“Definitely looked like something you’d done before, which was surprising because weren’t you raised in the suburbs?” From what Cal had shared at a family dinner, his parents owned some sort of construction business and he was the only one in the family who didn’t work for there.
“I worked a few summers on a local ranch as a teen. It was a bit like muscle memory. Soon as I saw the cows, I knew what I needed to do,” Cal said. More diner folks stopped by to say hi to the both of us, but their eyes were all on Cal. A couple of the women leaned suggestively into him, and I watched him sidestep them before they got too close, all the while smiling and giving quick handshakes.
Once Caitlin dropped off our food, they left us alone and we ate in silence for a few minutes, but I couldn’t resist asking, “Does all that attention get old?” While I was generally a sociable person,what Cal seemed to endure was akin to a politician running for office.
Cal sat back, pushing the brim of his hat farther back so I could see his face better. It was still startling to see the ghost of Luke staring back at me even though, logically, I knew he was Cal, and not Luke.
“It’s part of the job, although I gotta admit, some competitors are better at it than others. And well, there are some fans who seem to think they should have access to all of me for the price of ticket.” He had a faraway look that he quickly snapped back. “For me, I enjoy engaging with the kids more than anyone else. They have this excitement and joy about them that adults seem to lose. I’m sure you’ve seen that in Henry, right?”
I agreed. My nephew still believed in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy and I was going to be very disappointed when he eventually grew out of it.
Caitlin came over to check on us and clear our empty plates, and I watched how she interacted with Cal. She was completely professional and definitely didn’t have the same stars in her eyes that many of the other folks did.
Of course, I wouldn’t be jealous if she did. Much. No. I absolutely would be, dammit.
“Can I get either of you dessert? Marc was in a baking mood and we’ve got some fresh-made pies and tarts,” Caitlin offered but we both shook our heads.
“Just the check, darling,” I said. I watched her cheeks pink up at the endearment and resisted the urge to preen.At least I have an effect on her.
“Well, about that. Several diners have offered to cover your tab, so if you’ve changed your mind about dessert, I could box it up if you wanted it to go,” she offered.
“That sure was nice of folks,” Cal said loud enough for those around to hear. We looked around to see if anyone would acknowledge the gift, but no one said anything. He rubbed his stomach. “Unfortunately, I am much too full but thank you kindly to whoever paid.”
When we got up to leave, I reached into my wallet and pulled out a twenty to leave as a tip. Since I wasn’t paying for lunch, it seemed only appropriate to leave a larger tip. Cal let out a low whistle. “Pretty sure that’s more than half the tab there,” he said.
I stared at him. “And?”
He looked from Caitlin to me and back before saying, “Ah.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
Cal reached into his wallet and set down a twenty of his own, then shrugged. “Nothing whatsoever,” he said clapping me on the back. “Does she know you’re sweet on her?”
“We’re just friends,” I said as we walked out.
“Uh-huh.” Again, with the cryptic comment and the knowing look. “I saw the way you were watching her in the diner. And when you weren’t looking, she had her eyes on you,” Cal said.
“She did?” Shit. I hadn’t meant to say that out loud. Cal chuckled.
“I think we’re all too old to have that ‘birds and bees’ talk, but if you like each other, quit dancing around it and do something about it.”
Cal left me standing on the sidewalk, wondering who else might have keyed in to my attraction to Caitlin. I certainly wasn’t trying to hide it, but the way gossip flew around in this town, I didn’t want to bring any unwanted attention her way. I’d need to be more careful but with each passing day, my attraction to her only grew.
NINE
CAITLIN
Iwalked down the street sipping a delicious, iced coffee concoction, making the most of my break. I’d been working every shift Aurora gave me and when one of her dinner servers called in sick, I volunteered to take it. The money was good and it would be my first dinner service, which I was weirdly eager to experience.
Since I had a four-hour gap before I had to go back to the diner, I’d decided to walk along Main Street to see what was new. As I was peering into windows and enjoying all the displays, I could see a woman stretched out on the ground with a camera in her hand. Curious, I got closer trying to figure out what she was photographing.
“Hey, watch where you’re lying,” a man groused at her and she jumped to her feet.
“Sorry, Mr. Bridger,” she called out as he walked into the bank. Bridger? I realized it was Andrew Bridger, president of Cornerstone Bank and one of my father’s closest friends. I watched her drop back down and continue taking pictures, and curiosity got the best of me.
“Excuse me,” I said, waving as I walked toward her. She started to roll to her feet again, but I stopped her. “No need to get up for my sake—I was just curious what you were taking a photo of.” Looking around, I still couldn’t figure it out.
She gestured for me to come closer and I squatted down next to her. Under the bush was a spiderweb. “Uh, okay.” I had no idea what else to say and she laughed.
