Page 74 of Drive Me Wild
The second book is an older release, but it’s considered ‘the bible’ on indoor plants. Caleb has been waiting on this one, and since he started making cameos in some of my videos, I’ve been getting a lot of followers. I thought I should start adding even more books about plants for him and the women who I’m sure only follow my account because of him.
What can I say? I’m not above exploiting my hot boyfriend to get new readers.
I set it aside to wait to capture his reaction for the ladies.
Caleb has also launched his own channel, teaching mechanics to women. In two months, he’s gained thousands of followers who comment that they feel empowered by their knowledge of cars. He also showcases his growing collection of kinetic sculptures, which he’s decided to display at this year’s Owl Creek Art Festival.
The last book in the order is from the social media influencer whose videos made me realize how much I was choosing fear instead of love. This is her first book, and I’m proud to carry it. It will go on the top of my growing bedside collection as I heal my insecurities.
I take the box to the inventory room so we can tag and shelf them. When I come out, Caleb is walking back from shoveling in with a letter in his hand.
“I guess the mail came late yesterday.”
He gives me the letter addressed in handwriting I don’t recognize. When I look at the sender, it takes a moment for it to register who it’s from.
“This is from Alaska, Caleb.” Tears are filling my eyes. “This is from my dad.”
I run my finger over his name and address before flipping the envelope and carefully opening it. Inside is a single sheet of pale green lined paper folded in half.
Zoe,
When your mother found me after all these years, I didn’t know how to react. I was angry and sad and afraid that you would hate me.
Hate me for not trying to find you.
Hate me for staying in Alaska, doing what I love instead of being with you.
Hate me for letting you grow up without knowing how much you were wanted by me, even if I was too much of a coward to tell you in person.
But after a couple of months of feeling mad at her and myself, I realized that I needed to put it aside and let you know I’m sorry.
I should have been there for you, but I wasn’t.
Your mother gave me this address when I called her back last week and told me you’re a successful businesswoman. For whatit’s worth, I’m so proud of you. If you want to talk to your old dad someday and can read my chicken scratch, I’ve included my number at the bottom.
Love,
Dad
I clutched the letter to my chest and looked up into the big brown eyes of my faithful, devoted boyfriend. Warmth spread like melted butter from my belly to my chest. My father loved me. I meant something to him.
If this isn’t healing, I don’t know what is.
Caleb gives me a kiss on the forehead and walks over to the espresso machine. “Need another cup of coffee?”
“Yeah. Let’s have a cup together before I open the store for business.”
We sit in the cozy chairs we placed in the corner of the cafe area, warmed by the coffee and the sliver of sunshine cutting through the trees into the window. Again, I look at Caleb and the shelves of books surrounding us, and I think of how close I was to losing both of them.
“I’m the luckiest woman alive.”
He smiles his dimpled smile, brings my hand up to his mouth, and presses a kiss to the back of my hand.
“Caleb, I’m ready.”
“For?”
“I don’t want to get another roommate when Mabel leaves. I want you to move in.”
