28. Callie
Chapter 28
Callie
June 2023
Talking to Mason about work has been therapeutic. I’ve always felt comfortable talking to him about anything and I am glad that we’ve still got that connection. The laughs we’ve shared have been nothing short of amazing.
He goes back to New York tomorrow and I’m not quite sure how I feel about that other than not ready. The few days we had together last week and the conversations we’ve continued to have while he’s at the farm are nothing like what I expected.
I’m not sure any of this is going how I expected it to go if I’m being honest. When I first saw him I was angry, frustrated even. But after hearing him explain the fears he felt back then and the terrible time he’s had since, I eased up and realized that we were both at fault for different reasons. I can’t help but think how thankful I am to experience this Mason all these years later. Maybe everything is working out exactly as it was meant to.
I could have done without the heartbreak and crappy dating experiences but maybe that all prepared me for this time around with him. They do say life has a funny way of working out.
After finishing up with the help at the farm he came back to Magnolia Falls and got a room at the B & B again. I offered to let him stay with me in the guest room, but he said he didn’t want me to feel obligated or rushed. We’ve been spending as much time together as we can and today, we’ve got a few places to visit on our list.
Mason has an important meeting with Logan, his partner, about a case they’re dealing with right now. Normally Mason would oversee this case, but since he had to leave Logan took over and now Mason is trying to stay in the loop so that when he gets back on Monday, he knows what he’s walking into. They’ve been doing Zoom meetings a lot going back and forth about what’s going on while Mason’s been down here helping his parents.
I’m putting away my lunch dishes when I hear my phone ping from the living room. Grabbing the towel off the stove handle I dry my hands and walk towards where my phone sits on the coffee table.
Mason : Meeting is finally done. Did you want me to come to you or meet somewhere in town?
Me : I figured you could come here and then we’d take my car out and about today. I’m ready to go, just cleaning up from lunch.
Mason : Okay, I’ll put all my work stuff away and head your way. I didn’t even realize it was lunchtime. I might stop at The Daily Drip and grab something quick.
Me : Alright, see you soon!
I place my phone in my back pocket and walk toward the front door to grab my shoes. I opt for my tennis shoes since I’m sure we’ll be doing a good amount of walking today, between the mall and downtown.
By the time I make it outside, I can see Mason coming up my road. I open the passenger door of my car and move my donation box to the back seat before walking around to the driver's side and getting in.
We’ve made it to the mall and it’s busier than I thought it would be. I’m not mad about it, though, because I love this mall and the others around here are closing due to lack of profit being made.
My first stop is always Auntie Anne’s because I can’t say no to the cinnamon sugar pretzel nuggets. Or their lemonade. I order a regular pretzel nugget and a bottle of water for Mason as well. As we make our way through the food court towards the left wing of the mall I’m taken back to when we’d come to the mall as teens together.
We just celebrated our two-year anniversary with dinner and are now headed to the mall to catch a movie and shop. I love these laid-back, easy-going days with Mason. I also love that he’s willing to come to the mall and walk aimlessly around with me while I go from shop to shop looking for something but don’t know what. I am so indecisive about clothes and find it hard to shop for myself.
The first store I go into is Aeropostale looking for some t-shirts. Normally I opt for oversized, but I’ve been feeling the whole fitted style lately. I walk towards the back left of the store where the girls’ tops are located and find a few that I like but end up putting one back because after trying it on I didn’t love the color. I purchase the other two and find Mason sitting on the bench by the fitting rooms.
“Are you ready to go? I bought the light and navy blue shirts but put the light pink back. I guess I’m fully out of my pink phase.”
“I liked the pink, but the blues did bring out your eyes more.” He says as he stands and grabs my hand.
We check out a few more stores while we wait for the start time of our movie. I end up getting three more shirts and a pair of jeans. That’s the most I’ve bought for myself in a long while. Normally I grab things for everyone else that I think they’ll love.
Mason and I stand in line for tickets, and I get the craving for popcorn and a large Dr. Pepper.
“I’ll go grab the popcorn and drink while you get tickets and I’ll meet you over by the bathrooms,” I say as I bend down to go under the line barrier strap.
Finding our seats in the back of the theater we get comfy and snack on popcorn while the trailers for upcoming movies begin to play.
We spent the rest of the day going in and out of stores at the mall and enjoying each other’s company. I get into bed that night with a clear mind about moving forward with what happens between Mase and me.