“How about you show me how much you hate me tomorrow night at dinner?” His mouth curled up on one side, making him look like the boy I used to know.
“Maybe.” I shrugged.
“You don’t want to go out on a date?” His palm came up and rested on his chest. He looked hurt, but I wondered how much of all this he would actually remember tomorrow.
“I’m just not sure if you’re actually being real right now.” I shrugged again. “I’ve fallen for your pranks so many times in the past, I don’t know what’s what anymore.”
He stood up straight, grabbed my hands, and tipped his head down. He rested his chin on top of my head, and then sniffed my hair. “You always smell so good. I promise, this is real. This is me, the real me, not the me who’s trying to keep you away. I’ve tried that for years. It hasn’t worked. I’m waving the white flag now. I’m giving in. You win. You have me if you want me.” He kept rambling, and as sweet as it sounded, I couldn’t help but feel like it was a trick.
“You gonna tell my dad?” I murmured. “He’s gonna find out when you pick me up.”
“Yeah, but I thought we could tell our moms first. Maybe Angela can help my cause,” he mumbled.
“And what cause is that? Getting in my pants?” I stepped back and stared up at his eyes. He knew how I felt about the whole sex thing.
“No. I’m not doing this to get in your pants. I’m doing this because I can’t get you out of my head. If we do that later, I’m ok with it, but I’m ok if we don’t too.” He leaned forward and kissed my forehead softly. “I’m not who you think I am.”
“I honestly don’t know who I think you are.” I shook my head. “You coming back inside?” I pointed to the door.
“Yeah, there’s people in there. If I stay out here with you, who knows what I’ll do.” He laughed and then followed me back the way we came.
ooooooooo
“Where have you been?” Claire came rushing up to me as I was refilling my cup.
“Talking to Caleb.” I sipped the red liquid and followed her back toward what I think is the living room.
“All that time?” She grinned. “Just talking?”
“Yeah.” I giggled. “I have a date tomorrow night.”
“Nice.” She nodded. “Does he have any brothers?”
“No.” I laughed. “I’m surprised you didn’t find someone for yourself yet.”
“I’ve found a couple. No one worth a second conversation though.” She rolled her eyes.
“You wanna leave? I’m kinda over all this.” I motioned around the room. The people who were still around were hooking up, and the ones that were hooking up, were pretty drunk.
“I’m good with that.” Claire glanced around the room.
“Let me go toss this. I’ll meet you at the car.” I pointed to the kitchen.
“Ok. Don’t take forever.” She laughed. “I’m not waiting all night.” She turned and disappeared in the crowd as she headed for the front door.
I went back to the kitchen to pour out what was left of my drink. When I rounded the corner, Caleb was standing there.
“Couldn’t stay away, huh?” He snickered.
“Nope.” I rose up on my toes and whispered right by his ear, “I’m already thinking about tomorrow.” When I lowered myself, I pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Don’t disappoint me.” I patted his chest, tossed my cup in the garbage, and then turned for the door.
“I don’t disappoint anyone,” he called, and when I turned back, he winked at me. Flirty Caleb was fun. I just hoped that he remembered all of this tomorrow, and he’s not trying to be a jerk. I don’t like that version, and I’d prefer not to have to deal with him ever again.
Chapter 9
Caleb
When the sun shone through my window this morning it felt like a thousand little knives were stabbing me in the head. It didn’t get much better after that either.
I don’t really remember what time it was when I got home last night. I don’t even remember how I got home last night. I know I took an Uber to the party. I know I broke into my parents’ liquor cabinet before I left. I know that I’m probably going to get my ass beat when I get to work today.
“Caleb? Are you planning on eating this morning?” Mom called from the kitchen, I think.
Ugh. My head was pounding, and when I sat up, my stomach started to revolt. I didn’t think there was anything else in there to come out. I groaned as I swung my feet over the side, and just sat there. I was never doing this again, although I say that every time I do it, and it never seems to stop me.
