9. “Sorry about Mr. Darcy. He’s a cuddler.”
“Sorry about Mr. Darcy. He’s a cuddler.”
Aria
Last night was surprisingly fun. After a nice dinner, Caleb and I spent hours talking about everything and nothing.
We started building the LEGO baseball field, and Caleb kept saying things to make me laugh, taking my mind off the disaster that is my life.
This morning, I feel a lot lighter than I did yesterday, even if the thought of meeting new people still makes my stomach roll.
“Hey,” Caleb calls out when I reach the bottom of the stairs. “What do you want for breakfast today? Same as yesterday, or waffles?”
“Don’t you have practice? I’d hate for you to make me breakfast again if you’re not even eating here.”
“Actually, I am eating here,” he says with a smile. “We don’t have practice today. I just have a few meetings at the arena in the afternoon—captain’s duties.”
“Oh, in that case, I’ll let you choose.” I grab a stool at the bar, tapping my nails on the marble counter as I glance at the clock. What am I going to talk with those girls about? Will we even get along? I literally have no personality. It’s a problem.
“Okay, I’ll go with the waffles, then. I never get a chance to eat a sweet breakfast since I always need to pack on the proteins. Just don’t tell my boss.”
I chuckle, his joke bringing me back out of my head. “My lips are sealed.” He grins, then gets to work on the waffles.
“Thank ye!” I call out, and he turns around, a large smile splitting his face.
“Ah, the pirate is back. I was worried for a second.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Not going anywhere, matey.”
The sun peeks through the window, casting a golden glow on Caleb’s face. He squints his eyes. “Looks like it’s going to be the perfect day to get outside.”
I let out a loud sigh. “Yeah. I just hope I don’t make a fool of myself, and that it won’t be too awkward.”
“What? Of course it won’t be awkward. They’re great, and fun to be around. I’m sure you’ll be fast friends.”
I wring my hands in front of me. “I just have this feeling I don’t have a lot of girlfriends. I don’t know why, but I think I’m more of a loner.”
“That’s possible,” he says, studying me. “And it’s perfectly okay. I actually like my alone time as well. At least you’ll know more about yourself after today. And if you never want to see them again, that’s fine too. No pressure.”
“Okay.” I smile, the tightness around my chest loosening a bit. “I just don’t want to seem ungrateful.”
“Don’t you worry. It’s a complicated situation. Everyone will understand.” He casts me a reassuring smile before going back to cooking.
We enjoy our mouthwatering breakfast, the aroma of freshly made waffles filling the kitchen, and I appreciate the simplicity of the morning and the comfort of his company, even if it’s all still so new.
After we eat our fill and stow the dishes in the dishwasher, we both head to our respective rooms to get ready for the day.
By the time I’m dressed, Caleb ’s already waiting at my bedroom door, house keys in hand. “Here’s yours,” he says, handing me a key. “I figured you’d need one.”
I shift on my feet. “Thank you.” Why is it so awkward? It’s just a key. And I do live here, at least for now.
“You’re welcome,” he says, his eyes lingering on the key for a second too long before he starts walking toward the entryway.
We put our shoes on, and I open the door.
“Oh, wait,” he says as we’re walking out. “Before I forget, here’s my credit card. So you can buy yourself some clothes.”
“Right,” I say, looking at the card he’s handing me. “I don’t know. I feel weird taking it.”
He rakes a hand through his hair. “Come on, Aria. We talked about this. I want you to buy yourself a few things. Don’t go too crazy, but you’ll feel better once you have some clothes that you actually chose.”
He’s got a point, and he knows it. I definitely do need a pair of pants, or maybe some leggings.
Leggings sound like heaven right now. The sweater isn’t bad, but it still feels like it belongs to someone else.
“Okay. And I won’t go too crazy. Unless I was a shopaholic.
No way of knowing,” I tease, walking outside.
Behind me, Caleb lets out a bellowing laugh.
I can’t help but smil e at the sound. Is this how things are going to be from now on? Maybe being here won’t be so bad after all.
We could have walked to the coffee shop, where I’ll be meeting up with Marissa and Beth, but since Caleb is headed to the arena after this, and it’s a little further, we’re taking his car.
“So, this is one of the only pedestrian streets in New York,” he says, parking in a small lot. “I’ll walk you to the shop and introduce you to the girls.”
We step out of the car and venture onto the quiet street.
It’s super cute with its rich display of Christmas decorations and small boutiques.
I spot a hairdresser, a florist, and right across from the coffee shop, a bookstore.
My stomach constricts when I glimpse the books in the window display.
Have I been here before? Or is it just the effect of seeing books? Maybe I’m a big reader.
“Are you okay?” Caleb asks, and I startle. I’d forgotten he was here.
