Callum clears his throat before teasing, "I uh... I like it when you get passionate about books."
That makes me blush, because I know he's referring to the rather manic text rant I sent last night after reading a couple of chapters ofCatch Me.
To be fair, the hero in the book is being atotal assto his love interest, and I think a certainsomeonehas affected my reason to empathize with book heroes who purposefully hurt the ones they claim to love because of issues they won't share.
Callum just grins at my flushed cheeks, "I like how deeply youfeel."
"Too much," I shrug.
He shakes his head, "Nope, no such thing."
I can't help but smile at his words. I don't think anyone has ever made me feel so seen and heard before.
Callum leans a hip against the register, crossing his arms across his broad chest, and I swallow at the sight. The navy T-shirt he's wearing hugs his shoulders in a way that does very interesting things to my belly. My eyes are drawn to his strong forearms dusted with fine dark hair.
"How are you feeling today?"
The question is asked so simply, but with so much feeling. I smile, "Today was good."
"You look good."
His neck turns red first. Then it travels up to his cheeks and all the way to his ears, amusing me even as my own stomach swoops from his compliment.
"Why thank you,” I grin.
"You're welcome," he nods, returning my grin.
He grabs the shipment of books he was working on earlier, and I follow him, following his lead and putting them in their appropriate spots. He tries to take them back, but I hold them out of his reach, protecting them with a playful glare.
"You don't have to do that, Sophie."
"I spend enough time here, might as well put me to work."
"I don't mind."
"Mind what?"
"You being here," Callum shrugs, a smile on his face. "I like hanging out with you."
I smile at him, "I like hanging out with you, too."
???
Two weeks later, and it's easier to settle into a routine.
Even with the side effects I've started feeling from chemotherapy, I try to focus on the little things that bring me joy. I still wake up around six, have my coffee and water, take my medications, pull on something comfortable, and open my laptop for work.
It's actually a relief not having to deal with traffic or commuting into the city. I haven't needed to buy gas in ages, especially since Starling Cove is very walkable with its winding streets shaded beneath trees that are turning gold and scarlet. Autumn is fast approaching.
My next chemotherapy appointment is tomorrow, and I’m not dreading it. The hours pass quickly while working, reading, and listening to music.
I still haven't reached out to Donna or Rich to see them yet. I still need some more time, so Callum has agreed to give me rides to and from my appointments. I'm taking the advice and letting people help however they can.
Car rides don't feel like that much of a burden, especially since Callum and I have been hanging out a lot. Like real friends.
Either I'll come toRivers & Rhodes,or we'll walk around the shops on Main Street, or around Sage Grove Park, or we'll walk down to the boardwalk.
Sometimes, we spend the time talking, him telling me stories of growing up in Starling Cove or me telling him stories about college. Sometimes, we sit in peaceful silence, just enjoying each other's company. I swear hanging out with Callum contributes more to my overall health than anything.
