“Water,” he says. “I’m gonna get you some. Hangover prevention.”
I nod, snuggling into the pillows. He disappears into the little attached bathroom, comes back with a glass. I watch as he sits on the bed’s edge, holds it to my lips.
“Sip. Slow,” Kaleb says, warmth in his voice and love in his eyes.
I do, the cool water sliding down my throat. It clears some of the fuzz. But even through the beer haze, I sense it… something unsaid. His jaw’s a little tight. Eyes thoughtful. Like he’s working up to words.
“What?” I ask, setting the glass on the nightstand.
He hesitates. Shakes his head. “Nothing. It’ll keep for tomorrow.”
My stomach twists—sudden, sharp. Keep for tomorrow? That sounds…bad. Like bad news. Like “we need to talk” bad. Like breakup bad.
No. No way. Not after everything. Not after last night, the camping, the way he was looking at me just moments ago.
But the doubt creeps in. Slithery. Insidious.
I hide it. Force a smile. “Okay. Tomorrow.”
Kaleb tucks the quilt around me and then brushes hair from my forehead, kisses it softly.
“Good night, baby boy. Sleep tight.”
“Night, Daddy.” I say, my voice small.
Kaleb stands, lingers at the door a second. Then clicks off the light. The door shuts quiet behind him.
I stare into the dark, heart pounding.
What if…?
No. Sleep. It’s the cider talking.
I close my eyes but I drift off restlessly, the worry curling like smoke in my dreams.
I blink awake, stretch my tired arms and legs under the quilt. My head’s a little fuzzy, but not pounding. Thanks to the water, probably.
My first thought:Kaleb.
Second thought: That look last night.It’ll keep for tomorrow.
I can’t help it but my stomach knots. There was totally something on Kaleb’s mind. Even though I’d had too much to drink , I could tell that there was something bugging him.
Is he breaking things off?
Did I misreadeverything? The camping, the nights together, the Daddy—maybe it’s too much too fast. Maybe he’s realizing I’m just a city boy playing at small-town life.
Or maybe Pace was right after all…I’m not special, I need to lose weight, I’m definitely not enough on my own.
No. I need to stop thinking like this. This isn’t good. At all. And then I remember, I don’t actually know where Robbie is. I mean, he was meant to be staying with me but in my drunken haze I kinda lost track of all that, and so did he. I need to know that he’s safe, and there’s no time to waste.
I grab my phone from the nightstand and type a text to Robbie…
Taron: Where r u? Everything ok? Reply ASAP!
Robbie’s reply thankfully buzzes in seconds.
Robbie: All good hehe! Will spill later. Safe & sound. Don’t worry!