"It really is," he says, picking up the conversation from where it drifted. "No, I'm not really into football. I was always moreinto books. I was kind of a chubby kid, too. Didn't really hit a growth spurt until high school."
I nod, imagining a younger version of Callum—round-faced with big brown eyes, nose buried in a book.Adorable.
Soon, way too soon, we're pulling up to my apartment building. He idles at the curb, and I find myself disappointed that our time together is ending.
"Sophie?" Callum asks gently, stopping me just as I reach to unbuckle my seatbelt. I pause and look at him, tilting my head in question. "You're very brave. You understand that, right?"
I blink, caught off guard.
"You were nervous when you showed up tonight. I could see that. You just had your entire life turned upside down, and youstillshowed up with a smile tonight. You were still kind to my mom, to me, after...that."
I can barely breathe as my heart thumps almost wildly in my chest. Callum swallows and locks eyes with me, his voice softer now.
"I don't think I've ever met anyone like you before."
I will not cry,I order myself as my throat tightens.I will not cry, not in his truck, not after such a good night. I repeat the mantra, but the tears sting my eyes anyway.
"That's..." I croak, clearing my throat when my voice cracks."That's the sweetest thing anyone's ever said to me. Thank you."
Callum doesn't look away. "You were wrong about one thing, though."
"About what?"
Callum shrugs, "You said you didn't have any friends, but you do. The whole book club—every one of them. And me.We'refriends now... right?"
"Yes," I answer immediately, hoping that my eagerness doesn't put him off. It only makes his grin widen. "Yes, Callum,we're friends."
"And friends help each other," he says, voice firm now. "So if you need anything—anything at all—you call me, or text me. I'll be there."
"I will," I promise, grin practically splitting my face now. "Thank you, Callum."
"You're welcome, Sophie."
I smile and grab my tote bag from the floor, turning back to him once more. "My numbers in the group chat. Will you let me know when you get home safe?"
His eyes light up at my request, like I've surprised him in a good way. "I will. I promise."
"Thanks for the ride."
"Anytime."
He waits until I'm safely inside my building, and it's only when I step into the elevator that I catch his truck slowly pulling away from the curb.
Before long, I'm showered, changed into my fuzzy pajamas, and sliding into my bed to read a little more before I see a new text message.
Home safe.
When my dad died, one of my friends told me this, and I never forgot it: You're allowed to fall apart. As many times as you need to. Just don't forget to get back up.
I'm here for you.
Sweet dreams, Sophie.
His words are like a warm, weighted blanket, sinking into me with pure comfort. I know the smile pulling at my lips is ridiculous,cheesy even,but I don't care as I save his contact and text back.
Thank you.
Goodnight, Callum.
