Endgame (The Atlanta Boys)

43. Callaway

43

CALLAWAY

Her silence feels like a knife to the throat.

I can’t focus on anything but it.

Dakota didn’t respond, and it hurts like hell.

Do I love too quickly? Is that what it is?

I know she loves me. I can feel it in her touch and her words—I feel it everywhere. But why can't she tell me?

It’s hard being the one to always have it all together. There are some days when I want to say fuck it all and live off the grid by myself where no one can find me. It’s not my personality to do that, but the idea is still alluring.

Her lack of response only reminded me we need to talk.

I know her heart, and it beats for me.

She’s scared. But at the same time, she needs to know I won’t sacrifice my desire to have a family with her. I can’t. That may sound selfish, but life has dealt me a shitty hand at a young age, and it only showed me what I want more.

I hope she wants the same thing with me.

The drive to my parents’ house is silent except for the hum of the Jeep engine. Silence typically plays as a peaceful transaction between us, but tonight, the tension is palpable, and I want it to stop.

Meet the parents with a side of tension for two, please.

As we pull up to the two-story brownstone, my mood improves slightly, knowing I get to see my parents, and that the anticipated conversation between Dakota and I will be one that defines us. I’m doing my best to stay positive.

I pull the Jeep to a stop next to Navy’s Mercedes and turn the ignition over before settling back in my seat with a long exhale.

How can I brighten up the mood?

I see Dakota eye Navy’s car, and it makes me think seeing it gives her the strength to move forward. She begins to speak up, pulling me from my trance.

“Callaway, I know we’re due for a talk. I’m ready for that when you are. But please don’t be mad at me. I can’t handle it.”

Sweet girl.

“I’m not mad. But you’re right. We do need to talk soon.”

I lean over the seat to give her a light kiss. Her whole being falls into this kiss, and I know then, without a shadow of a doubt, she loves me. I stabilize her uncertainty in the same way she does mine. If that’s not love, then I don’t want any part of it.

Give me her, and I’ll survive just fine.

With that, I open my car door and stalk to her side to help her out. We will be okay…for now. Or at least until we get this figured out.

This is us.

“Mother, looking as ravishing as ever. Pops, you look exactly the same as I last saw you.” A noogie to my head from Dad confirms I’m home, while my Mom’s delight in my compliment secures me a long hug.

“Oh, Cal. I’ve missed you.” God, it feels good to be here.

I don’t get to visit as often as I’d like while traveling, but when I am home, the welcome is substantial.

The sound of the most ladylike greeting comes from beside me, causing my parents to direct their attention to her perfect frame.

“Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes. Thank you for inviting me.” It’s almost as if my parents are seeing her in a new light, good or bad. I’ve yet to figure that out. My mother looks close to tears.

Hold it together, Delilah.

I can see the contemplation running through Dakota's thoughts. Will she walk up and hug them like I’m sure she’s done before, or will she wait for a more formal greeting?

I need to break this ice before the night goes to shit. Ever the optimist, Cal.

My interference doesn’t seem to be needed because Dakota has already leaped into my mother’s arms, hugging her neck tightly. My dad surprises me the most as he sidles up next to my mom and runs a reassuring hand over Dakota’s back. Seeing them like this brings a new level of comfort and protectiveness to my thoughts. Their love for me has always been unwavering, and I can see now it goes without saying that they love Dakota something fierce.

It fucks me up inside to know they see what I see in her.

How did I get so lucky?

“Dakota, honey, you are always welcome in our home—as Navy’s friend and Callaway’s girlfriend. We love each the same. ”

I’m silently reminding myself to pay off their mortgage or something of adequate sustenance because they are clearly saints, and I owe them everything.

For loving me despite my genetics.

For supporting me.

And for loving my girl.

My eyes find Dakota, her eyes filled with so much love my heart physically hurts. I know she’s most likely thinking about the loss of her parents. I realize my parents could never fill the void of her parents’ absence, but I know they will be what she needs to honor them.

My body moves on its own next to where they’re standing, and I find myself pulling Dakota into my side, running my other hand through her silky strands while doing my best to catch her attention.

“It’s okay to miss them.”

I whisper into her ear quietly, trying to keep the moment private even with my parents witnessing our interaction.

Her teary eyes find mine with a warm smile, “It feels good to be hugged by them. I can’t remember the last time I was hugged by someone who truly cared about me.”

Fuck me over and break my heart to pieces.

My beautiful and strong, not-so-broken girl.

If only she knew how much I had grown to love and care for her.

I’ll show her every day if it means I get to keep her.

Mom gently reaches for my arm, sending me a reassuring smile. “Why don’t we get inside and open a bottle of wine before dinner?”

Nodding my head, I lead Dakota inside the house before her sharp exhale stops me dead center. “Oh, thank God, you guys still drink wine. I was worried I’d be drinking alone. ”

The laughter that fills the small space brings a warmth over me—forever is on my mind.