Page 16 of Changing Caleb
“I know. I should’ve let you make some decisions for the renovation, but you’re going to love it. They start work on it tomorrow. Brady said it shouldn’t take too long.”
“I don’t know.”
“And if there’s anything else you want to add, you can do it. This place will be yours too soon.”
“Mine?”
“Absolutely. I want this place to be just as much yours as it is mine.”
I numbly nod my head. It sounds like there’s so much more to this than just a renovation. I haven’t even really told him I’m moving in yet. He’s just assumed.
“I’m going to get a shower,” he says and kisses my shoulder again. “Call and order us some food. I’m starved. Then, we’ll go out and get some new things for our trip to Dallas.”
“Right. I almost forgot.”
The Steeles are throwing Madden and Jade a “proper” engagement party this weekend. Apparently, the gathering at Jack’s wasn’t suitable for them. Snobby fuckers. They want to have this huge party and invite a shit ton of guests. I’m certain Jade hates that idea, Madden too, but they gave in with the understanding that their wedding will be planned the way they want it.
Derek and I haven’t even talked marriage. He’s asked me to move in, so I don’t doubt that he has marriage on his mind, but I’m not so sure I see that for us. Maybe I should try. If I can figure out a way to give Derek my whole heart, there’s a chance we could be happy.
Then again, a boy told me once he was keeping me forever. He still holds a piece of my heart. I’m not sure how to get it back.
17
Caleb
Iignore Avery’s stare, flipping her off when she continues to gawk at me. I finish tucking the light pink button-up into my khakis, then run a hand through my hair. I don’t normally dress up for anything. I am a jeans and t-shirt type of guy, but Hillary informed me that I could not go to a fancy party in Dallas without dressing up. Real men wear pink. Those were her exact words.
We’ve talked a few times since I returned home. Our conversations like that of two friends. I even talked to her about Casey, and she actually encouraged me to try and talk to her. Easier said than done.
“Holy shit, bro. You look nice,” Avery comments, plopping down on my bed.
I still haven’t finished unpacking, but I’m officially moved in as of yesterday. I enlisted Brady and Logan’s help and even assured Brady I was no longer pissed with Lilly about the whole Casey thing. I suppose I’m not.
“Are you this dressed up because you know Casey will be there with Derek or because you’re hoping to get some strange?” Avery asks, breaking me from my thoughts.
“Strange?”.
“You know…strange.” She takes her hand and moves it over her crotch area. I nearly fucking choke.
“You did not just do that.” I shake my head and spray some cologne on.
“Have you tried talking to Casey?” she asks, changing the subject.
“I’m waiting on the right moment,” I answer, walking out of my room.
“And you think the right moment is just going to fucking announce itself or something?” I roll my eyes although she’s walking behind me and can’t see me. “I saw that. Look, I’m flying out after this whole party business. I’m only going because you fucking asked me to. I have a boyfriend back in L.A. that’s giving me a shit fit because he’s ready for me to come home. Once I leave, don’t forget what you accomplished being away from this fucking town.”
I turn and face my sister, a serious look on my face. “I promise you I won’t. Thank you for helping me.”
She seems surprised by my graciousness, but I know that I have her and Brady to thank for getting me out of Hollis and out of my own head. I was self-destructing here. I thought losing Casey and our unborn baby was the end of everything. I was fucking losing it. I would probably be six feet under by now had I not left.
“Let’s go to this fancy-ass party now. I need to see how the other half live,” Avery grins.
The drive to Dallas is uneventful. We sing along to the radio, and when nothing good is on, we talk about some good times weshared in L.A. She reminds me that I still owe her twenty bucks for the time she ate the habanero pepper.
“Looks like we’re here,” I announce, pulling into the driveway of a massive estate.
Apparently, the Steeles went all out for this. They even have valet parking. Brady told me they’re protecting their reputation. Madden and Jade got engaged without announcing it to anyone in his family, aside from his siblings. Needless to say, his parents were pissed. They have a reputation to uphold, and having their youngest get married without them being a part of it wasn’t happening. I’m personally impressed that Madden was willing to walk away from all of this.
