Chapter Four
The Weight
When I walked into Molly’s, Juliette was the first person I spotted. She was in a booth with that guy she’s always with and she was laughing while stuffing her face with mashed potatoes. I looked at her longingly, she seemed to be the most care-free person in this town. It always seemed like she was unaffected by everyone’s opinion—like she didn’t care about what anyone had to say. I truly wished to know what that could possibly feel like.
To move as I please, to think of nothing at all, to create my own happiness.
Life was happening for Juliette while life was happening around me.
I had the honor of witnessing everyone’s happy ever after instead of having my own.
I sat on one of the stools at the bar section and ordered one of my regular drinks, a whisky on the rocks. It only took the bartender a solid minute to serve me my drink. I ran a hand through my hair then took the first sip. In just a moment, Molly, the owner of Molly’s, was at my side.
“Thank you for the other day, you saved me, I owe you one,” she said.
I sniffed as I swallowed my drink. “Last I recall, you paid the invoice, nothing to be thankful about, Molls.”
She hummed before she gave that look everyone else has been giving me since they found out about the accident.
Three…
Two…
One…
“How’re Ardley and Celeste?”
“Fine.”
“How are you?”
I froze with the drink against my lips. I took a moment of silence to remind myself that no one really cared to hear about how I truly felt, they just wanted to hear the easy answer to ensure themselves that they tried at least.
No one ever truly cared about what I had to say.
My nose flared as I resumed drinking, after swallowing I cast Molly a glance over my shoulder, she still gave me that look.
“Fine,” I said.
She grinned as she patted my back. “Well, you’re here, so I’d say if you weren’t fine, you’ll be fine after a couple of drinks.”
Molly looked too young for her age, thirty years older than me and she still looked around my age with her slicked back bun that undoubtedly hid some of her silver hair, her smile lines were barely visible though she smiled all the time. Molly still had all her teeth including her two golden front teeth that really complemented the gap between those two front teeth.
Maybe it’s the fact that her family comes from an island, maybe that’s why they age slowly.
“Don’t stress tonight, Cal, drinks are on the house, courtesy of Molly herself, and I’ll have Seba make you a to-go plate of everything you like here,”
Molly said.
She mostly served Haitian dishes but there were a few select other island dishes, and only a handful of American food.
I waved at the bartender so he could send me another drink, and moments later he handed me an even smaller amount of whiskey. I didn’t complain because my goal wasn’t to get drunk. I was just here for a drink and to escape from everything that reminded me of my brother and his wife and the heavy weight the void left on my chest.
Ardley was not getting any better, but the doctors said he should wake up any time now. I feel guilty not being by his side but every time I do stay, it starts to feel like it’s the day I might say goodbye.
We weren’t ready for goodbyes yet.
I’m not ready to say goodbye yet.
My brother hadn’t experienced fatherhood yet so he couldn’t leave his kid behind. And I was sure he wouldn’t.
I signed the papers. I’ve decided to look after Ardley’s baby until he woke up, like he would want me to. I was sure that would make him happy.
I finished the drink and my hooded eyes landed on Juliette again, except this time she wasn’t laughing. She had a serious look on her face while her fist clenched under the table and at first, I expected her to punch the guy in front of her because it felt like he said something wildly inappropriate. But then her head dropped down, and she was fisting her hand ever tighter. I looked at the scene from afar as I thought of the endless things that could have her react that way.
When the suspense was killing me, I pressed my lips into a thin line and sighed, and thought, maybe…well, maybe she was just like me, maybe life was happening around her as well. It was pretty ignorant of me to guess otherwise, just because she always showcased a pretty smile wouldn’t mean she was okay. Maybe the alcohol was starting to get to me, but no sane person would agree to that deal she made with my brother.
I tilted my head to the side as my shoulders relaxed. Maybe the alcohol was really getting to me because in just seconds of watching her I hopped off the stool and approached the booth she was in. The guy called out to her but she wasn’t responding and I couldn’t stop myself from walking any closer.
Is she in pain?
Is the baby coming?
I stood next to her and my brows furrowed. “Juliette,”
I called out.
Her head snapped in my direction and our eyes locked. Hers were glossy and the light she always had in her eyes had left her eyes.
I wasn’t sure what to do, but distracting her would be a good start.
“Are you…”
I tilted my head to the side, “you crying?”
Her eyes widened as she blinked and tears fell down. “No,”
she shook her head and pursed her lips, “these are hormone tears,” she said as she turned to the guy next to her. “Right, Val?”
I didn’t bother to look at the guy she was inserting into our conversation, but he replied anyway.
“Right,”
he chuckled nervously, “hormone tears, since she is indeed pregnant…with a baby.”
Juliette looked at him then looked at me. “So…what now?”
She wiped her tear and barbecue sauce-covered cheeks.
I fought my suppressed smile.
I shrugged and finally grinned. “I just wanted to say hi.”
My smile widened. “Hi, Juliette.”
She looked at the guy next to her awkwardly then said, “Hi, Callum?”
