Page 81 of Fate Forever and Always

He clenched his fists by his sides. He seemed to think about something and then thought better of it because he smiled anevil kind of grin, mumbled something I couldn’t hear, and then walked away.

As he was getting into his car, it dawned on me that he had impeccable timing. He somehow knew I was here.Did he pop my tire on purpose?

Before he left, he rolled his window down and yelled, “Enjoy it while it lasts. That girl loves me, and I will get her back one way or another.”

I saluted him. I didn’t have time for childish games. “Can’t wait to see it.”

He huffed and rolled up his window.

I knew it shouldn’t bother me at all because I knew Callie was mine, and she would remain mine, but that look on his face gave me an uneasy feeling. Jake was sneaky. I was afraid he'd try to jeopardize what Callie and I had. She wouldn’t let that happen…right?

On the ride home, I gave Link the rundown of what had happened with Jake and let him listen to my recording. He seemed just as concerned as I was.

“Do we need to do something, like call the cops? I only met the guy a few times since I came around when their relationship was toward the end, but he sounds kinda crazy to me.”

I didn’t respond right away. I was asking myself the same question. “Honestly, I don’t know what we could say. He didn’t technically do anything. I mean, I think he popped my tires, but I have no proof of that. I had no reason to even think of it until he pulled up today. I kind of assumed he knew Callie and I were together. He is still dating that chick he cheated on Callie with who works at the restaurant. Callie hasn’t really worked there since we got back, but I know that girl has seen us together.”

“Damn. Should I tell Aubrey? Do you think he will try to hurt them? I will fucking go to jail, Nick. If he comes ne—”

“Chill. He has no reason to want to hurt anyone but me, really. He won't hurt Callie; at least, I assume he won't. He seems to know he fucked this up, and he’s doing everything he can to get her back.”

“He better pray he just lets it go. I'll send his ass back to Nevada or wherever the fuck he's from.”

I laughed as we pulled into the driveway. “California, dude.”

“Whatever. I will kill him if he touches any of you.”

I slapped my hand on his shoulder. “I appreciate it.”

I walked in right as Callie was finishing up making dinner. She had plates waiting for Link.

“Here, I made you dinner as a thank you for picking up the man-child. I already called Aubs and let her know.”

Link laughed, and I rolled my eyes.

He gave her a side hug before walking out the door. “Thanks Cal.”

I kissed her cheek and went to change out of my work clothes. She was glaring at me before I was even fully in the room. I stopped short in the hallway.

“Why did Link tell me to have you call him if anything else happens?” She leaned against the counter and pointed the spatula in her hand at me

I walked up to her and put my arms around her waist.No flinching.That’s a good sign. “Would you let it go if I told you it was nothing?” She gave me a stern look. I laughed uncomfortably. “Didn’t think so.”

We sat down to eat, and I told Callie about my encounter with Jake and asked her to be careful. She was becoming angrier by the minute as I gave her more details. Even though she looked mad, her eyes were filled with tears.

“Baby, what is it?”

She sniffled. “This is all my damn fault.” She put her face in her hands.

I walked around the table, knelt down in front of her, and moved her hair out of her face. “Baby, look at me. How could this possibly be your fault?”

She gripped my hand, which was in her lap. “I went to tell my mom I could start picking up more shifts, and she asked how you were. I thought we were alone in the office, so I told Mom that we were dating.”

“You did?” I asked excitedly. She chuckled through her tears and nodded.

“I realized, after I said it, that Sara was standing at the door. I was hoping she didn’t hear me, but I guess she did.”

“Callie, I want everyone in the world to know you are mine. I will tell everyone we know right now.” I took my phone out. “I was just waiting for you to be okay with telling people.”

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