47. Callie
Chapter 47
Callie
November 2023
Being back with Mason, in person, was exactly what I needed. I swear just hearing his voice or being pulled into a hug quiets my brain and lets me just be.
Today we are planning a picnic in the park since the weather is perfect for it. It’s finally cooling down enough that you don’t start sweating immediately upon walking outside.
Standing in my kitchen making our sandwiches and other snacks with Mason I’m hit with the overwhelming feeling of needing him here all the time. Is it crazy that I feel ready to have him live with me? Or at the very least ready to ask him to live with me? I don’t feel like it is but someone looking in might think it’s too soon. It just feels so natural when he’s here. I think given our history it’s normal to be ready for the next step.
Having him spending so much time here is giving me the best glimpse at what life with him would be like. I’m shocked at how easy it is—how we just kind of flow so well together.
I don’t want to bring it up to him just yet though. I want to keep seeing how it goes and make sure it’s not a rash decision on my part or a selfish decision.
“Cal, I’ve got the veggies and fruits cut up and ready to go in those small glass containers I found in the cabinet beside the fridge. I hope that’s ok.”
“That’s perfect. That’s the containers I use for fruits and veggies or a dip in my lunches for work. I see you’re figuring out where everything is in here.” I say, laughing. Between his last visit down and him moving down here I did a huge kitchen declutter and reorganized so things got moved around. His first few times here he couldn’t find anything, and it’s been an ongoing joke between us.
“Ha ha. You’re so funny. I know where things are now. Who knows what tomorrow or next week holds.”
“You just never know. I might go on another decluttering purge again.” I say as I turn to grab the picnic basket off the top shelf of the pantry.
“You’re already a minimalist, Cal. If you keep decluttering, you won’t have anything left!” We both start laughing because he’s not wrong. I live a very minimalist lifestyle when it comes to most things. Sweatshirts, cozy blankets, and books are not included in my minimalistic lifestyle and never will be.
“Alright, sandwiches are bagged and ready. I made two for each of us and then we’ll have the fruit and veggies you cut up along with chips and potato salad. I hope that's enough for the two of us." I say, placing the food into the basket before turning to grab our water bottles off the countertop.
“That should be more than enough for the two of us and if it’s not we can always stop in town on our way back home.”
Home. I know he doesn’t mean it in the way my brain is taking it, but it still sounds good hearing him call my house home. Makes me believe he’s just as comfortable here as I am with having him here.
We get lucky at the park and find a parking spot close to the grassy area where we’re having our picnic date. After parking the car Mason grabs the basket and I grab our water bottles and we make our way up the sidewalk out to the shaded area by the pond. There are geese and ducks both swimming and wandering around the area, the water fountain in the pond is cascading a rainbow as the sun beats down on the water.
It’s so peaceful here and quiet for a weekend. Normally it’s crowded with families and different parties being celebrated in the sheltered areas. Out by the wood line, there are two couples playing frisbee golf and two other small groups passing through on bicycles. There are a few people set up around the pond with fishing poles and coolers, not that I’d keep or eat anything I caught in this pond, it’s not the cleanest.
“Does the fact that we enjoy picnics again mean we’re getting old?” I ask Mason, mostly serious. I loved them as a kid but I’m not sure if my loving them now makes me old.
“What?! People of all ages can love picnics, Cal. What are you insinuating? That we’re old?!” The smile on Mason’s face gives his playful demeanor away.
“No!” I pause before adding, “It’s just that I don’t hear many people our age talking about going on picnics for fun. Unless they’re doing it for their kids.” Maybe one day this will be us with our kids. You never know and one can hope, right?
“Cal, you’re reading too far into this. It’s just a picnic. We’re spending time together, off our phones, and we’re getting outside. I was going to suggest taking the basket back to the car and walking a lap around the pond before we left but I’m afraid how old that will make us.”
“Oh, hush. You know I overthink everything. I’ve done that my whole life. But, yes, I think a walk around the pond when we’re done is a good idea. It’ll help balance out the insane number of calories we are eating.”
“That’s true, too. Although, I’m really enjoying this simple meal.” Mason says, taking a large bite of his sandwich to prove his point.
“I think we need more days like this. Slow, relaxing, simple. Both of our jobs are go, go, go, and require so much brain effort so we should incorporate these days in more often.”
“I agree.”
“So, I think my work plan is to have an in-home office while I’m building up clients and once I’ve got a good thing going down here I’ll look at buildings that offer what I need for a firm. Ma agreed to let me use the guest bedroom as an office so I’ve got a small desk being delivered that’ll work for now.”
“Oh, that’s a great plan! I have a feeling this is going to take off quickly.”
“I hope so. I’ve had a few people stop me in town asking if I can help with this or that so it seems promising.”
“It’ll be great, Mase,” I say, squeezing his hand slightly. “I am exhausted now. I don’t know why I agreed to two more laps around the pond.”
