“Yeah, Callie. I’d like that. I’m already here, so just come when you’re ready.”
“I’m leaving the house now. It’ll take about ten to fifteen minutes to get there,” I respond while I throw on my sneakers, then I grab my purse, sling it over my shoulder, and open the door.
“I’ll be here. Text me when you get here, and I’ll meet you at your car,” he states.
“I can just meet you. No need to lose your table.” I don’t understand why he wants to meet me at my car.
“Callie, I’m not letting you walk in the downtown area by yourself if I’m around.” Jamie’s voice has taken on a dominating quality.
“Fine, I’ll call or text as soon as I park,” I huff out, locking my front door, and heading to my car.
“Thank you. I’ll see you soon.”
“You’re not welcome, but I’ll see you soon as well,” I throw out my sass. I hear him chuckle before I hit the end button on my phone.
I grumble the whole ride to the coffee shop, second-guessing my choice yet again.
12
Jamie
Callie texted me when she got here. Truth be told, I was waiting for her to leave my text on read and not respond.
I abandon my table, letting the waiter know I’ll be right back and not to give my table away. He acknowledges me, and I set off for Callie. My pace quickens as I reach the only parking lot our town square has. Our town may be small, but it still has crime like any other area.
Callie is waving at me as if I can’t see her. The closer I get to her, the more I see the apprehension on her face, and that fucking guts me. I’m the only one to blame, and that hits me like a ton of bricks.
“Hey, Jamie.”
I take in her red hair that’s whipping in the wind, and a strand falls across her lips. How I’d love that to be my lips on hers. My thumb moves across her cheek. “Hey.” My voice isn’t my own. It’s taken on a timbre that I’ve never heard cross my own lips.
Callie is dressed down more so than I’ve ever seen before. She’s on the taller side; in fact, the top of her head hits my collar bone. I want to bring her in closer but hold back. The one thing I don’t want to do is scare her off, losing her forever.
“How long have you been here?” she asks.
“An hour or so. With all this newfound time I have on my hands, I’m trying to navigate what to do with myself.” I place my hand on her elbow as we make our way to the coffee shop.
“I know what you mean. I loved having this week off. It really helped Claira and I reconnect, not to mention all of the things I’ve let slip around the house, I was able to take care of. But once she left this morning, I was bored out of my mind.”
We walk around the outside fence railing until we make it back to the table I secured.
“At least you get to people watch with your table,” she remarks. I pull out a chair for her and wait ‘til she’s ready to push her chair in.
“I do believe my view just arrived,” I say out loud as I take my seat. The blush that takes over her face travels down to the slope of her neck, leading to her chest.
“Um… I’m not sure how to respond to that.” Callie grabs the menu on the table, covering her face.
“I call it like I see it, Callie.” I take my seat as the waiter comes so we can place our order.
Callie orders a hot vanilla latte with a cinnamon roll. I order my usual, a black coffee, choosing to doctor it up with cream at the table, and a blueberry muffin.
“So, what do you have planned for the rest of the day?” I ask her. She’s watching the people walking down the sidewalk. When a couple walks by with a child sandwiched between them, holding on to the parents’ hands, she has a wistful look on her face. I can practically hear her thoughts. I’m sure it hasn’t been easy raising her daughter alone. I know she has friends and family that help without question, but does that really help ease the burden? Who’s there to take care of Callie when she needs a hug or someone to hold on to?
“Did you say something? Sorry, I was lost in thought,” Callie replies.
“I was asking if you have anything else going on today.”
“Nope, but now that I’m out of the house, I may walk around for a bit.” Her face turns up in a smile.
“Mind if I join you?” I invite myself without any qualms.
“Not at all. Clothes shopping might be involved. Do you think you can handle that?” Her smile is wide, eyes sparkling with mischief.