teeth.

  After dropping him off at Tess and Jake's to get his car, I went home and threw together some chicken Alfredo and a salad for dinner, wanting to get this over with as soon as possible. Now we were seated at the table shoveling food into our mouths. Well, it's now or never.

  "So,” I said at the same time Caleb spoke

  “Ari we need to talk,”

  “I know let me go first,” I said

  “U
m well okay,”

  "I'm sorry Caleb; I messed up our friendship, and I'm sorry about that,” I could tell he wanted to say something, but I didn't let him. I needed to say everything before I let him talk. "I had a lot of time to think while I was back home, and I realized I was just stupid. As much as I care about you and yes I do love you as a friend; I was just confused. I was drunk, and I guess a little jealous when I saw you walkout with Melanie all of that with all the time we had spent together, I guess I just got confused or something. But I realized while I was away that I'm not in love with you. I guess you could say its more lust. So again I'm sorry I messed with your head like that, you’re one of my best friends and I will do anything to get us back to the way we were,” I was out of breath by the time I finished saying what I had to say, and Caleb looked a bit confused, shocked, and I know I am probably mistaken but I could have sworn I saw his face drop in disappointment, but he covered it quickly.

  "Um, wow I... are you sure?" he asked. What does he mean am I sure? He should be ecstatic and jumping for joy that I just let him off the hook. God boys are so freaking confusing.

  "Uh yeah, I'm sure. I was just a stupid jealous drunk girl, who didn't want to share her bed buddy,” I said shrugging like it was no big deal. When inside my heart was once again tearing in two.

  "Oh well okay. I just, you, I mean you’re one of my best friends too. I don't want to lose you in my life. Please, please, please promise me you won't just leave like you did the other day. I was so worried when you weren't answering. If something had happened to you, I would never be able to forgive myself,”

  Nodding, I got up and grabbed the plates we had been eating, and Caleb got the glasses following me to the kitchen. After we had put them in the sink, he pulled me into a hug, and I swear my breath caught at being in his arms again.