Page 63 of Love You Madly

Same here. Maybe we can chat later? I could use a distraction. Today was rough.

A distraction. Is that what I am to her? It feels like there’s more going on here than either of us wants to admit.

Me:

Sounds good. I’ll text you once I’m home.

I set my phone back down and look out the window just in time to see Karissa walking towards me in the parking lot. She waves and continues walking over.

“Hey, Owen,” she says with a smile, oblivious to my internal conflict. “I was wondering if you’d like to go out again tomorrow night? Some of the nurses are getting together to go to Black N’ Gold.”

I nod, feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty. “Yeah, that sounds good. I’ll text you later to confirm?”

“Perfect,” she replies, her smile widening. “I’ll see you then.”

When I’m about halfway home, I decide to give Sabrina a call so I can talk to Barrett. I miss him. The apartment is too quiet without him and I’m not looking forward to going home alone. Sab picks up after a couple of rings.

“Hey,” she says, sounding distracted.

“I just wanted to see if I could talk to the little turkey for a sec. Is he around?” I ask. I need to hear his little voice.

“Yeah, just a sec.” There’s some shuffling before I hear his excited voice come through.

“Daddy!”

I can’t help but grin. “Hey, buddy! What’s going on?”

We talk for a few minutes and he tells me all about his day. No major events but sometimes, it’s just good to hear him ramble and forget about the rest of the chaos in my life. By the time we hang up, I feel like I can breathe easier.

I pull into my parking spot and just sit there for a minute. My phone buzzes–it’s another text from Callie, checking to see if I made it home okay since I had such a long day at work. Her thoughtfulness makes me smile.

Me:

Hey, just got home. Got some time to chat?

Her reply is instant, and I swear I can almost hear the relief in her words:

Callie:

Yeah, definitely. It’s my first night in a while without Sara and I hate the quiet. Thanks for keeping me company. How was your day?

I could keep it simple. I could avoid the elephant in the room. But the guilt from her earlier photos still gnaws at me. I owe her honesty, at least.

Me:

Crazy busy. Barely had time to breathe. But… I feel like I should be upfront with you. I’m going out with Karissa again tomorrow. I didn’t want to hide that from you.

There’s a pause. Long enough that my chest tightens with dread.

Callie:

Oh. Well that’s great, Owen. Really. I hope it goes well for you.

I can’t tell if she’s being genuine or just putting on a brave face. Either way, the tension is thick now, and I can feel the distance creeping in.

Callie:

I feel like I owe you an apology for the pictures this morning. I shouldn’t have sent them, especially since you made it clear you just want to be friends.

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