Page 32 of Pitcher Us
“Hey.” Adam nudges my shoulder. “Thanks for today. She needed this.”
I take another look at Callie as she laughs at something my sisters said. “Yeah, I think she did.”
The drive back to Boston was nearly identical to the ride up here. Except the stolen glances back to Callie held more meaning. How do I take back my friends comment without sounding like a total ass? Do I even have a fighting chance with her “no baseball players” revelation?
Making our way up the elevator and to our floor, Adam pulls Callie into a hug. “Happy birthday, Cals.”
“Thank you.” She smiles. “Best one yet.”
Adam shrugs and grips my shoulder. “Eh, I can’t take the credit. Thanks for throwing this together, man.”
Stealing a quick glance to Callie, her smile falters for a moment before her eyes find mine and she plasters the smile back on. “Right, thank you. It was perfect.”
It was almost perfect.
“I’m happy you had a great time.” I shove my hands in my pockets and rock on my feet. Do I wait for her to walk to our apartments together? Do I ask her about the kiss? Fuck, now I even sound like her with all the questions.
Turning, I decide I should give her space. Maybe that’s what we need. Maybe it was just today that has our emotions all twisted…or mine at least.
“Will,” Callie says softly, as I reach for my doorknob. “Hey, um… I didn’t—I mean?—”
I watch as Callie shuts her eyes again as she looks for the words to say. This should be my moment to clear up my feelings. I should tell her that I think I like her more than just friends, but it’s her birthday. I shouldn’t force my feelings on her today. Maybe tomorrow.
“Callie, we’re good,” I say as normal as I can, because it’s true in theory. We are good, I just think we could be great. “I promise.”
Callie’s lips come together in a thin line for a moment as she nods. “Right, you’re right. Um…thank you. I mean, thank you fortoday. I know it seems like a small thing but today meant a lot to me. I’ve never had a day like today and I was worried about moving here—away from Wyla and being closer to my family. I don’t know. I just didn’t expect this friendship between us…” Callie trails off with a sigh then looks at the ground. “This is the first time I’ve actually felt like I belong somewhere, and I don’t want to ruin that.”
Is that what is really going on? She’s afraid she’s going to lose me?
Before I can respond, Callie steps around me and walks right into her unlocked apartment door.
Shit. Resting my head on my door, I feel my phone buzzing in my pocket.
Will’s Love Elves
Lucie
So, did she love her party?!
Reagan
Please tell us you’ve pulled your head out of your butt and realized you like her.
She said she loved it. Thank you for helping.
We are still just friends, so will you please change the fucking group chat name.
Reagan
You’re delusional if you think you two are friends.
Lucie
I think it’s romantic! It’s very “When Harry Met Sally” of him.
Lucie has changed the group name to:When Will Met Callie.
Will has left the group chat.
