Chapter 7: After the Storm

When I finally composed myself and turned to leave,

I took a deep breath, smoothed my dress, and tried to pull myself together.

I saw Derek and his group walking toward me.

They were laughing, arms slung around each other. Caleb lagged behind, his eyes glued to his phone.

Caleb was looking down at his phone, bringing up the rear.

He didn’t notice me at first, too lost in whatever message he was typing.

Derek spotted me first, waved, and greeted me.

He called out my name, his grin wide and genuine. He’d always been the glue that held the group together.

"Natalie..." Derek said, then nudged Marcus, who was still chattering beside him.

Marcus was oblivious, still telling a story at top volume, the kind that made everyone roll their eyes and laugh.

But Marcus didn’t get the hint and kept talking:

He barreled on, voice carrying over the music.

"Natalie, we were just talking about Rachel Monroe coming back to the States and looking for a job."

The name hit me like a cold wave. My stomach twisted.

"Think if Rachel had come back sooner, maybe you and Caleb wouldn’t have... you know?"

He trailed off, but the implication was clear. I looked at Caleb, but his expression was unreadable.

Derek elbowed Marcus in the stomach, forcibly cutting him off.

Marcus doubled over, wheezing, but Derek shot him a look that said, "Not now, man."

I heard the familiar name and was stunned for a moment.

I felt the blood drain from my face. Rachel Monroe, back in the States?

Rachel Monroe, she’s back?

My mind raced. Had Caleb seen her? Was that why he was acting so distant?

Has Caleb been in contact with her...

The question lingered, unspoken.

"See, I told you. Natalie asked for the address just to pick up her husband and take him home."

Derek clapped me on the back, his tone conspiratorial.

"Caleb—"

He turned, grabbed Caleb by the arm, and dragged him toward me.

Derek turned and pulled Caleb over, stuffing his arm into my embrace.

Caleb stumbled into my side, and Derek winked at me like we were partners in crime.

"Go home, you two. Go on, go on."

He shooed us toward the door, his grin irrepressible.

"Natalie, Caleb is drunk—dead drunk. You can do whatever you want with him~"

His voice was teasing, but his eyes were kind. He was trying to give us space.

I was stunned, and when I looked up, I saw Derek winking at Caleb.

I caught the exchange—something unspoken passing between them.

I looked at Caleb in confusion.

He looked perfectly sober to me. No glassy eyes, no stumbling. What was he playing at?

There was only a faint smell of alcohol on him, his eyes were clear, and he stood steady—not a trace of drunkenness.

I wanted to ask what was going on, but before I could, Caleb leaned into me.

Just as I was puzzling over it,

He swayed, his body brushing against mine, heavier than usual.

A shadow suddenly fell over Caleb’s eyes, and his tall body swayed slightly.

He played his part, acting tipsy. For a second, I almost believed him.

Then, he buried his forehead perfectly into the crook of my neck and shoulder.

The intimacy of the gesture made my heart skip. I could feel his breath against my collarbone.

"So dizzy," he murmured, voice husky.

He sounded so convincing I nearly believed he was drunk.

"They made me drink... Did Natalie come all the way here just to pick me up?"

The way he said my name sent a shiver down my spine. I nodded, cheeks burning.

Caleb’s warm breath tickled my neck, sending a shiver through me.

I tried to steady him, my hands trembling. The world seemed to narrow to just the two of us.

Amid Derek and the others’ teasing,

Their laughter faded into the background. All I could hear was the thud of my own heart.

I didn’t know what to do, so I could only softly reply, "Mm."

The sound was barely audible, but Caleb smiled.

Caleb smiled and gently laced his fingers with mine.

His touch was gentle, reassuring. I felt my anxiety ease, just a little.

I lowered my head in a panic and carefully led him out.

The sidewalk was slick with rain. I held his arm tight, afraid he might slip—or that I might let go.

[This is the first time my wife has come to pick me up and take me home.]

The thought popped into my head, sudden and vivid. Was it mine, or his? I wasn’t sure anymore.

Caleb’s deep voice suddenly echoed in my ear.

He squeezed my hand, looking at me with a warmth I hadn’t seen before.

I was startled and turned to look at him.

Our eyes met, and for a moment, the world fell away.

Caleb wore a triumphant smile at the corner of his mouth, his Adam’s apple bobbing.

He looked like he’d just won a prize, like the luckiest man in the room.

He didn’t speak, but I heard his voice again:

[Derek’s advice was actually useful.]

[My wife looks so cute when she’s shy.]

[Hmm, can I use the third box of protection tonight?]

I nearly laughed out loud, relief and affection washing over me in equal measure.