16. Callie
Chapter 16
Callie
Mistake. Ugh, I want to cringe at the word. Why did I use that word to describe what happened last night? I know that it technically was a “mistake,” just typical me, making every impulsive action that comes to my head. Damn it, why can’t I ever just think things through?
Having rotted—and ruminated—long enough, I roll out of bed and prepare to start my day. Thank goodness the tea I ordered should be getting here any minute.
Friends. Of course, we’re friends, but do I want more? Kind of…I mean, I think I might have wanted more from Will for a while now, but the fact is, I enjoy his company. I do…ugh…enjoy his friendship. I don’t want to lose that. No matter if it’s friends or more—I do care for him. He makes me feel safe. No guy besides my brother has ever truly made me feel safe. Not to mention Will doesn’t seem bothered by any of my quirks or rambles. Hell, he listens to them! No one’s ever paid that much attention to what I’ve had to say before.
And telling him that I want more than a friendship leads to so many unknown outcomes. I mean, we work together and we’re neighbors. And he’s my only true friend here. This could get complicated so quickly if it went south. Being friends is better than nothing, I suppose, but why does it also feel so annoyingly wrong?
Walking to my closet, I flip through it and my eyes immediately find Will’s sweatshirt. I know I shouldn’t put it on. It will only make me feel worse. But I almost don’t want to feel better… I kind of want to wallow over what I can’t have.
How did I let myself fall for another baseball player?
Ripping the sweatshirt off the hanger I pull it on and take a deep inhale of the lingering coconut scent. Damn him for smelling so good.
After pulling on a pair of clean sweats and fuzzy socks, I tell myself I’m allowing this small weakness of putting on his sweatshirt as an ode to what could have been.
Walking into my kitchen there’s a knock at my door.
“Perfect timing,” I mumble to myself.
Now with my tea here and cozy clothes on I’ll stop thinking about my “friend” and lose myself in some bad reality tv.
Whipping my hair up in a quick bun before opening the door, I’m taken back to find my friend standing on the other side.
When Will does a quick glance down my body, the realization hits me. Damn it, this is the second time I’ve been busted wearing his clothes.
A blush creeps up my cheeks as I fiddle with the hem involuntarily. “I was cold, and it was on top of my laundry.” It’s not at all true, but he doesn’t have to know that.
Will chuckles softly and holds up the bag with what I’m assuming is a tea. “Margaret gave me your delivery order, so the tea should help warm you up too.”
He brought me my tea again? Invisible strings pull at my heart. “Thanks. Does this mean I need to give you a tip?” A small bit of flirtiness appears in my tone.
“Eh, a dose of that Callie charm should cover it.” Will smiles, and I’m tempted to feed into the flirting but then he adds, “I mean, what else are friends for?”
Right. Friends. How many times are we going to say that word now? I feel like it’s beginning to lose all meaning.
“Yeah, well…” I start, losing the flirty undertone, “it was really great yesterday, so I thought I would get another order.”
I reach for my door and pull it closed behind me. As much as I want to invite him in, impulsive me is in timeout. Maybe space is what we need. I don’t want to keep pushing Will on the idea of being more. Him and Adam are all I really have here—and my job, but that’s not the same.
“Thank you for bringing it.”
Will rocks on his feet and for a moment I swear I see regret cross his face, but then he nods. “You’re welcome, Callie, I'll see you around.”