5. “Aye, aye, matey. Let’s sail away.”
“Aye, aye, matey. Let’s sail away. ”
Jane Doe
They close the door behind them, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
And the constant clamor emanating from the hallway.
Someone is screaming their lungs out, and I just want to make it stop.
Going to this guy’s place seems crazy. I mean, it is crazy, right?
I don’t know this guy—Caleb—and even if he protected me from that weirdo earlier, we’re talking actually living with him.
Then again, the only other option is to stay here, with the screams, disturbing noises, and strangers who might wander into my room. What would have happened if Caleb hadn’t been here earlier?
I shiver at the thought.
Caleb’s face appears in my mind, and it brings an odd sense of comfort.
He’s been nothing but nice to me. Obviously, he feels guilty for putting me in this situation, but that doesn’t mean his intentions are good, right?
Gosh, I don’t know. How can I judge someone’s character when I don’t even know my own name?
Detective Wright did vouch for him, though, and being a seasoned police officer, he’s probably an excellent judge of character. And let’s say I’m one too.
A baby starts wailing outside my room again, and my headache resurges with a vengeance. How would I even get any rest in here? And the prospect of ending up in the psych ward doesn’t exactly enchant me either.
I press the call button, and a few minutes later, they all file back into my room.
“I think I’d like to come with you,” I say to Caleb, who offers a warm smile. “I just want to make sure I’ll have a way of leaving if I’m not, um, comfortable.” I glance at Detective Wright.
“Absolutely,” he says. “I’ll give you my card with my direct line on it.
You can call me day or night if you need anything, and the social worker will check on you at Caleb’s address.
We’ll have official paper work drawn up as well.
We’re keeping our eye on you. You are our responsibility, after all. ”
“Okay.” I nod. “In that case, I accept the offer. Thank you,” I add, looking at Caleb. “It’s very kind of you.”
“It’s the least I can do. Besides, I’ve had my fair share of concussions, so you’ll be in good hands.”
“All right.” Detective Wright says, clasping his hands. “We’ll have some paperwork for you to fill out, Caleb, and then you’ll be free to leave.” He turns to me and adds, “I’m sure you’re eager to get some rest.”
“Oh, yeah,” I say, louder than intended, and everyone laughs.
“We’ll be right back,” he says with a nod.
Right before they close the door behind them, Caleb gives me another warm smile, and some of my anxiety slips away. I’m confident in my decision. There’s no way I’m staying in this place a second longer than I need to.
Once Caleb is done with the paperwork, we grab my prescription drugs, and I follow him through the mayhem of the hospital until we finally reach the parking lot.
He unlocks a large SUV.
“Are you all right?” he asks as we get into the car.
The interior is luxurious, with buttery leather seats, a sleek digital dashboard, and that distinct new-car scent mixed with a hint of his cologne.
I feel bad sitting here with my dirty, blood-covered clothes, but it was either that or the hospital gown.
And since these are the entirety of my belongings, I went with the scratchy sweater and skinny jeans.
I won’t lie, I struggled a bit to fit into these jeans, and I wonder why I didn’t buy a size larger.
“Yes, I’m fine.” I nod. “It’s all a little weird, but I guess this is my new normal.”
He rubs his beard, casting me a side glance. “Does your eye hurt?”
“No, the medicated eye drops helped, though seeing with only one eye isn’t ideal,” I say with a chuckle. “Maybe it’s my cue to become a pirate. Might be my calling.”
He frowns, then bursts into a low chuckle. “Okay, let’s get going then, pirate.”
“Aye, aye, matey. Let’s sail away.”
His chuckle turns into full-blown laughter, and I can’t help but join him. “Sorry, I’m just really tired.”
“I can see that,” he says, still laughing.
He starts the car, and we drive away. I watch the dark shadows of buildings whiz past, hoping one of them might ring a bell. That something will be familiar. But it’s all a blur, and the towering structures all look the same.
Luckily, Caleb doesn’t live too far from the hospital, and we soon pull into a quiet neighborhood.
It’s mostly just rows of townhouses, all of them dark and quiet, given the dead hour of the night.
He parks in front of a modern townhouse with large windows and a sleek black door, a small porch light casting a warm glow over the entrance.
“This is it,” he announces as we get out of his car.
We walk the few steps leading to his front door, and he unlocks it, waving me in first. We enter into a small foyer, where a coat rack holds a few neatly hung jackets, and a row of brand-new sneakers and boots lines the wall.
A dark wooden console table hugs the entryway, its surface occupied by a single, surprisingly intricate dinosaur sculpture made out of LEGO, its tiny details meticulously placed.
Past the foyer, we walk into a narrow but inviting living room that’s decorated in earthy browns and beiges, giving the space a luxurious feel.
