“Who in their right mind orders crab cakes unless someone holds a gun to their head?” My stomach churns just at the thought. I’ve never liked crab.
He tilts his head, then looks back at the menu. “You’re right, Caleb. Who would? I think I’ll have the sea bass. And a beer.”
I close the menu. “You know what? It’s been ages since I’ve had sea bass. I think I’ll have thesame.”
A server comes by, and we order the food. Kayden tells me about some ideas he has for a monthly open workshop where people can stop by and see what we do at the shipyard. He suggests we invite some local vendors too, and visitors can try some of their specialties. The tourists would love that, and it would be beneficial for local small businesses. He tells me about some of the food halls in Boston and how he and Emily would go there sometimes and just look at the vendors and take it all in. Or the farmer’s markets in Boston, like theCopley Squareone or theCharles River Farmers Market. His face becomes alive the more he talks, his hands gesturing in front of him excitedly. “If you want, we can go sometime. To one of the farmer’s markets, I mean. It’s really something.”
“I bet it is.” I’m so engulfed in our conversation that it takes me a while to notice someone has stopped next to our table. At first, I think it’s the server, but when I look up, it’s Stacey’s familiar eyes staring back at me. Her arms are crossed over her chest, and there’s an air of tension around her. I haven’t seen or spoken to her since we broke up. I’ve avoided the hardware store, too, wanting to just give her some space. I knew we’d run into each other eventually. It’s unavoidable in a small town like ours.
Kayden stops talking mid-sentence and just glances between us.
“Well, this is fast even for you, Caleb,” she says, her voice sharp with an unusual coldness to it.
“Hi, Stace,” I sigh as I try to keep my voice calm. Stacey narrows her eyes at me like she wants me to drop dead at her feet, then squish me under her boot like a bug. It’s very likely that she does wish me dead. Previous lovers have, even voicing it loudly in way too public places.‘Just drop dead, Caleb!’
“You’re not a guy for wasting your time, are you, Caleb Morgan? Already found someone new, I see?” She looks at Kayden, giving him a quick once-over. “A little young even for you, don’t you think?”
Anger stirs inside me. Stacey can come at me all she wants. I probably deserve it. But Kayden has absolutely no part in this, and I refuse to let him become collateral damage, paying for my mistakes.
“What the hell are you talking about, Stace?” I try to keep my voice under control. The last thing I want is a scene, especially not in front of Kayden. “This is Sal’s kid.” Kayden winces at thekid, and I instantly regret it. He’s far from a kid, but if he could just see that I’m trying to do damage control here, I think he’d understand. “I mean, this is Kayden. You remember Sal’s son, right?”
Stacey relaxes a little as she eyes Kayden. Then her expression softens. “Hi Kayden. I’m sorry, I didn’t recognize you at first.” Her voice dips slightly, most of the anger now gone. “Welcome home.”
“Thanks,” he murmurs, pink spreading across his cheeks like a wildfire. I can’t tell whether he’s annoyed or embarrassed. Maybe both.
“You look great,” Stacey continues, her voice now slightly upbeat, and I wish she’d just go away. “How old are you now, Kayden?”Kayden. It rubs me the wrong way, hearing his name on Stacey’s lips.
“Twenty-two.”
“Oh em gee,” she squeals exaggeratedly, then places her hand on my shoulder nonchalantly. “Soooyoung. Not like us oldies, right, Caleb?” She reaches for her blonde ponytail with her other hand and starts twirling it around her finger.
“Right,” I say, looking around for our server.
She leans toward Kayden like they’re old friends, her voice low and conspiratorial when she speaks. “Sorry about… I just thought… You know, no offense, it’s just that Caleb’s never single for long. Always on the lookout, right, Caleb? And since he swings both ways—”
“Enough!” I hiss, and a few other patrons look up from their meals, sending us curious looks. “Please, Stace. Not now. Not here.”
She pulls back slightly, then smiles at me. “Sure. I think my food is ready anyway.” She waves her fingers at me. “Catch ya later, Caleb. Nice seeing you again, Kayden. Enjoy your lunch. The fish burgers are really good.” Then she leaves, swaying her hips from side to side, an air of aloofness around her. I’m left with this sour taste in my mouth because, as out of order as Stacey was, she’s not wrong. Iamthat kind of guy. It’s just… hearing her say it in front of Kayden. Yeah, I didn’t like that at all.
“Sorry,” I murmur, brushing my hands along my thighs.
“It’s okay,” Kayden smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. We sit in silence until the server arrives with our food. Before she can place our plates in front of us, Kayden blurts, “Can we get these to go? I’m sorry, but I completely forgot I have to be somewhere.”
“Of course. Absolutely,” she smiles. “I’ll get these packed for you, and you can pick them up at the bar.”
“Thank you.”
As soon as she disappears, Kayden stands and slides out of his chair.
“Kayden.” I get up too and reach for him, but he steps away from me.
“It’s okay, Caleb. I’m really tired, you know.” He stares down at his sneakers, his shoulders slumped. “It’s been a busy week.” I don’t buy it for one second.
“Kayden, will you look at me? Please.”
He looks up, and it’s like he’s shut himself off from me, his face blank and expressionless. “I’m sorry, okay? I wish you hadn’t seen that. Stace is…” I sigh. “Things didn’t end well between us.”
“It’s none of my business,” he says flatly.