“Come on, Cal. It wasn’t so bad.” I must be really out of shape because Mason is barely breathing any heavier than normal. Meanwhile, I’m sitting here breathing like I just finished a marathon.
“Talk for yourself. I can’t wait to get home, shower, and collapse on the couch.”
“That sounds like the perfect ending to the day,” Mase says, taking my hand and pulling me back towards his car. The drive home is quiet but not awkward. He pulls into my driveway and shuts his car off.
“I’ve got a client meeting tomorrow and it’s my first down here. I’m nervous, even though I shouldn’t be. I reserved a conference room at the library in town so that we’d have some privacy while we discuss what they’ve got going on.”
“Oh, that’s a great idea. I hadn’t even thought of the conference rooms at the library. You’ll be fine! You know what you’re doing, the townspeople know and trust you, and you’re a damn good lawyer. You’ve got nothing to be worried about.”
“I’m glad you’ve got hope in me. Leaving New York wasn’t hard at all. I know I made the right choice. I know that I’ll have success down here, too. I know it will all work out exactly as it’s supposed to. It’s just hard to feel like I’m starting over. Ya know?”
“While I don’t know what that’s like... I felt similar when I moved to Magnolia Falls. I didn’t know anyone and if it wasn’t for my internship through school, I don’t know that I would have gotten on at the hospice agency. If there’s anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I’m here for you Mason.” I say, laying my hand on his arm.
“Thanks Cal. It means a lot that you’re on this journey with me.”
“There’s no other journey I’d rather be on,” I say, throwing a wink his way.
The TV is playing in the background and as much as I love this show I’ll have to restart this episode. I’ve been lost in my head, not paying the slightest bit of attention to what's on the TV. My mind has been racing—debating with myself about when and if I want to ask Mason to move in with me. The same thought keeps filtering through making me question myself. Is this too soon?! But really, I’m not sure that even matters anymore. While we’ve only been “together” a few months I’ve known him for fourteen years and I’ve loved him almost as long. Even in the decade that we didn’t speak to each other, the feelings never left.
I grab my phone off the end table and bring up Jo Ellen’s contact. I’ve been debating talking to her about asking Mason to move in with me but not sure if she’s who I should talk to. Hitting the back button, I scroll to my mom’s contact instead. Hitting dial, I hope she picks up and won’t think I’m absolutely insane for wanting to move forward to the next chapter of our relationship.
“Cal, is everything ok?” my mom asks, nerves filling her voice.
“Yeah, everything is fine. Sorry, I’m calling so late. I just had something I wanted to talk to you about. I can call back tomorrow if it’s better for you.” It’s not late but my parents have always been early birds, so they don’t stay up past 8 pm too often.
“Oh, okay. Now is fine. I just was worried since you don’t ever call us this late. What’s up, hun?”
“I’ve been debating with myself, and I need an outsider’s opinion. Even though I guess you’re not technically an outsider, but I trust your opinion,” I spit out fast before adding, “I want to ask Mason to move in with me.” I cover my eyes like we’re face to face, and I will be able to see her facial expression.
“You already know we love and adore Mason. While we do wish you two wouldn’t have gone separate ways for so long, we are one hundred percent behind you two being together now. If you think your heart is ready for the next step, then go for it. Your dad and I will be behind you on whatever route you choose.”
“You really don’t think it’s too soon? That’s what I’ve been debating about. We haven’t been together long this time, and I don’t want to rush anything. I don’t want to mess this time up.”
“Cal, I hate to break it to you, but Mason is all hands on deck with you. He’s in love with you, even if those words haven’t been spoken to you. I think he’d jump out of an airplane if you asked him to.” I love how she’s able to still read both of us just like she used to when we were in high school. She’s always told me we’d make our way back to each other but of course, I never believed her.
“I’m sure you’re right. There’s nothing I want more than for him to move in and for us to finally get our happily ever after. I’m just so scared. I don’t want to mess this up.”
“Well, I’d say there’s your answer then. Ask him.”
“Thanks for chatting with me. I think I’ve got something I need to do. Sooner rather than later. Goodnight, love you.”
“Goodnight. Love you, Cal.”
Having Mom’s reassurance makes me feel good about my decision. Before putting my phone away for the night I pull up Em’s contact and send her a message.
Me: Are you up? I’ve got a question.
The little dots pop up before I’m able to set my phone down.
Em: Yeah, what’s up?
Me: I want to ask Mason to move in with me and I need to know I’m not crazy for being ready for this next step.
Em: Callie… y’all dated for four years. He is the love of your life. Your soulmate. Nobody else is right for you. Mason is it. No, you’re not crazy. You’re a woman who’s been in love for years and is finally getting what she’s always dreamed of.
Me: Wow.. uh. Damn, you’re right. I am in love with him.