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?”
