“Oh, so you guys are like work friends,” I state, and Calder’s hand is back on my leg but this time his touch is intimate. Which leaves me wondering if it is because he likes me or more about the fact that he had some sort of relationship with this pregnant chick.
“We go way back. Childhood friends,” Carly says, beaming in a fake demeanor at her husband. I now see the rings on their fingers. “WE all grew up here in the Cove together.”
“We were just finishing up with our food and Calder promised he’d take me on the Ferris Wheel. I’m sure we’ll see you guys around. Maybe we can get together and have dinner sometime, and y’all can tell me stories about Calder in his school days. You know the embarrassing stuff.” I move to get up from the table and Calder follows my lead staying oddly silent, and I hope I haven’t crossed a line. They clearly make him uncomfortable, and I am eager to hear the story behind this awkward encounter.
The woman gives me a forced smile and her husband holds his hand out to Calder who accepts it reluctantly. “It’s good seeing you, man.”
Calder’s response is a curt nod. I grab our trash and dispose of it. While I am at the garbage bin Calder comes up behind me wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his head on my shoulder. He kisses my neck and whispers, “Thank you.”
“No problem. I could sense how tense the situation made you. I’m sure there is a story there.” I turn to face him.
“There is but let’s not spoil today with it. What’s this about me taking you on the Ferris wheel?” He takes my hand in his and leads me away from the food court and to the ticket booth.
“For a small town you guys sure go all out for your festival.” They have everything. Craft booths. Old time photos. Food. Games. Rides.
“You should see the Christmas bazar the quilting club hosts.” He laughs.
“Do you play Santa or one of his elves? I could go for seeing you in some tights.”
“I’m the grinch.” He pinches my butt and I squeal.
We make our rounds riding all that they have to offer, and evening time has snuck up on us. We’re walking along the shore hand in hand. Today has been kind of perfect. I’m not used to things going in my favor, but I am trying to enjoy it. Trying to let go and allow myself a slice of happiness with Calder for however long it lasts.
“I had no idea about your sister. I’m sorry for your loss.”
He shrugs his shoulder. “Was a few years ago. She was sixteen and had her whole future mapped out, but then her boyfriend happened. My sister thought he hung the moon and that they were gonna be together forever.”
I don’t tell him how close to home this discussion hits for me. “You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.” I don’t tell him it’s because his words are hard to hear. They sound so familiar.
“Nah. It’s fine. It feels good to get it off my chest. Anyway, she had recently gotten her license and was excited to show off her new car. My parents spared no expense and against my wishes and advice bought her a brand-new Mustang. I thought it was a mistake. She needed something she could bang up and not worry about. She only had the car for three hours and went to show it off to her boyfriend. Only when she got to his house, she found him with who she thought was her best friend. She took off and b
reezed through a four way stop and was t-boned by a drunk driver. They both died on impact.”
“Oh God, Calder. That’s terrible.”
“Yeah and that couple who approached us earlier that was my ex-fiancée and my former best friend.” I thought he was going to say Roger was the boyfriend.
“I don’t know what to say except I am sorry.”
“You didn’t do anything. No reason to apologize. Carly called me a month before they got married telling me that she made a mistake and that she wanted to be with me. I turned her down and the night of their wedding I had too much to drink and crashed my cruiser.”
“I guess she didn’t like seeing us together then and probably married him because of the baby.”
“Yeah, that was my estimation too.” He kicks at the sand.
“Are you…do you still love her?”
Turning into me, he holds my face between his hands. “There was a time I thought I would never love anyone but Carly, but I was wrong. I loved the person I thought she was. When I needed her the most, she abandoned me for another man. That’s not the kind of woman I want to be with.”
“They did that to you when your sister passed away?”
“Yup.”
“And they have the nerve to try an act like you should want to hang out with them? Wow.”
“Don’t give them a second thought. I don’t. I’ve moved on with my life. And I am hoping that moving on will include you. I like you, Maggie. I want to get to know you. We can take this at your speed. Whatever you want. All I am asking for is a chance.”
Unable to resist, I lean up and kiss his lips. Maybe I can do this. Start a new life here with Calder.