Page 66 of Mad Love

After a restless night, I wake up early and get ready. No big plans today really—my mom is coming over in a while, that’s it—but I’ve noticed it helps me feel better if I get dressed as if I’m going to work. I love sweats and leggings, but if I keep doing that every day, I won’t have any idea when I’m unable to fit into my jeans anymore. I don’t put as much makeup on as I would for work, but enough that I feel put together.

Not that I’m getting dressed for Weston’s sake, but…

Okay, maybe a little bit.

All of this thought about clothes reminds me that I didn’t make it to the apartment yesterday. Maybe I’ll order a few things. I was right there too. It would’ve been good to knock that out while I was close.

Weston doesn’t think he’s paying me much, but it’s more than I ever made at my waitressing job and I got decent tipsthere. Maybe I can order a few new things to wear, and I can worry about going through the stuff at the apartment another time.

My mom texts when I’m about to leave the room.

Mom

Does it still work for me to come later this morning?

Yes. Can’t wait to see you.

Mom

Do you need anything?

I pause before texting her back.

I’d wanted to go by the apartment yesterday but didn’t make it. Would you want to bring some of the boxes you took home with you? I could go through it here. I’m wanting to save anything meaningful for Caleb…

Mom

That’s a great idea, sweetie. Sure, I’ll bring them. I haven’t had the heart to go through anything yet.

I don’t mind doing it if you’re not up to it.

Mom

It helps every time I see your face and Caleb’s.

Love you, Mom.

Mom

I love you. I’ll see you soon.

I step out of the room and nearly run into Weston. He’s shirtless and sweaty and I want to lick his salty skin and?—

I shake my head and force myself to focus on his eyes and not his body.

“Good morning,” he says. He points toward Caleb’s room. “I still haven’t heard a peep out of him. Have you?”

“No. I’ve looked at the monitor every five minutes for the past hour and still nothing.”

He laughs and pauses when his phone buzzes. He makes a face. “I’ve gotta take this.”

I nod and he answers, moving down the hall. He leaves his door open though, so I can hear him curse. I turn and look back and see him pacing.

“I’ve needed time,” he says. “I know. But it’s a complicated situation.”

He curses again and I’m relieved when I hear Caleb cooing so I can duck into his room and not keep eavesdropping.

I get Caleb cleaned up and take him downstairs in his jammies to get his bottle ready. He’s happy this morning, all smiles and jabbering up a storm. Weston comes into the kitchen, still in his workout shorts but wearing a shirt now, and Caleb bounces and practically jumps toward Weston when he comes close.

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