In the back, I can make out a dining area, its dark wood table flanked by matching chairs, and beyond that, the faint gleam of what must be the kitchen’s countertops.
To my left, a staircase with an elegant railing, likewise crafted of dark wood, leads both upstairs and down, disappearing into the shadows.
“Wait. Isn’t it Christmas?” I ask when I realize there’s no holiday decor in the fancy living room.
“I didn’t have time to decorate. I work a lot, so . . .”
I nod, still surveying the room. “And you live alone?” I’ve been meaning to confirm that. Even if it seems obvious with the way he offered a room without consulting anyone else, I also find it hard to believe. Caleb seems like a decent man, not to mention his good looks.
He offers a tight smile. “Yep, it’s just me. Like I said, I work a lot.”
“Gotcha.”
“Over there is the dining room and the kitchen,” he says, pointing to the back of the floor level. “I also have a patio. And downstairs is a family room.”
“It’s a very nice home. You have great taste.”
“My sister chose pretty much everything in this place,” he says with a chuckle. “I’ll make sure to pass along the compliment.”
I wander to the back of the dining room and discover a small but elegant kitchen, with sleek granite countertops and dark wood cabinetry that contrast beautifully beneath the warm under-cabinet lighting.
Stainless steel appliances reflect the soft glow, adding a modern touch to the otherwise cozy space.
A kitchen island with two upholst ered stools separates it from the dining area, where an oval wooden table dominates the center, surrounded by matching chairs.
“So, um, Jane, should I show you to your room? I’m guessing that’s what you’re most eager to see.”
Jane . I know that’s what we’re supposed to call me, but it feels weird, accepting a new name when you have no say in it. “Um, sure, thank you.”
I follow him up the stairs to a landing with two doors, one on each side.
He gestures to them. “These bedrooms have en suite bathrooms, and they’re both empty. You can choose the one you prefer.”
I hug my arms against my chest. “Where do you sleep?”
He tilts his chin to the last flight of stairs. “The master bedroom is on the top floor.”
I nod. “Okay.”
“Anyway, I’ll let you have a look while I grab you some clothes. I’m guessing you’re dying to get out of those.”
“I am.” I chuckle, thankful for his thoughtfulness. These skinny jeans are compression pants in disguise, I swear.
He jogs up the stairs, and I open the first door.
It’s a white room with a large bed that looks pillowy soft.
There’s a large built-in closet and a sliding door leading to a spectacular bathroom, where a l arge marble counter hosts two sinks accented by golden plumbing and a gilded mirror, as well as a massive shower.
The countertop is also equipped with cotton pads, a wrapped toothbrush, toothpaste, and cotton tips.
Even if I can’t be a hundred-percent sure, I don’t think I’ve ever been in such a fancy bathroom in my life.
I still have a peek at the other room, just in case, but the bathroom in the first one sold me.
“Have you decided?” Caleb asks, tramping back down the steps. I come out onto the landing.
“This room is amazing. Thank you again.”
“No problem. I just want to help.” He extends a small stack of folded shirts and sweats. “Here are some clothes. Full disclosure, they are mine and will obviously be too big for you, but as PJs, it won’t be too bad.”
I take the clothes he’s offering, and the clean cotton smell wraps me in a sense of comfort and safety. “I really appreciate everything you’re doing for me. You certainly didn’t have to. Hopefully, I’ll be out of your hair soon. Surely someone must be looking for me.”
He offers a kind smile. “I’m sure someone is. In the meantime, make yourself at home. And you can leave your old clothes by the door; I’ll wash them in the morning. Do you need anything else?”
“Oh, that’s very kind of you. And no, I’m all good, thanks. Just eager to get some sleep.”
“You and me both.” He chuckles, raking a hand through his dark hair. “Practice is going to sting tomorrow.”
I wince. “I’m so sorry. Let’s both get some rest, then. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
He nods. “Good night, Jane. Call me if you need anything.”
“G’nite, mate,” I say in a pirate accent before closing the door and cringing hard. Why did I say that? Ugh. Caleb’s laugh carries through the door, and I relax a little.
I let my eyes rove around the room, then glance at the clothes in my hands.
As weird as it feels, it also feels safe.
I’m dying for a shower, but that soft bed is calling my name.
So, I quickly get changed and collapse into its warm embrace.
Closing my eyes, I allow myself to be transported by the fresh smell of Caleb’s clothes.
I feel lucky to have stumbled into him, or rather, the other way around.
He’s a great guy, not to mention incredibly hot. Not that it matters.
The thought brings a pang to my chest. I still don’t know who I am, but I’m pretty sure I don’t date guys like him. He’s him , and I’m—well—I’m pretty sure I’m a hot mess, if these last few hours are any indication.