14. Peyton #3
When he turns back around, things seem to have calmed down. Perfect timing for the big introduction. “Daniel. This is Callum.”
Daniel holds out his hand. “Hey, man, good to meet you. I’m—”
“DT,” Callum interjects, shaking his hand. “Wow. It’s unbelievable to meet you in person.”
“Oh? Are you a big Mustangs fan?”
Callum sighs. He actually sighs. “No. But I’m a big… you fan.”
“Jesus,” I mutter. I glance at Tessa, whose smile stretches from ear to ear. Now that Daniel’s retired, it’s easy to forget how awkward people can be around him.
“That’s kind of you, Callum.” He pauses. “Callum—I like your name. Should we add it to our list, Gracie?”
Grace shakes her head. “We’re not naming our future baby after Peyton’s friend. No offense, Peyton. Or Callum. It’s a great name. We just don’t know you well enough.”
Friend. The word sounds so wrong to describe Callum’s relationship with me, but I think he’s too starstruck to notice.
“Are congratulations in order?” I ask. Tessa didn’t mention anything about being a future aunt, but maybe I missed something.
Tessa rolls her eyes. “No. Daniel has baby fever, and he’s making it the whole family’s problem. He’s become obsessed with crowdsourcing the perfect name.”
“Troll me all you want, but you’ll thank me when you don’t accidentally end up with a niece or nephew named after the kid who barfed in your backpack when you were ten.”
“David R., Mrs. Wilton’s homeroom,” Tessa whispers with a shudder.
“And Gracie’s the one making it difficult.” Daniel scoffs. “She vetoes all my favorites because they’re patient-name-adjacent.”
Grace puts her hands on her hips. “It’s not my fault that you lean chihuahua with your suggestions, Danny. That’s a taste issue.”
Daniel launches into a long-winded counterargument, noting that Grace’s favorite names are all past football players. That leads him back to the former athlete comment, and he throws in a few records he still holds as proof his athletic skills stand today.
Callum appears to be hanging on every single one of Daniel’s words, maybe individually framing them to keep as his most precious memories when he’s old.
“Okay. As much as we all want to hear about the good ol’ days, we want donuts more. Why don’t you get in line at the cart? In fact, take Callum with you. More hands to carry the cider sippers,” Tessa says, waving him off.
“Fine.” Daniel claps Callum on the shoulder, and I’m pretty sure I see Callum shiver. “You ready, man?”
Callum swallows nervously. “Yep.”
Dear God.
“After you’re done getting the goods, why don’t you meet us over by the hay bales? A few finally freed up, and pumpkin-painting is on my bucket list before we leave,” Tessa adds.
The boys nod and head for the line. The rest of us start walking toward the paint-a-pumpkin area. Gracie and Gio walk ahead of me and Tessa, talking about a family trip to Italy next year.
I’m dying for Tessa’s opinion on Callum, and I know she sent him with Daniel so we could chat. I link my arm with hers. “Callum’s so wholesome, right?”
Tessa puts her arm around my shoulder. “As wholesome as an adorable Waterton duckling. Perfect for you.”
I nod slowly, happily. “Not to get serious, but I just… I never thought I’d find someone like Callum. He likes everything about me—loudly. And, sadly, being with him has made me realize… I don’t think I’ve ever been with someone who genuinely likes me.”
She drops her arm to fully face me, her eyes wide. “Peyton…”
“No, it’s fine, and, I don’t want to cry, but…
” I tilt my head back to look at the sky, trying to prevent any tears from forming.
“It’s a sobering thought, you know? I’ve spent my entire life being with men who never even tried.
Looking back, it’s glaringly obvious. Especially now that I know how it feels to be liked by Callum.
It’s him asking me to hang out every day.
Telling me I’m funny, that I’m impressive.
Going at my pace. Being open with me. It’s…
Well, it’s every single thing about him. ”
My pre-tears feel under control, so I drop my chin and focus on Tessa. Her eyes are watery, and she whispers, “I’m so happy for you. And it’s from the bottom of my heart.”
I let out a teary laugh and give her a hug.
After a minute, she pats me on the back and pushes out of my arms. “I love you, but I see a family of eight eyeing the bales, and they just started heading our way. If you fuck this up for me, I’ll summon the rats of New York to your doorstep.
” She swings her bag over her shoulder and starts power walking toward the pumpkin painting area with abandon, only to pause and call over her shoulder, “We need to move!”
I give one last glance at the cider and donuts line, where Callum waits with Danny. I’d wave, but my man’s attention is completely focused on his idol. I chuckle to myself. A real Fan Boy.
“Peyton!” Tessa shouts from her hay bale, setting her purse down on the empty one beside her.
“Alright, alright! I’m coming.”
Those pumpkins aren’t going to poorly paint themselves.