Page 20 of Just My Puck
I chuckle, his joke bringing me back out of my head. “My lips are sealed.” He grins, then gets to work on the waffles.
“Thank ye!” I call out, and he turns around, a large smile splitting his face.
“Ah, the pirate is back. I was worried for a second.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Not going anywhere, matey.”
The sun peeks through the window,casting a golden glow on Caleb’s face. He squints his eyes. “Looks like it’s going to be the perfect day to get outside.”
I let out a loud sigh. “Yeah. I just hope I don’t make a fool of myself, and that it won’t be too awkward.”
“What? Of course it won’t be awkward. They’re great, and fun to be around. I’m sure you’ll be fast friends.”
I wring my hands in front of me. “I just have this feeling I don’t have a lot of girlfriends. I don’t know why, but I think I’m more of a loner.”
“That’s possible,” he says, studying me. “And it’s perfectly okay. I actually like my alone time as well. At least you’ll know more about yourself after today. And if you never want to see them again, that’s fine too. No pressure.”
“Okay.” I smile, the tightness around my chest loosening a bit. “I just don’t want to seem ungrateful.”
“Don’t you worry. It’s a complicated situation. Everyone will understand.” He casts me a reassuring smile before going back to cooking.
We enjoy our mouthwatering breakfast, the aroma of freshly made waffles filling the kitchen, and I appreciate the simplicity of the morning and the comfort of his company, even if it’s all still so new. After we eat our fill and stow the dishes in the dishwasher, we both head to our respective rooms to get ready for the day.
By the time I’m dressed, Caleb’s already waiting at my bedroom door, house keys in hand. “Here’s yours,” he says, handing me a key. “I figured you’d need one.”
I shift on my feet. “Thank you.” Why is it so awkward? It’s just a key. And I do live here, at least for now.
“You’re welcome,” he says, his eyes lingering on the key for a second too long before he starts walking toward the entryway.
We put our shoes on, and I open the door.
“Oh, wait,” he says as we’re walking out. “Before I forget, here’s my credit card. So you can buy yourself some clothes.”
“Right,” I say, looking at the card he’s handing me. “I don’t know. I feel weird taking it.”
He rakes a hand through his hair. “Come on, Aria. We talked about this. I want you to buy yourself a few things. Don’t go too crazy, but you’ll feel better once you have some clothes that you actually chose.”
He’s got a point, and he knows it. I definitely do need a pair of pants, or maybe some leggings. Leggings sound like heaven right now. The sweater isn’t bad, but it still feels like it belongs to someone else. “Okay. And I won’t go too crazy. Unless I was a shopaholic. No way of knowing,” I tease, walking outside.
Behind me, Caleb lets out a bellowing laugh.
I can’t help but smile at the sound. Is this how things are going to be from now on? Maybe being here won’t be so bad after all.
We could have walked to the coffee shop, where I’ll be meeting up with Marissa and Beth, but since Caleb is headed to the arena after this, and it’s a little further, we’re taking his car.
“So, this is one of the only pedestrian streets in New York,” he says, parking in a small lot. “I’ll walk you to the shop and introduce you to the girls.”
We step out of the car and venture onto the quiet street. It’s super cute with its rich display of Christmas decorations and small boutiques. I spot a hairdresser, a florist, and right across from the coffee shop, a bookstore. My stomach constricts when I glimpse the books in the window display. Have I been here before? Or is it just the effect of seeing books? Maybe I’m a big reader.
“Are you okay?” Caleb asks, and I startle. I’d forgotten he was here.
“Yeah. I just—I don’t know. I think I liked to read.”
“Perfect. The girls who own thebookstore are great friends too. Maybe you can pop in later with Marissa and Beth?”
“Sure.” I nod, tearing my eyes away to walk to the coffee shop.
“Here we are, Rise & Grind.” He tries to push the door open, but it’s closed. The sign on the door says so. He knocks, and a few seconds later, a girl with long strawberry blonde hair opens the door.
