Page 9 of Caleb
“I have too many bad memories in hospitals. Besides, like you said… you have some making up to do. And I expect you to work for it.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I growl.
“Good.”
She stands up and straightens out her clothes. I put my hand on her hip and kiss the top of her head. “So, we’re agreed? I’ll take you out on a date the first chance I get?”
“You better.”
“And you’ll let me pay your hospital bills?”
“No.” She walks to the door and pushes it open. The cacophony of sound from the hospital fills the room. Machines beeping. Footsteps rushing down the corridor. An elderly woman complaining about her feet. “I don’t want to feel like you’re buying me off. I got a job today. It’s not going to be easy, but I’m going to pay these damn medical bills if it’s the last thing I ever do. And then I’m going to wrap Jake and Dylan in bubble wrap and lock them in their rooms until they’re old enough to work and they can pay for their own damn health insurance.
“Now, are you going to take me to see my brother? Or am I going to have to find my own way?”
“I’ll take you,” I say. “But only if you walk ahead. I want to watch that sweet, juicy ass of yours and think about all the things I’m going to do it.”
7
Naomi
“Alright, then.”My dad looks at me through wet and bleary eyes. “You look so much like your damn mother.”
“Don’t,” I tell him. “I don’t want to mess up my makeup.”
“Okay,” he puts a hand on my shoulder. “You go and have yourself a nice evening. God knows you’ve earned it. I haven’t been much of a father to you recently…”
I squeeze his fingers and then give him a tight, long hug. “You’re doing the best you can,” I say. “And that’s all that matters. We’re gonna get through this. I promise.”
He lets go, giving me one last tap on the shoulder before I open the door.
“Damn!” Dr. Caleb says when he sees me. “You look amazing.”
I give him a little twirl, basking in his compliment. “You don’t look so bad yourself. Now come on, I’m starving.”
He offers me his arm and walks me to the car, opening the door for me like we’re back in the olden days and he’s a dashing young gentleman who’s courting me.
For the most part, we drive along in silence. He reaches over and takes my hand. I hold it on my lap. He asks about Jake, and how he’s doing since he got back from the hospital. I tell him he’s fine. The infection has cleared up pretty well. He’s up and out of bed now. All be it a little slower than before.
“He’ll be back in school soon,” Caleb says.
“I hope so! He’s driving me crazy being around the house all the time.”
The restaurant we pull up in front of is called El Placer. It’s one of those authentic Mexican places without all the showy tourist stuff. The parking lot is packed, and when we walk through the doors it’s like I’ve walked into a different world. Everyone’s happy and laughing and the strong, spicy aromas hit my nose and make my belly rumble.
“I’ve never been here before,” I say.
“Then you’re in for a treat,” he says. “You do like Mexican? Don’t you?”
“Does the pope shit in the woods?”
“Probably not,” he laughs. “But, I’ll take that as a yes.”
A young man with jet black hair and an infectious smile greets us. He takes Caleb's hand and pulls him in for a hug.
“Dr. Caleb!” he says. “It’s been too long! Come this way… I have saved you the best table.”
I look at him questioningly and he just shrugs his shoulders and gives me a wink.
