The Journey Home(11)
Author: Kelly Elliott

She smiled and tilted her head. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you in the first place, Cale. It was selfish of me.”

I raked my hands down my face. This didn’t change anything. I didn’t love her. I wasn’t ready to settle down. Then there was the small fact that I loved someone else.

Someone I would probably never be able to hold in my arms, let alone see again. I couldn’t let Zoey live out the rest of her life with a man who didn’t feel the way she did.

“Zoey, I…I don’t really know how to say this without now seeming like a dick. I don’t…I mean you said you loved me, but I don’t love—”

Her smiled dropped and her eyes turned from sadness to anger.

She stood up. “I wasn’t done, Cale. I have other news. Bigger news.”

I raised my eyebrows. “What the hell could be bigger than you’re sick and dying?”

She gave me the same smile she flashed when I first told her my name. There was something evil behind it.

“I’m pregnant.”

I PULLED UP to JJ’s Bar and Grill and parked. Monica had been talking non-stop since we left the title company, and I had the keys to my new lake house in my hand. We’d stopped by and toasted to a new life with a bottle of champagne in the living room. I was ready to put the past behind me and start a new life. I looked at Monica and smiled.

“Ready?” She asked.

I let out a giggle. “More than ready!”

We headed down the boat ramp to the restaurant. I’d gotten a text from Zoey earlier and hadn’t bothered to read it before the closing. I was sick of hearing about her Prince Charming and what a great screw he was. Still, I pulled my phone out and read her text.

Zoey: Hey Maddie. I feel like we haven’t seen each other in months. I want to introduce you to my guy. I’ve got some big news to share with you!

Me: Sorry for the late reply, Zoey. I closed on a house today.

Zoey: OMG! You bought a house? Why didn’t you tell me?

I’d been finding myself keeping more and more things from Zoey. Ever since Monica and I had walked around a corner to see Zoey standing there, on that day when we were talking about Cale. Zoey claimed she’d just walked up, but Monica still swears that Zoey was eavesdropping.

Me: I wanted to make sure it all turned out okay before I said anything to anyone.

Zoey: Did Monica know?

I rolled my eyes and sighed.

Monica was smiling big as she scoped out the restaurant. “Holy shit!” she said “There are some good looking guys in here.” She turned to me. “What? What’s wrong? You looked stressed.”

“Zoey. She just asked if you knew about me buying a house. I didn’t tell her until today—I don’t want to hurt her feelings.”

Monica made a face and shook her head. “Who gives a fuck? I don’t trust that girl. I’m telling you, Maddie. Something’s up with her.”

I looked at my phone and decided I wasn’t going to lie to her.

Me: Yes, Monica knew. What are you up to this evening? You could stop by and we could have a little toast!

Zoey: Figures she knew and I didn’t. I’m always the last to know. Not sure what I’m doing. Let me check with Mr. Hot Pants! I’m about to meet him for lunch.

I groaned and shoved my phone back into my purse. I couldn’t believe how pushy Zoey was being about her relationship with this jerk. I dreaded the day I’d meet him.

“Ladies, would you like to sit out on the deck?” the hostess asked.

“Inside would be great,” I replied with a smile.

As we walked to our table, I felt like someone was watching me. It was so strong that I looked over my shoulder.

Monica sat down, grabbing my arm to pull me into my seat. “What’s wrong with you?”

I shook my head as I continued looking. “I don’t know. I feel like someone is watching me.”

“Nice, Maddie. Freak yourself out, why don’t you?”

I chuckled at Monica. “I know, right? I’m going to be all alone in a giant house soon, and here I am talking about being watched.”

We both started laughing. But, when I looked up, I instantly recognized the eyes staring at me. I sucked in a breath.

“Oh…my…God,” I whispered.

“I know,” Monica said. “I have no damn clue what to order. Everything sounds so good.”

I couldn’t pull my eyes away. He and I just stared at each other; neither of us could look away.

“What are you going to order, Maddie?”

His eyes were just as beautiful as I remembered. I could almost feel his lips on my skin as I smiled.

“It’s him,” I said.

“What? Maddie, what are you talking about?”

The way his lips curved into a smile had me pressing my legs together, longing for his touch. It didn’t seem like it could have been two years ago. It seemed like it had been only moments.

“Maddie? Hello? Earth to Maddison!” Monica waved a hand in front of my face.

“It’s Cale,” I said. “Cale’s here.”

Monica turned her gaze to where I was anchored. “What? No freaking way!”

When Monica gasped and jumped up, I wanted to follow. I wanted to run into his arms, but something was holding me back. And something was holding him back, too.

“Oh perfect! He’s with his little friend. And by little I mean the guy with the little—”

“Monica!” I gasped, teeth clenched. I stood up and grabbed her arm as she laughed. I turned back and noticed Jack sitting with Cale. Jack looked stunned. Almost panicky.

Cale stood, smiling wider. I couldn’t hear anything other than my heart pounding.

“I knew you buying that house was a good sign,” Monica whispered.

Cale was about to head our way when I saw a blonde walk up to him. His smile vanished as his gaze drifted toward her. Instantly, the warmth disappeared from his eyes.

Monica began cursing under her breath. “Oh no, she didn’t,” she said.

I couldn’t stop watching Cale. He pulled a chair out for the girl, but kept his eyes on me.

“That little fucking bitch. I’m gonna pound her head into the ground and…”

Monica’s rage pulled me out of my trance. “What?” I asked. “Who?”

“Maddie,” Monica said, her eyes turning serious. “That girl with Cale is Zoey.”

I gave Monica a look like she was crazy. Turning my head slowly, I finally noticed Zoey. I held onto my stomach as I sat back down. I felt like I was going to be sick.