Page 20 of Drive Me Wild
We sat in silence for a few moments, and then I stood to leave.
“Was that all you wanted to talk about?”
“Until you know what’s happening, I guess it is.”
“Well, thank you for coming by. It was good to see you again. If you want to sit in on the council meeting, it’s open to the public.”
“Really?”
“Well, we are doing the people’s work, so yes. Anyone can sit in on the meetings. They’re in the chamber room across the hall. It’s not much, but it’s our official meeting space.”
“I’ve never done anything like that.”
“I hope you’ll come then.”
“I’ll think about it, but I’m not sure I’m ready to get that involved. Thanks for the invite, though.” I give her a little wave and walk to my car to drive home.
It’s funny because I’ve only been here a few days, and it already feels a little like a real home. And that thought carries me all the way down the road to my apartment.
When I get home, I call my mom for a quick chat to tell her about the library and bookstore. Before I can finish telling her about Mabel, she insists I think about buying the bookstore because, as she puts it, ‘I’ve always had my nose in a book.’
“Mom, I don’t even know how much she wants for it.”
“Only one way to find out.”
“When did you get so—”
“I guess Chris brings it out in me.”
“I’m glad you are happy together.”
I feel my throat catch and heat rise to my cheeks. It was hard leaving her. We were a team. But ever since she met Chris, I saw that he’s on her team too. And I had to give them space to be together.
“We are. And I know you’re building your happily-ever-after, too.”
“I’m trying.”
“You’ll find it, sweetheart.”
“Love you, mom.”
Chapter Ten: Caleb
Ican’t help but feel inspired this morning as I climb out of bed and get ready for work. Despite knowing I need to keep my hands to myself, Zoe will be here in an hour or two, putting a spring in my step. I also finished my model robot last night, so I’m excited to start on something very different this afternoon.
I water all my plants in the south-facing windows, giving them a bit of the liquid fertilizer Cody gave me. He made it from his compost pile, which he spends way too much time fussing with. You’d think he was in a relationship with that steaming pile with as much attention as he gives it. I guess I can’t fault him, though. My indoor garden looks fantastic as a result.
Once the babies have their food, I make my breakfast and take a quick shower. I hear a frantic knock on the downstairs door when I’m hopping out.
I race down the stairs in my bare feet and a towel and swing open the door to see Zoe standing there looking sheepish in a pale yellow sleeveless dress that does something to my insides.
Her eyes take in my wet hair and then rake across my chest and down to the towel and bare feet, and I see a flush bloomacross her cheeks as she brushes by me and steps inside the shop.
“Sorry, I…it’s just…I…Cole passed me on the road, and I didn’t want him to see me come in. He pulled in across the street at the diner.”
I see her bite her lip and try not to look me in the eye, and I can’t help but chuckle.
“What?” Her eyes dart to mine and away.
