Page 45 of (Un)Planned

“Are you sure?” She chewed on her lower lip.

“Dinner’s not for a couple more hours. Alex can manage without you for a little bit, and we both know I saw the notes you were taking on your phone about places Ineeded to visit.” I paused, pulling her to my side. Even though there were other people around, I couldn’t bring myself to care. She stared up at me in surprise, her honey-colored eyes searching all my features. Before I could think any better of it, I leaned down and kissed the shock from her lips.

“Theo…” she said, trying to sound serious but failing miserably.

“I know.” I wrapped my arm around her waist. “But I’ve missed you, Calla. Even with you right next to me most days, I’ve missed being able to kiss you when I want, to hold you like I’m always dying to.” I pulled back to look into her eyes. “So just indulge me for a few more seconds, okay?”

She nodded, finally relaxing into my embrace. As more people decided to venture out to check out the view, I reluctantly released her, taking her hand instead. Leading her to my SUV, I opened the door for her and helped her climb inside. The second she climbed into the passenger seat, Calla grabbed the aux cord without asking for permission. I didn’t mind, loving that she made herself comfortable in my space, in my world. I wanted more of it.

Driving around the minuscule town, she pointed out all the buildings and told stories of the various other residents. It was insane to me how much history she knew and how many of her former neighbors she could name on sight. Even after a decade in LA, I didn’t know any of the people who lived near me. Neighbors came and went, and my life remained the same. For a long time, that was the exact way I wanted to live my life.

But the idea of making connections and creating roots wasn’t as terrifying as it used to be. Even when I was married, I was so resistant to change. Natalie had movedinto my home, learned my routines, followed my lead on most things, and all I gave her was my last name and heartache.

As we hit one of the main roads, Calla let out a little squeak. “Turn! Turn here.”

I followed her directions mindlessly, letting her lead me to a small restaurant at the edge of a strip mall. From the outside, it looked like nothing. All that I could see was the front door and a small window with etched with a logo.

“The Lost Tavern?” I read aloud, waiting to see if this was some elaborate prank.

When I pulled into a parking space, Calla hopped out of the car, barely waiting for me before barreling inside. After following her, I pushed the front door of the restaurant open, finding her in a tight embrace with an older blonde woman.

She pulled back, placing her hands on Calla’s face. “Gosh, look at you. I’d heard you weren’t coming, but I told Curt there was no way you’d miss this.”

“Of course I was coming,” Calla giggled, pulling the woman in for another hug. “Can you believe thesurpriseis happening?” She wiggled her eyebrows along with the word.

“About damn time,” her friend chuffed. “Told that boy months ago he needed to give her a ring.” Her eyes found me waiting behind Calla. “And who is this?”

“Oh!” Calla squawked, turning around to pull me forward. “This is Theo, my…” Her nose scrunched as she tried to find an appropriate label. “My friend. He’s friends with Cole, too.”Debatable.“He drove up with Devyn and me.”

“It’s lovely to meet you.” She reached out her hand. “Marta Anders. I hope you’re taking care of our girl here. We’ve known Calla since she was in diapers.”

“Don’t you dare.”

“Oh, hush, you.” Marta swatted her arm. “All these kids are like our family, so if you ever want to see some incriminating photos, I have the best ones.”

“Look at the time,” Calla joked, looking down at her empty wrist. “We really should get going.”

“Don’t even think about it.” Marta pushed us toward a bar-top table. “I promise, no more embarrassing tales. Let me feed you.” She passed me a menu, not bothering to hand one to Calla. Marta’s eyes dropped down for a moment. “Devyn came with you too?”

Calla’s lip tucked between her lips, but she reluctantly nodded. Marta exhaled slowly, and a sadness flitted over her features. There was a story here, one I was not privy to, but I could tell that Calla felt uncomfortable.

“What would you recommend?” I asked, needing to break up the tension.

“Everything,” Calla answered, smiling back at Marta. “You already know what I want.”

“Smothered burger, hold the mushrooms.” Marta chuckled. “What about you, handsome?”

There were too many options to choose from. I shook my head, holding it out to Marta. “I’ll take what Calla’s having, thank you.”

As Marta darted to the back to put in our order, I leaned in toward Calla. “Please tell me the food here is edible.”

“You bite your tongue,” Calla tsked. “This will be the best burger you’ve ever had, I promise.”

I almost snorted. “Calla, you do realize we live in New York, right? Walking distance to some of the best Michelin-starred restaurants?”

“I said what I said.”

I smirked back at her. “Care to make things interesting?”

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