Page 9 of Changing Caleb
“Here you go, boys.” Marlene, Brady’s mom, brings our food out, and my stomach growls at the delicious smell. She leansdown and kisses the top of my head. “Don’t worry, baby, I made sure she didn’t spit in it.”
8
Casey
Itwist the cans on the shelf around until the labels face forward. I’m hiding out in the pantry, trying to give Caleb and Brady time to finish eating and leave. He gets under my skin so much!
Sorry, I was ordering from the waitress.
As if I’m just some random waitress to him. Like he doesn’t even know me. Breathing in, I tell myself to calm down. If he can be a better person, so can I. I’ve moved on and with someone who treats me like a queen. I refuse to allow Caleb to upset me every time our paths cross.
I give up on rearranging the canned goods and head back out. I stop dead in my tracks as I gawk at the sight before me. That’s it, I’m in the fucking Twilight zone. That’s the only possible explanation.
Brady, Caleb, and Derek are all seated at the same table, laughing and talking like old friends. This is the same guy that I used to have to stop from pummeling a guy for simply looking at me. Now, he’s sitting here just chatting away with my current boyfriend.
According to Jade and Avery, he’s not the same guy I used to know. I am absolutely not the same person. What happened between us changed me. It proved to me what’s important in life, and fighting with Caleb is at the bottom of that list.
“Hey, I didn’t know you were coming to town,” I say to Derek as I approach the table.
“Figured I’d get a head start on renovating the master bedroom,” he replies with a smile. “Just in case.”
Just in case I decide to move in with him. He asked me, and I haven’t given him an answer yet. It makes perfect sense. I spend a few nights a week at his place as it is.
“I would like that,” I say, and his eyes sparkle with happiness.
“Thought perhaps King Construction could handle the work.”
“Shouldn’t be a problem,” Brady pipes in. “Tell us what you want, and we’ll take care of it.”
Us? Does Caleb already have his job back at King Construction? I suppose that means he’s here to stay and won’t be returning to L.A. with Avery.
“Yeah, not a problem,” Caleb adds, his gaze flickering up to me.
“Perfect. I’ll send you the renovation details so you can get started.”
“You’ve already picked things out?” I ask, biting my bottom lip.
“Of course. I like being prepared.”
“Prepared or presumptuous? I hadn’t told you I’d move in.”
Derek stands and kisses my forehead. “I only want to make you happy.”
My irritation slowly dissipates, especially since I notice Caleb’s jaw clench. He’s not as unaffected by me as he pretends to be. That façade is slipping.
“Okay, then. Follow me. I know a great way you can make me very happy.”
“How?” Derek asks, dumbfounded.
I roll my eyes. “Let’s just say, I know you don’t mind getting a little dirty.”
I grab Derek’s hand and pull him toward the storage room. The place where I’ve hooked up with Caleb so many times, I’ve lost count. I don’t bother glancing back. The sound of the fork clanging to the plate gives me enough satisfaction.
Now, we’re even.
9
Caleb