I nodded, satisfied enough because she relaxed her hand from the iron clenching grip. I made my way back to my seat, but I still felt her eyes burn holes through my back.
I don’t know why but I stayed at the bar until Juliette left then I went home. Well, Ardley’s house.
I went straight to the living room, turned on the light and started searching for that piece of paper Juliette wrote her number on. It was such a mess here. I never realized how messy it was until now. Used mugs were everywhere on the table, tissues, even plates, and half eaten loafs of bread…?
I finally found the paper and dropped myself on the couch as I pulled out my phone. It was just after nine, but I couldn’t stop myself from shooting her a text.
Callum: Hey, it’s Callum.
After sending the text I ran a hand through my hair and waited. I don’t know why I was nervous, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel a little bit of pressure.
And finally, I watched the screen change from delivered to seen. A minute passed by, and the three little dots finally started loading one by one.
Juliette: Hey.
Callum: We should grab coffee soon.
Callum: and talk
Juliette: About what? I thought you’d arrange a visit for me with the Oakes, I’ve been waiting.
Callum: I have something important to tell you, and I can take you to the hospital after.
Juliette: What do you have to tell me? Can’t you just text it right now?
I chuckled.
Callum: No. It’s important, let’s get coffee tomorrow.
Juliette: if you insist.
That earned another chuckle out of me. I locked my phone and dropped my head back on the couch to close my eyes for a second but my phone vibrated, I looked and noticed it was another text from Juliette.
Juliette: meet me at Blueberry Lane at noon, I’ll have thirty minutes before I start my shift there, don’t be late. Thirty minutes it’s all you have.
Callum: Blueberry Lane?? I didn’t know they hired outside of the family.
Juliette: Well, what do you know? I’m part of the family now. Goodnight ;)
Callum: Goodnight.
I closed my eyes and dropped my head back on the couch. I could choose to try and get some sleep or solve the mystery of how Juliette happened to be the one my brother trusted to have his baby. I sighed, tossing and turning until I finally fell asleep.
My head started pounding the second I opened my eyes, and my neck felt strained, but the more I slept on the couch, the more I got used to it. It didn’t matter how strained my neck felt or the intense migraines I got in the mornings from sleeping poorly, I wouldn’t leave this spot until Ardley and Celeste were back.
Until then, a hot shower would have me momentarily fixed.
I got out of the shower with a towel wrapped around my waist and quickly got dressed and while brewing a cup of coffee I started going through my emails on my laptop, most of it was PDF copies of floor plans that I’m supposed to look through and approve. Since I couldn’t be in the office as much as I’d like to be, I had everyone who’s working on any projects to email me every single piece of paperwork, even stuff that I don’t need to look at. It made me feel involved, and it helped the fact that I didn’t trust a single person who worked for me, not because I don’t think they’re capable of doing their job or anything, but because I wanted to make sure I’m updated on everything and it would be easier for me to catch a mistake before it turned into a disaster.
I approved a few plans while I sipped my coffee. It was still six in the morning and I was passing time till it was seven so I could head to the office. I figured since I was gonna be out to see Juliette anyways, I might as well spend the first half of the day in the office.
I had a few contracts to sign today anyway, and some land owners wanted to meet me before signing with our company.
By the time I had, I didn’t even make a dent in half of the emails that were forwarded to me. I finished my coffee, and it was fixed to be seven, so I packed my laptop in my briefcase and grabbed my phone, making my way out of the house.
I made it to the office and got straight to all the paperwork, and the signing I had to do. And apparently, I had a zoom meeting with a new potential client at eleven-thirty.
I called my assistant, Crystal, over to my office and in just seconds before I could even lift a folder she popped her head in the room.
“You called me, Cal?”
“Is it possible to push back the meeting with the Hamiltons?”
She shook her head, “that’s the only time that works for them.”
I held the bridge of my nose. “Why wasn’t I aware of this meeting sooner?”
“I sent you an email last night,”
Crystal said sheepishly.
I sent her a glare. “Do you know how many emails I receive a day? It takes me at least two hours to make so much as a dent through my emails.”
“I can call them to reschedule.”
“It’s fine, just text me the dates of important calls and meetings from now on, and push everything else I have planned today till at least one p.m.”
She nodded.
“I’m not sure if I’ll come back to the office but I’ll give you a heads up. Until then, send me the folder on the Hamiltons.”
The meeting went by quickly, so I made it ten minutes early to the pastry shop. The second I walked in, a guy with dirty blond hair greeted me and asked if he could assist me. I politely declined and took a seat as I pushed the sleeve of my suit back to check my watch.
The place was pretty dead, especially at times like this. During the summer it should be packed.
As time went by, I started to feel embarrassed to be sitting in the shop without buying anything, and since I haven’t had any breakfast yet, I ordered a chocolate croissant and a cup of black coffee.
Juliette was running late.
At least ten minutes late.
I checked my watch again as I finished the last bite of my croissant and took another sip of coffee as I fought the urge to send her a text. I didn’t want to seem crazy or persistent because we were still strangers, but if her shifts started soon and she was coming this late, we would barely have time to talk.
