18. Callie
Chapter 18
Callie
Sophomore Year
I knew going to the beach before dinner was a bad idea. I am exhausted. The sun just takes it all out of you. Mom and Dad are in the kitchen getting dinner around; Mom is finishing up the food while Dad sets the table. He sets it for four and moves on to help Mom bring the dishes over. Mason is out on the back balcony reading, so I head out there to get my plans moving.
“Mase, it’s dinner time. You and I are heading to a restaurant a block away. Are you at a good stopping point in your book?”
Mason looks at me suspiciously before saying “Um yeah. Let me put this on my dresser. Is what I’m wearing ok, or should I change?”
I giggle as quietly as I can. “Nope, what you’re wearing is fine.”
“Okay,” he says slowly, curiosity hinting in his voice. “I’ll be out in a second.”
I’m pretty sure he knows something is up. He’s been asking me “what’s wrong?” all day and I’ve been telling him that I’m fine. I thought for sure he’d try to get something out of me before we left tonight for dinner.
I walk out to the living room and grab my shoes. By the time I’ve got them on Mason is walking up beside me to grab his.
“Cal, what’re you up to?”
“We’re just going out for dinner, Mase. I thought having some time to ourselves would be nice.”
“Oh, yeah that does sound nice. You ready?”
“Yeah. I’m going to grab one of the house keys from Mom just in case they aren’t here when we get back.”
Walking into the kitchen I see she’s already laid a key on the island. Grabbing it I turn to see a quick smile form on Mom’s face. I wink at her and head to meet Mason at the front door.
The temps have dropped some but it’s still nice enough outside that I’m not too cold in my shorts. Although, I don’t know that I’d be cold even if it were chilly out. My nerves are getting the best of me right now.
Upon entering the restaurant, we are greeted by the hostess. After letting her know we would like to sit outside, she tells us to follow her before turning around. We trail her through the restaurant to a side door that leads to the balcony where six tables are situated. She takes us to a table that’s set for two with twinkling lights strewn above it. We’re the only ones out here and this is working out exactly how I’d hoped.
The hostess lays our menus on the table and lets us know that Alicia, our waitress, will be right with us. My palms are so sweaty. My nerves are so bad. Why does no one warn you about these things?! Is this how Mason felt leading up to telling me??
I’m looking at the menu trying to figure out what I want, trying to get rid of my nerves when I hear Mason whisper something. Looking up I see him smiling at me.
“Cal, what’s wrong? You look like you’re about to throw up.”
“What? Nothing. I’m fine. Do you know what you’re getting?” What a lame attempt at changing the subject. Hopefully, it’ll work.
“Yeah, I think I’m going to get the club sandwich. I haven’t had one in a while and it’s hard to mess that up. What about you?”
Whew, maybe it worked…
“I’m not sure yet. I’m debating between getting a club sandwich or a Philly steak the sun is lowering in the sky, and the water is rolling up onto the sand with each wave.
When we get to the edge of the water I turn to face Mason. Come on Cal. You got this. I grab his hands before jumping right into the reason I brought him down here.
“Mase, this last year has been amazing. I have truly found my best friend in you. I will never forget that cold winter night at the movies when I first heard those three words from you that I hope I’ll hear for the rest of my life. I didn’t think there’d be a more perfect place to express my feelings for you than standing here on the beach while the sun sets. Thank you for the last year you’ve given me. I’m ready to return those words to you. I love you, Mase.”
He’s just standing there staring at me. This is awkward.
“Callie Grace. You had me worried at first. There for a moment, it sounded like you were putting together a proposal.” Mase laughs, which calms my nerves. I guess he’s right. It did sound a little proposal-ish. “Thank YOU for the last year, it really has been amazing and I’m so thankful to hear that you love me, too. And... I agree it’s the perfect night.” He adds as he leans down to plant a kiss on my lips. “I love you, Cal. Always.”