Chapter Five
The next morning, Caleb got up early to make the calls he needed to get things put in motion. The itinerary for the day said he’d be with both women. Oh, joy, he thought.
He did get a kick out of waking up the people he needed from his office even though he was two hours behind them, and he’d gotten up extra early to put in a workout in his room.
When he was away from his own home gym, he brought different apparatuses, like rubber bands, to get some exercise in. That and pushups and sit-ups rounded out the workout. It wasn’t as good as working at home, but it had to do. He wouldn’t leave Bella unattended.
Caleb was dressed and ready to go at six and was in the process of making coffee when Helen came into the kitchen.
“Well, make yourself at home,” she said.
“Thank you. I will,” he said pleasantly and grinned.
“You act high and mighty now, but I guarantee you’ll be brought down a few pegs before I’m done with you.”
He chuckled. “I’d like to see you try. A quick warning, I bite back.”
“Is that a threat?”
“About as much as yours was.”
She growled and went for a cup.
“You know, you don’t have to go with us today. I can take care of her.”
Helen whirled around. “Not on your life. I will take care of my daughter. You just stand there and look pretty.”
He patted his chest. “You really think I’m pretty?” he asked in a girly voice.
He got great satisfaction in watching her storm off. He actually wanted her with them all day so his people could get into the condo and do what he asked. If he poked at her, she’d react just like she did.
Caleb was leaning against the counter when Bella came into the kitchen.
“Hey, sunshine.”
She grinned. “Good morning.”
He watched her walk to the fridge and pull out a small cup of yogurt and orange juice.
“Do you want some coffee?”
She looked at his cup. “I … I’ve never tried it before, and my mother won’t let me have it.”
“Guess what, you get to decide. Here, try mine.”
She took one sip and cringed, making him laugh. “Nope, I don’t like it.”
“You have to drink it a few times to get used to it.”
“I’ll pass for now.”
“Do you want me to make you some toast or eggs?” he asked her.
“Oh, I can’t. I can only have this.” She held up the yogurt and juice.
“Jesus, that’s bullshit. That will change.”
“Maybe not today, please. It’s supposed to be a grueling day, and I don’t want the extra stress.”
“I understand. I’ll try to be a good boy. At least for today.”
She laughed and shook her head.
“Are you about ready to go?” her mother snapped.
They both turned to face the older woman.
“Yes, Mother.”
Caleb shook his head. “No, she hasn’t eaten.”
“It’s okay,” Bella started but got interrupted.
“We have a schedule, and we’re going to be late.”
He glanced at her and saw the imploring look on her face. “Grab a spoon and the yogurt. I’ll have something brought in at the studio.”
“They always have a ton of food there…”
“That she can’t have any of,” her mother said.