Chapter 18
Rae
Afew days passed,and Caleb had just finished another rotation at work. I had gone shopping for clothes for the job Caleb helped me get, and I sent him photos of each outfit. I let out a giggle at the memory of the replies he sent me after each photo. He had been honest with me about if he liked an outfit or not, and each compliment he sent had made me blush. He had been so sweet, and I didn’t deserve it.
I even met him for lunch at the department while I was in town. He helped me fill out my paperwork and introduced me to my new coworkers. My new boss seemed awesome. I was really excited to start working again and making new friends. Caleb came over both nights before going home to say hi and check in on me as if we hadn't been texting all day. He also set up the camera app on my phone so I could watch it. However, I asked him to keep watching it, too. I just felt safer with him.
I checked my phone and smiled at the fact that there was only one text, and it was from Caleb. The texts from Ethan had been minimal, but I could tell he was angry.
However, it had been a good few days. I was happier than I had been in a while.
I was in the bathroom, singing and brushing my teeth with a plan to go to Caleb's farm later when I heard the doorbell ring.
Checking the cameras, I saw it was a delivery person and after they left, I went outside to get the packages.
I came back in and locked the door before setting the packages on the kitchen table.
I opened up the first package and inside was a top I'd ordered for work. It was a deep emerald green color and I had been looking forward to it coming in the mail. I excitedly unfolded the shirt and tried it on. It fit, and I walked to the bathroom to look in the mirror. I snapped a picture and sent it to Caleb.
Me: This is the top I was telling you about! It’s one of my favorite colors.
Three little bubbles popped up and I felt butterflies instantly. I knew that was silly since he is just a friend, but I couldn’t stop this feeling. His text popped up on the screen, and I got instant butterflies again.
Caleb: Dang, Rae. You look beautiful. That color makes your eyes shine.
Before I could even wrap my brain around that first text, three more bubbles appeared.
Caleb: I can’t wait to see you.
These texts seemed more than friendly, and the heat I felt was unreal. I quickly texted him back.
Me: Thank you, Ranger. You are too sweet. I can’t wait to see you too.
I didn’t know if I was reading into his text too much, but I sent my reply anyway.
As I opened up the second package, I smelled something so familiar. I picked up the box and sniffed it but couldn't figure out what the smell reminded me of. As I lifted the lid of the box, the sudden realization as to why the smell was familiar hit me.
