Page 51 of Love You Madly

Callie:

Yeah, it was. Everyone was staring. It was so awkward.

Me:

I can imagine. How did Sara react?

Callie:

She loved the gifts, of course. But it felt like he was trying to show off or something.

I can practically hear the frustration in her voice through the text. My heart aches for her, knowing how much she wanted this day to be special for Sara without any drama. Knowing Callie’s ex purposefully threw her off like that makes my blood boil a little.

Me:

Sounds like he’s trying to one-up you. What a douchebag.

Callie:

Exactly. I just wanted a simple party for her at the park without drama and the Adam show.

I wish I could do more than send a few words over a screen. I want to be there, to take some of the weight off her shoulders and offer more than just a distant kind of support. Even if it’s just as a friend—the very thing I asked her to be for me. But now, that feels like such a contradiction.

Me:

I’m sorry, Callie. You didn’t deserve that.

Callie:

Thanks, I just needed to vent. I can let you go if you want to head to bed.

I hesitate, my thumb hovering over the screen. I should probably get some rest, but the thought of leaving Callie alone with her thoughts doesn’t sit well with me.

Me:

No, that’s okay. I’ll probably be up for a while.

Callie:

How’s your weekend been?

Me:

It’s been good. Spending time with Barrett always helps me unwind.

Callie:

That’s great to hear. You’re a great dad, Owen.

A mix of emotions swirls inside me–pride, doubt, a flicker of something deeper I can’t quite name. Her words mean morethan I want to admit–especially because we haven’t known each other long and I know we can’t be something more.

Me:

Merely average.

Callie:

Something tells me there’s nothing average about you.

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