I sighed as I grabbed my phone, and at the same time, the door opened and Juliette walked in, her braids pulled into a high ponytail and she wore another long sundress.
It complemented her pregnant belly…and her.
She dropped her bag on the table, and exhaled a heavy breath, like she was in a hurry all morning.
“Sorry I’m late,”
she started fanning herself with her hand, “hi.”
I smiled. “Hi.”
She finally took a seat and my eyes leveled with hers.
That same pressure I felt last night was back. I was never good at withholding information.
“Have you eaten anything yet? Bailey makes great sandwiches,” she said.
I shook my head.
She stood up and made her way to the guy with the dirty blond hair. I had to turn my head just to watch her whisper something to Bailey then he disappeared in the back. She came back and plopped down in her seat again.
“So, what did you have to tell me?”
she asked without wasting any time.
“How are you?”
I asked on a whim. “How’s the baby?” I crossed a line.
She stared at me suspiciously and started protectively rubbing her belly.
“We’re doing alright.”
I nodded. “That’s good to hear.”
“Why?”
I didn’t know how to answer that. Well I knew, but I didn’t know how to start. Do I just tell her straight away? Or do I start from the beginning?
“Don’t you get that question a lot?”
I asked as a way to distract myself and have more time to figure it out.
She nodded.
“How long have you been in town?”
“What are you doing?”
She glared at me.
I shrugged. “Making conversation.”
She nodded. “Yeah, but we’re not here to make conversation. My shift starts in a few minutes. I’m sorry I’m late, like really, but you’re wasting both of our times right now.”
“I’m Ardley’s older brother,”
I said. Just in time Bailey placed two plates on the table—a sandwich for me, a sandwich for Juliette.
Juliette’s brows furrowed and in the corner of my eyes I caught Bailey’s not-so-subtle eye roll as he walked back to his station.
I cleared my throat. “I’m sure Daniel only mentioned half of my name, like everyone else does in this town. Does Cal ring a bell?”
“This whole time…”
Juliette shook her head. “This whole time and you didn’t tell me? Since that day?”
“No,”
I clarified. “I found out a day after that day. I didn’t know my brother had a baby on the way, let alone that he signed me up to be the emergency guardian.”
“Oh.”
And that was all Juliette had to offer.
I watched her pick up her sandwich and took a bite. When she caught me watching her eat, she pointed at my sandwich, “I swear Bailey makes the best sandwiches,”
she said. “Try it.”
Still confused, I picked up my sandwich and took a bite.
“So?”
she asked with a mouthful.
I nodded. “You’re right.”
For some reason she didn’t say anything after that, she just kept eating. I mirrored her and continued eating too. She placed a hand on her belly and rubbed it from time to time with each bite like she was feeding the baby with a spoon. It was certainly something I’ve never witnessed before.
It was like she was in a trance. She looked ahead but not at me, not at anyone. She was just…here for the time being, like she was just physically here and found a way to escape to her mind—her own little world.
I finished my sandwich before she did and drank the rest of my coffee too. I just sat there staring at her, curious to see how long the look on her face would last.
She finished her sandwich and sighed. “I’m sorry.”
My brows furrowed. “Why would you be?”
“You didn’t sign up for this, you’ve probably got so much going on too.”
“You didn’t expect this either,”
I said. “I might be terrible at this at first, but just give me some time and I’ll be fine.”
I heard a loud groan then loud footsteps followed. “Where’s Juliette, I’ve been back there waiting for five minutes, I could catch a heatstroke,”
a voice echoed behind us.
Juliette stood up and I looked at the watch on my wrist. Juliette’s shift started five minutes ago.
I stood. “Sorry, I had to borrow her for a quick second,”
I said once she opened her mouth to say something.
Marshall caught the sight of me and grinned. “Cal?! It’s been a while since I saw you.”
He approached me. “Had I known Juliette was up here with you this whole time I would’ve joined you guys,” he said as I shook his hand.
Juliette stole a glance at me then looked at Marshall. “I’m sorry I’m late,”
Marshall shrugged her apology off. “Eh, it’s alright. Did Bailey make you a sandwich?”
She was about to speak but I beat her to it., “He made me one too, but didn’t give us the bill,”
I said as I pulled out my wallet.
Marshall chuckled. “Don’t be ridiculous, it’s on the house.”
I stared at him in disbelief. “Well, I hope you’re not giving everyone a free sandwich otherwise you won’t have this place open for long.”
I looked around the place, the whole time I’ve been here not a single customer walked in.
“We’re trying out this new delivery system, it’s going well, people are just getting lazy. This new generation, you know?”
“Right, speaking of deliveries, can you come help me set up?”
Juliette asked.
Marshall glanced at her then at me. “Of course, of course.”
I walked towards the front where they had all the desserts in the glass containers. I placed a hundred-dollar bill in the tip jar next to where Bailey stood. That kid was like a robot, either that or he just hated everyone.
I tried my best not to make eye-contact with him.
“Well, I gotta go,”
I said as my eyes locked with Juliette’s.
“Come by another time, Cal,”
Marshall said.
I nodded. “Of course.”