“Cal, no. I’ve been cleaning sick up all night, I could have it. I don’t want to pass it on to you.”
“I’m already in the car. I’ve put you on speaker.”
“Cal,” I cry down the handset.
“Steph, don’t cry, baby.” His voice is soothing.
“I was looking forward to spending the day with you. Your last day as well.”
“I know, so was I. I had a full day planned for us.”
I suck in a breath. “You did?”
“Yeah, I spent all night packing the rest of my shit so I could see you today.”
I twirl my hair around my finger and smile at the thought of him doing that for me. “What did you have planned?”
“It doesn’t matter now.”
“It does. Please tell me.”
“I can’t.” He sighs down the phone.
I pinch my eyebrows. “Why not?”
“Because you’ll start crying again.”
“Why, was it that bad?” I snort.
I hear a smile playing in his voice. “Was that a hint of laughter there?”
“Maybe.” I puff out a small laugh.
“I was gonna take you on a proper date.”
“Cal.” My hand rubs my chest as my shoulders curl inwards.
“It occurred to me I’ve never taken you on a date, not since our teens, anyway.”
“Where were you going to take me?”
“The beach.”
I take in a breath. He was right. The tears build again, and my shoulders rock as I silently cry into the handset.
He lets out a breath. “You’re crying again, aren’t you?”
“I can’t help it. I love the beach.” With a sniffle, I dab my eyes with a tissue.
“I know you do, baby.”
I swallow and press my cheek against the handset, wishing he was here to hold me. There’s a long pause as I close my eyes, willing the time to go faster so I can wrap my arms around him.
“Cal.”
“Yeah, I’m here.”
“I really do love you.” My head leans back against the door and I close my eyes again, forcing another droplet to roll down the side of my face. I listen to his ragged breaths, waiting for him to say the words I long to hear.