“Yeah. I just—I don’t know. I think I liked to read.”
“Perfect. The girls who own the bookstore are great friends too. Maybe you can pop in later with Marissa and Beth?”
“Sure.” I nod, tearing my eyes away to walk to the coffee shop.
“Here we are, Rise & Grind.” He tries to push the door open, but it’s closed. The sign on the door says so. He knocks, and a few seconds later, a girl with long strawberry blonde hair opens the door.
“Hey.” She gives Caleb a swift hug. “Sorry, we had to lock the door in case people didn’t see the sign. We’re just finishing cleaning up.” Turning to me, she says, “Hi, I’m Marissa—Oh, it’s you!”
Caleb and I both freeze.
“Wait. You know me?” I ask, the words burning my throat. My heart races faster than a freight train. Someone actually knows me.
“Not exactly.” She invites us in again, but I’m barely able to move. “You’re the girl who won the Raptors tickets. You came in for coffee.”
“Whoa,” Caleb exhales, shaking his head. “What a small world. That’s amazing! As you’ve probably heard, Aria has no recollection of her past. This is the first time someone has recognized her.”
And the first time I don’t feel like a ghost.
“Oh, right,” Marissa says, pi ecing it all together.
“Hey there,” another girl says, hustling from the backroom. She has short blonde hair and pretty grayish-blue eyes. “I’m Beth. Nice to meet—oh, wait, I recognize you.”
“Right?” Marissa says with a firm nod. “I’m a hundred-percent sure she’s the girl who won the tickets.”
“Definitely.”
“What else do you know about me?” I ask, my pulse quickening. “Am I a regular?” Please say yes. This place does feel familiar. At least, the nutty aroma of fresh-roasted coffee does.
“Sorry,” Beth says. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you before Friday.”
“Same,” Marissa chimes in. “Well, you did say you’d just lost your new job and shouldn’t be spending your money on coffee.”
“And cookies,” Beth adds. “You also bought a chocolate chip cookie.”
“This is good,” Caleb says, a hand on my shoulder. “Really good. We’re making progress.” He leans toward me and whispers in my ear, “Although, we already knew you had a sweet tooth.” His breath on my ear makes my skin erupt in tingles.
“Sorry that we can’t be of mo re help,” Marissa says. “But we’ll have fun this afternoon. And who knows? Maybe other people will recognize you.”
“Yeah.” I smile, gnawing on my bottom lip. “Thank you.”
“Well, I have to go,” Caleb says, checking his watch. “But I trust you’re in good hands. Call me if you need anything.”
I feel like a kid being dropped off at daycare. In a way, I kind of am. “Sounds good. Thanks.”
“Bye, Caleb,” the girls call out as he leaves.
Marissa turns to me. “We’ll only be about ten more minutes, and then we can go. Do you want anything in the meantime? We have a few leftover cookies.”
“No, thanks. I already had waffles for breakfast, and I have no idea if I have a tendency to gain weight easily,” I joke, pushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
“Good point,” Marissa says with a chuckle. “We’ll wrap them up to eat later, anyway.”
She grabs a broom and starts sweeping the floor. And no matter where I stand, I feel like I’m in her way.
“I should wait outside,” I say. “I’m not helping you out by standing here.”
“Oh, you’re fine. Don’t worry about it.”
“No, really. I’m going to tak e a look at the bookstore across the street, and you can finish cleaning up in peace.”
Her eyes light up. “Ohhh, you’re a reader, huh? Welcome to the club.”
I shrug. “Well, I might be a reader. I’m enamored by that window display, for sure.”
“Everyone is,” Beth says from behind the counter. “I don’t really read, but those girls know how to put together an outstanding window.”
“They definitely have a knack for it. Anyway, I’ll go have a look. Take your time.”
I walk across the street, once again admiring their Christmas-themed window display, the scene set inside a cozy winter wonderland.
Twinkling lights wrap around stacks of books, and a small decorated tree stands proudly in the center.
A wreath of holly and pine cones hangs above the display, and the rest of the window is decked out with festive touches—snowflakes, ribbons, and bows.
A cat comes meowing at my feet, rubbing against my ankle.
“Oh, you’re such a cutie,” I say, leaning down to pet the purring tuxedo cat.
As soon as I squat down, he jumps into my arms, so I hold him against my chest, standing up while I continue to admire the books.
Are cats always this friendly? Maybe he knows me.
He’s still purring, settled in my arms like it’s his favorite spot.
“Hey, there,” a girl with a p ink pixie cut chirps, coming out of the bookstore. “Sorry about Mr. Darcy. He’s a cuddler.”
“Oh, not at all. He’s adorable.” I smile. “Is he yours?”