I waited a few minutes for my stomach to settle, and then slowly stood. I jerked on a pair of basketball shorts, ran my fingers through my hair, and then headed in the direction of my mom.
“Rough night?” She grinned, telling me she already knew the answer.
“You could say that,” I grumbled as I poured myself a cup of coffee.
“Did you tell her?” Mom turned and leaned against the island, coffee in hand.
“Tell who what?” I played dumb. My mom always seemed to know everything no matter how hard I tried to keep things to myself.
“Ok Caleb, play dumb.” She laughed. “Did you talk to Riley? That’s the only thing that I can think of that would drive you this far.” She moved closer and rubbed my back. “I’m your mom. No matter how old you get, I’m gonna know when things are bothering you.”
I nodded before shuffling over to one of the barstools and sitting down. I held my mug between my hands and slowly turned it. Mom continued to stare at me, and finally I broke.
“Yes, ok. I talked to Riley last night. She was at the party. I don’t know how she got invited, but it just seems par for the course right now. I can’t seem to escape her.” I slowly shook my head.
“And?” Mom’s smile grew even bigger.
“We have a date tonight,” I muttered.
“Oh, Caleb!” Mom squealed as she bounced on her toes. “Wait ‘til I talk to Angela.”
“No!” My head snapped up, and pain shot straight through the middle. “I’m already trying to figure out how to avoid her dad. I don’t need you to give him information.” I rubbed my palm down my face.
“Honey.” Mom leaned over the island in front of me. “He’s gonna find out. You just need to be up front with him. He’s insane if he didn’t see this coming. I mean, Angela and I knew this was coming back when you two were four and five.” She laughed like this was a no brainer, and I just grumbled.
“Maybe Riley will tell him,” I mumbled around the lip of my mug.
“That’s not something that you’d say. You’ve never shied away from the truth. Be up front.” She stood, and started to walk away. “This is so awesome.” She giggled as she left me there. “Take your gear. You might need it,” she shouted down the hallway before I heard her bedroom door close. If I knew anything about my mom, she wasn’t listening to me and at this very moment, she was calling Angela, Riley’s mom.
ooooooooo
Riley
It’s been a quiet day at home this morning. Dad went to the gym early, but I elected to stay here. I didn’t want to chance running into Caleb and having things be weird, although I was probably going to have to face that tonight. I haven’t told my parents yet. I know Mom will be thrilled, but Dad thinks I should take time away from boys. At the beginning of the summer, I tended to agree with him, but after that brief kiss last night I’m starting to feel differently.
“Riley?” I could hear Mom in the house. I came out to Dad’s home gym to work out, or hide out, whichever you choose to call it.
“In here!” I yelled back. I was in the back corner using the speed bag.
“You know, your dad would have put in a workout with you at the gym.” Mom stood in the doorway, leaning on the side.
“I know. I wanted to stay home.” I grabbed onto the bag to stop its movement.
“You sure that’s why you stayed home?” She smiled, and that’s when I knew that she kn
ew. “You sure you’re not just avoiding Caleb?”
“Great. Does Dad know?” I bit my lip and cringed.
“Not yet.” Mom shrugged. “Ally just called me. She dragged it out of Caleb. Seems he didn’t want to tell anyone either. What are you two so afraid of?”
“My father is a retired MMA fighter. He thinks I should remain a virgin and join the nunnery. I don’t know why I’d want to keep this a secret. Caleb’s in college. He works for Dad. Sounds like a winning combination if I ever heard one.” I rolled my eyes.
“Honey.” Mom moved to stand next to me. “Your dad and I did this dance for years. Uncle Cole made a big deal out of us not being together, but it didn’t matter. It was a lot of work, but here we are, and we’re happy. If Caleb makes you happy, then go for it.” She swung her arm around my shoulder and squeezed.
“Just like that?” I tipped my head to the side.
“Yep. Just like that.” Mom nodded.
“And what about Dad?” I shifted my weight. “What if he wants to spar with Caleb?”
