Page 56 of Shattered Melodies

As I stepped back into the waiting room, I saw Gemma’s eyes light up with mischief. She opened her mouth, no doubt ready to unleash another barrage of questions and teasing remarks.

I held up a hand, cutting her off before she could start. “Not now, Gemma. I’ve got to run. But I promise, next time I’m in, I’ll let you grill me to your heart’s content.”

She pouted for a moment, then grinned. “I’m holding you to that, Caleb Winchester. You can’t escape me forever!”

I chuckled, heading for the door. “Wouldn’t dream of it, Gemma. See you around.”

As I stepped out into the sunlight, I took a deep breath. The conversation with Dr. Martinez had helped center me, reminding me that I had a support system here in Oakwood Grove. Whatever came next with Liam, I wasn’t facing it alone.

With that thought buoying me, I headed back to my truck. It was time to get back to the ranch and face whatever the rest of the day had in store.

I climbed into my truck, slamming the door behind me. For a long moment, I just sat there, staring out the windshield at the empty parking lot.

Then, with a sigh, I pulled out my phone and dialed a familiar number.

“Hey, Mark,” I said when he picked up, my voice sounding strange and hollow to my own ears. “You busy tonight?”

There was a pause, a moment of static-filled silence. And then Mark’s voice, warm and concerned.

“Not particularly. Why, what’s up? You sound weird.”

I hesitated, not sure how to put into words the chaos that was swirling through my mind and my heart. But Mark was my best friend, the one person who had always been there for me, no matter how much of a mess I was. And right now, I needed that. Needed him, and Sarah, and the comfort of their easy, uncomplicated friendship.

“I just need to talk to you guys. Something happened, and I don’t know what to do.”

Mark’s voice sharpened, taking on a note of alarm. “Are you okay? What’s going on?”

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “I’m fine. I mean, physically, I’m fine. But emotionally that’s a whole different story.”

“Okay,” Mark said slowly, clearly trying to piece together what I was saying. “Do you want to meet up, talk it out?”

I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “Yeah. Yeah, that would be good. Can you and Sarah meet me at The Oak tonight? Say, around eight?”

“Sure thing, man. We’ll be there.”

I felt a rush of gratitude, a sudden, overwhelming surge of affection for my friends and their unwavering support.

“Thanks, Mark. I really appreciate it.”

“Of course, Caleb. You know we’ve always got your back.”

I swallowed hard, feeling a lump rise in my throat. Because he was right, of course. They did have my back, had always had my back.

Even when I didn’t deserve it, even when I pushed them away and tried to handle everything on my own.

I pulled up to The Oak, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as I took in the familiar sight. The bar had been a staple in Oakwood for as long as I could remember, a place where everyone knew your name and your business.

But lately, under new management, it had started to change. To evolve into something more inclusive, more welcoming. It had become a safe space, for everyone.

I walked inside, the exhaustion of the day hitting me like a ton of bricks. I felt like I’d been run over by a truck, like I’d been through the wringer and then some. But as I looked around, taking in the warm glow of the lights and the low hum of conversation, I felt some of the tension start to drain away.

“Well, look who it is.”

I turned to see Jane, my favorite bartender and resident smartass, grinning at me from behind the bar.

“Hey, Jane,” I said, mustering up a smile. “How’s tricks?”

She raised an eyebrow, giving me a once-over. “Better than you, apparently. You look like hell, Caleb.”

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