Page 40 of Love at a 7-Eleven

We left Drake's right after his mom called and asked for a ride. I rode next to him and we talked while we drove to her house.

"I'm glad you're meeting my mom," he said during our conversation.

"I’m glad I'm meeting your mom, too. This works out great." He put his hand on the console and I reached out for it. I loved everything about him, and I brought his hand into my lap so that I could stare at it. "I wish I could have met Drake while I was here," I continued. "I feel like I know him already with staying at his house."

"Just stay forever," he said.

"I wish I could. I'm going to miss you. I have to get back for that shower, and my brothers' birthday is coming up. I always help my mom with that."

"Yeah, I know you need to get back."

"You could always come. You can plan another trip to see me." I put the back of his hand to my cheek.

"I really could. I just might," he said.

"I would love that," I said, holding his hand in mine again. "How were things at work today?"

"It was good," he said. "But I don't think I'll be able to work with Bailey. I think we're going to have to part ways completely."

"I'm sorry to be the cause of that," I said, feeling sad for him to have to go through the awkward situation.

"Please don't be sorry," he said. His eyes met mine, and he glanced at me for one sincere second before looking back to the road. I squeezed his hand. "I am so thankful we met, Lila. I'm the one who should be sorry. You have to be patient while I work all this out. I was thinking about how sweet and patient you're being. I'm so thankful you're here. And that you're so nice about me having to work with her all morning. At this rate, I don't think it's going to work out, though, even professionally."

"I was thinking about things I could do to help you if you need it," I said. "I think I could fill in some of the gaps with your channel. I'm not trying to influence your decision about working with her, but I would be willing to help you, if it comes to that and it's something I can do."

"You're amazing," he said. "You'd probably be good at it."

"I bet I would," I agreed, nodding. "And I'm a quick learner."

For the next fifteen minutes, we talked about his process of producing videos. I asked questions, and he gave me thorough, honest answers. Caleb had this extremely charming way about him. He was humble and sincere for someone in such an otherwise smoking hot bad-boy package, and being around him made my heart pound constantly. He was going through a hard time with his friend, and he had completely shaken it off. I could tell his attention was focused on me and the moment. I could tell he was happy with me. I wanted him to take as long as he needed to take care of things with Bailey. She had been a friend to him, and I knew we would both have regrets about it if he was heartless and cold with her.

His mom was waiting outside when we pulled up at her house, and she came to his car, walking with a determined stride.

"Do you want me to give her the front seat?" I whispered quickly since she was approaching. I opened the door before he had the chance to answer. "Would you like to sit in the front?" I asked as her she came to the passenger's side.

"Sure, I'll take shotgun," she said, standing back to let me out.

I could hear Caleb say something to me, but it was too late… I had already offered his mom the front seat and she had already agreed that she wanted it.

She looked me over when we traded places.

I did the same to her.

She had on a three-button polo shirt with the name of a restaurant embroidered on the chest. It was cursive, and I didn't stare long enough to read it but it started with the letter D. I wanted to hug her and have a proper introduction, but she didn't seem up for it. She assumed we were just trading places, so she scooted around me and took the front seat.

"Girlfriend, huh? Do you know my son called you his girlfriend?"

We weren't even settled in the car when she asked the question. I closed the door.

"This is my mom, Dani. Mom, this is Lila."

"Well, Lila, my son doesn't normally say that word about any woman, so I had to see who this was who's managed to get her talons into my baby."

She glanced at me, and in panic, I raised my hand and smiled innocently. "It's me," I said stiffly.

She laughed. "I bet you did, honey! My Caleb is the hottest bachelor in Hollywood."

"I'm sorry," he said quietly, turning to me while his mom was busy with her seatbelt and he was backing out. I gave him a reassuring smile before he turned back around.

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