Chapter 7 | Rae
Rae
As I shut the door behind me, I started to crumble.
I had such a nice time with Caleb, talking like we used to, until Ethan texted me.
I had just briefly looked at the text and immediately shut down.
Caleb was the exact opposite of everything Ethan was, and he was nice company to have, but the chance of him being willing to hang out again was slim.
I knew that. I ruined it. Like I ruin everything else.
I ran a hand over my face. “Good going, Rae. You really knocked that one out of the park.”
I changed into a pair of leggings and a giant sweatshirt and sat on the couch, across the room from where my phone was. I needed comfort and to calm down a bit before I did anything else. I hadn’t even fully read his text yet. That could wait, right? It wasn’t going anywhere.
A buzz came from across the room as my phone vibrated on the table. I looked over at it like Ethan could jump out of it at any moment and hurt me again. Another buzz of the phone sounded.
Sighing, I stood and walked over to where it sat. As I turned on the screen, a sense of relief washed over me at two new messages from Caleb and only the one from Ethan.
Walking back to the couch, I opened the text from Ethan. Better to rip off the Band-Aid, I guess.
Ethan: Rae, it's been days. Where are you? I need you to text me now.
A shiver went through me as I closed Ethan’s message and switched to the messages from Caleb.
Caleb: Hey, Sunshine. I had a really nice time with you at coffee. I would love to meet up again soon. Let me know what you think! No pressure of course.
Caleb: Also, still love animals? If you want to come to the farm and hang out with the horses, chickens or even my new dog, you can. I think Duke would love you. Again, no pressure. I just remember you loved animals in high school. Reach out if you need anything!
I set my phone down for a moment and ran my fingers through my hair as I let out a huge sigh. “No pressure” versus “I need you to text me now.” Sure, he may be concerned and wanting to know I'm okay, but probably not. Caleb, though, was not wanting to pressure me into anything.
“What did I ever see in Ethan?” I grumbled angrily.
I picked up my phone, opened the message from Caleb, and sent him a reply.
Me: Thank you, Ranger! I do still love animals, so I would love to come to the farm!
I set my phone down, feeling a bit lighter after his text.
At least I've got a good friend in Caleb.