“I don’t think you give your father enough credit. He loves you, and he wants you to be happy.” She leaned her head on my shoulder. “If being with Caleb makes you happy, then he’ll accept it eventually.” Mom laughed. “In the meantime, I’ll help you.” She winked, and then turned to leave.
“What does that mean?” I turned, confusion all over my face.
“You really want to know?” Mom grinned.
“No, I don’t. Gross!” I made a gagging face, and turned back toward the bag.
“Don’t stay out here all day. We need to pick out something to wear on your date,” Mom sing-songed as she left.
Great. My mother wanted to play dress up. I could tell this day was going to be a long one.
ooooooooo
Morning blended into afternoon, and then evening came. Dad came home and seemed to be in pretty good spirits. He told me he had a talk with Caleb. Now I was just wondering if Caleb would show up with a black eye or something worse.
I’ve been pacing my room for the last half hour while glancing at my phone. Caleb didn’t tell me what we were doing tonight, and I had no idea if what I’d picked was ok. I stared at my reflection for the billionth time since getting dressed. Was this skirt really ok? Would I be warm enough in this tee? Should I have put my hair up? What if we’re going to be doing something physical? I’m not dressed for that. Should I have worn shorts? I’m kinda dressy. This might be a casual date.
I was driving myself crazy. I don’t know why. I’ve known Caleb since I was a toddler. I guess part of it is wanting to impress him. I don’t know what he likes. I mean I’ve never taken the time to listen and watch. Maybe he likes girlie girls and that’s why we’ve never done this in the past. I’m being stupid. I know I am. If he didn’t like me, he wouldn’t have worked so hard to stay away all these weeks.
“Rils! He’s here,” Mom called out.
“Who’s here?” Easton came out of his room the same time I came out of mine.
“Coming,” I called back as I glared at my brother. “Embarrass me, and you’re dead,” I warned.
“Why would I do that? I like him.” Easton’s head tipped to the side. He stood there for a moment, but then came rushing down the steps behind me. “Where are you going? Can I go too?”
“No,” I growled. “Hi.” I smiled at Caleb. He looked so hot standing there in his khaki shorts and navy tee. His hair was styled in that messy but put together look.
“Ready?” He held his hand out, and I swallowed. Was I ready for this? This was going to change everything between us. What if it didn’t work out? What then?
“Just a minute,” Dad’s voice commanded from behind me.
“Daddy?” I turned and smiled up at him in that ‘what are you doing’ sort of way.
“Home by midnight, and if you hurt her, I’ll hurt you.” He gave Caleb a lopsided smile that said he was half kidding.
“Yes sir.” Caleb held his hand out for Dad to shake. “I’m sure she can hold her own.” He winked at me. He was probably right too. I usually won our sparring matches.
“Have fun.” Mom grinned as she came up and wrapped her arms around Dad’s waist. He glanced down at her with love in his eyes. I only hoped that one day I’d have that.
“Let’s go.” I stepped out the door. “I’m not sure what we’ll see if we stay,” I warned.
“Your brother’s right there.” Caleb motioned behind us as I almost skipped down the driveway.
“Yep,” I called. I knew my parents, and I knew they’d find a way to keep Easton occupied so they could have their time.
ooooooooo
“So where are we going?” I watched as Caleb drove through town. I recognized a few places, but he seemed to be heading in a direction I wasn’t familiar with.
“Are you a seafood person?” He darted his eyes at me, and then back at the road.
“Sure. I mean, this is Boston. Who doesn’t love seafood?” I bounced a little on the truck’s seat.
“Ok good.” He nodded as we turned onto the interstate. We drove along, following signs for Salem before he turned off. “There’s a little spot I found last summer that serves the best lobster rolls I’ve ever had. If you don’t know it’s here, then you miss it.” He parked at a meter, and then helped me out. “This way.” He held out his hand, and when I took it, shivers rushed up my arm.
