Page 25 of A Pretty Fixation

We reach his car, and he opens the door for me.

“Where are you taking me?” I demand, voice feeble.

“For something to eat and whatever after.”

He steers me into the sedan, taking off the momenthe’s behind the wheel.

I wipe my hand on my jeans, still stunned by theimpact of his touch. There’s no denying the delight. I’ve wished for it tohappen.

Shit.

Am I Dove?

“What’s the matter?” Caleb asks. “You’re suddenlyquiet. You’re not even arguing.”

I swallow hard and look over at him. “I’m tired.”

“Hm.”

He pulls up at a deli shortly and orders burritos.We eat at one of the outdoor tables.

“Have you started celebrating your birthday?”Caleb asks before a big bite.

I pause with my drink, unable to recall if Iavoided acknowledging the day back then. “I don’t…know about before. But myparents have a birthday dinner for me every year.” A thought occurs. This mightprove whether I am Dove or not. “When is Dove’s birthday?”

He finishes what’s in his mouth to answer. “Younever told me. You said you didn’t want to celebrate it. Mrs. Anders respectedyour wishes and kept it from us. She was considerate of all the kids.”

I lean my head to one side. “Mrs. Anders. Youmentioned her last night.”

A sad look fills his gaze. “Yeah. She ran thefoster home by herself. You don’t remember her?”

“No,” I mutter. “You speak of her with respect.”

“Mrs. Anders was terrific. Do you rememberanything about the home?”

“Nothing before my parents.” I lower my eyes toavoid his troubled expression and the guilt it stirs.

After a moment, he asks, “When’s your birthday?”

“March fifth.”

“I’ll make up for it with the next ones.”

I lift my head. “You don’t need to do that.Besides, by then, you’ll realize I’m not—”

“Let’s stay in the present,” he insists, reachingfor his drink. “Keep talking to me.”

I draw air through my teeth. “Fine. When’syourbirthday, Caleb?”

“I’ll be twenty on November second.” He smirks.“You have time to decide what to get me.”

That results in an eye roll. “Who said I’m gettingyou anything?”

“You don’t have to. Your presence is all I need.You’re the best birthday gift.” He winks.

I shift on the chair and grumble, “Whatever.”

My phone starts to ring. Taking it out of the bag,I check the screen before answering. “Hey, Mom.”

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