Page 25 of Changing Caleb
“Me too,” Brady says, rejoining us. “Man, I’ve missed Jack’s.”
I head toward the kitchen, overhearing their conversation.
“I hate driving to Redbud, but I’m happy that douche added some more work for us. You think it’ll cover us until our next job?” Logan asks.
“It should,” Brady answers. “Who knows? He may add another room before this is all said and done.”
I put their order in and walk back over to their table. “Another room?”
Caleb grunts. “Yeah, another room. A fucking nursery. You know, for when you get married and have your 2.5 kids.”
“Did he say that?”
“He’s got it all planned out for you. After you graduate, that is. Can’t have an uneducated wife.”
Rather than reply, I walk off. What am I supposed to say? Clearly, it bothers Caleb. I’ve sort of sat back and let Derek make all the renovation plans. Although we haven’t talked marriage, I know he wants that with me. Why should it bother me that it’s gotten under Caleb’s skin?
Because I don’t love Derek, that’s why. I thought I could make it work with him. Thought I could fake it till I make itsort of thing. But he wants more than I do. And I don’t ever see myself giving that to him.
It’s time I told Derek the truth. I’m still in love with Caleb. Always have been. Always will be. I just don’t know where that leaves me.
Damaged and alone. That’s where.
29
Caleb
Iwalk to my truck and grab a bottle of water from the cooler. I toss Brady one, then lean against my truck to rest a moment. The construction on Derek’s house is moving slowly. We would normally be finished with this type of job in just a couple of weeks, but every time we show up, Derek has more changes he wants made.
“I’m not one to complain,” Brady says, “But this prick is getting on my last nerve. Did you see that he wants to add an outdoor kitchen to the deck he suddenly decided he wants?”
“Yep.”
“And he wants the master bath remodeled now?”
“I saw that. It’s his house. He wants what he wants.”
And I get the feeling he’s fucking with us to show he’s the one in control. He’s the one with the money to burn, and we’re working for him.
“Well, he won’t be filling it with babies from Case any time soon, so what’s the fucking point?” Brady grumbles.
I take another sip of my water, trying to hide my curiosity. “What do you mean?”
“I heard she dumped his hoity-toity ass, and it’s about damn time.”
I don’t question Brady on how he heard this news. Girls talk. I’m certain if Casey dumped Derek, then she told Jade and Lilly. I only wonder why she suddenly figured out that they weren’t meant for each other. Did it have anything to do with our kiss?Well, kisses.
“Don’t get any ideas,” Brady warns. “I see that look on your face.”
“I don’t have a look on my face, and I’m not getting any ideas.”
Brady tosses his empty water bottle onto the back of my truck. “You think I don’t see that old Caleb every once in a while? I mean, sure you changed a lot while you were away in California, and I like this new you. You don’t fly off the handle about things, and you’re more laid back. I certainly haven’t found you passed out on the back of my truck. But that doesn’t mean you have to repeat old mistakes.”
“Casey was never a mistake.”
“I didn’t mean Casey,” he replies. “I meant fucking up.”
“I don’t have any intention of doing that again.”