We walked along through downtown Salem until we came to what looked like a little shack. Caleb held the door open, and we were faced with the tiniest restaurant I’ve ever seen. There was a bar down one side, four tables at the end, and maybe enough room for five people to stand.
He pushed his way up to the bar, and ordered us each a lobster roll and a diet soda. It didn’t take but a few minutes to get our food, and then Caleb carried it outside. “I thought we could eat over there on one of the benches. It’s a nice night, and it’ll be cooler. Plus, it’s easier to talk without all the noise.”
“Sure.” I nodded. I felt like an idiot. Normally I couldn’t shut up, but I’d only seen this version of him a handful of times. Usually he was trying to piss me off, and it worked.
We sat down on a bench in the center of downtown. There was statue of a witch nearby. Light illuminates the grassy area, and several benches lined the brick walkways.
“Here ya go, Princess.” He handed me a lobster roll wrapped in wax paper. He was grinning like a fool.
“I thought you called me that to make me hate you.” I twisted my lip as I glared up at him.
“It started that way, but I kinda like it now.” He sat down beside me and knocked against my shoulder. “I like you Rils, a lot, but this new dynamic is going to take some getting used to. You gotta give me time to sort all this out in my head. I’m sure it’s going to take time for you too.” He took a bite of his dinner and smiled around the butter that was leaking out.
“Maybe.” I shrugged. “What else you got planned for tonight?”
“You’ll see.” He laughed. “I’m full of mystery, Princess. You’ve only seen what I let you see.”
“And tonight?” I turned slightly as I licked butter off my fingers. I had my own pocket of tricks.
“Tonight, you’ll see it all.” He leaned over and placed a soft kiss to my cheek. “I just hope you’re ready.”
Chapter 10
Riley
Caleb was the perfect gentleman through dinner. He kept the conversation going, and made sure I was comfortable. When we finished, the sun had set and darkness had descended on the town.
“Feel like taking a walk?” Caleb had just tossed our trash in a trash can.
“Sure.” I slowly stood and looked around.
“This way.” He held out his hand, and when I grabbed it, he threaded our fingers together. “Is this ok?” He lifted our joined hands.
“It’s fine.” I smiled. “I’m not some breakable person that you have to worry about doing something wrong to.”
“No, but the
thought of your dad kicking my ass if I hurt you is like a cloud hanging over me right now.” He swallowed as a sigh escaped him.
“My dad isn’t going to beat you up. I might though if you don’t stop.” I grinned as I swung our joined hands between us.
“Ok, I’ll stop.” We crossed the street, and Caleb directed us to a store that was boasting homemade potions in the window.
The shop was tiny, with items covering every shelf surface. Small vials were sitting on a table when you walked in. “Grab one of those.” Caleb tipped his head toward the table.
“Are we going to make something?” I bounced with excitement.
“Yes.” He chuckled.
We both picked up a vial, and made our way to the wall listing what all the different herbs were used for. I scanned the small drawers in what looked like an oversized dresser that covered the whole wall. There were glass fronts on each drawer with a label as to what it was for. Once you made your choice, you opened the drawer, and put a sample in your vial, and kept repeating it until your vial was full.
I watched as Caleb began pulling drawers and putting small amounts of different herbs in his vial. I was so busy reading the different drawers, trying to decide what I wanted, that I didn’t pay as close attention as I should have.
“Your turn.” Caleb motioned for me to make my concoction.
“You’re finished? What did you pick?” I crinkled up my face.
“Not telling.” He smirked. “Maybe you’ll find out when I use it on you.” He shrugged nonchalantly as he started to walk to the back of the store.
“Fine.” I stuck my nose in the air. “You stay over there. Mine’s a secret too.” I turned so my back was blocking his view. I didn’t really have a plan, but if he thought I did, then that was totally ok by me. I began reading the drawers again: fertility, love, passion, pain, lust, uncontrollable itching, hair loss, skin rash… the list went on. Some of these were downright scary, and I wondered what they really were and if they really had any of these properties.
Broken Promises: The Broken Series Second Generation Page 5