Page 85 of Miss Fortune

“I was hoping your time working with him might have facilitated a friendship. Something whereby you could check on him.”

“I hesitate to do so during the week.”

She sighed audibly. “I know, I know. His job makes him so miserable it’s tough to engage him on a workday. But I’ve never seen him like this. Not even when he was going through his divorce.”

It dawned on me, for the first time, Doris had been with him back then. “Did you ever meet his ex-wife?”

“I met her once. Truth be told, I wasn’t a fan. Didn’t think she had staying power. Anyhow, I can’t imagine he’d be bothered by a text. Just my opinion.”

She had a point. I could send a text. “Okay. Thanks, Doris.”

“No, thank you. Let’s plan on dinner in the next couple of weeks, okay?”

“You bet. Talk to you soon.”

If I’d needed a sign I should reach out to Caleb, this was it. Finding my phone, I decided to stick a toe in the water and sent him a text message. “You okay?”

An hour later I’d given up on getting a response until the one-word answer came through. “No.”

I didn’t hesitate, throwing on something other than sweats, and grabbing what I hoped would make him smile.

Once I arrived at his house, I questioned whether my presence would be appreciated. But then again, how many times had he come over unannounced to my apartment? Taking a deep breath, I walked up to the front door, but changed my mind, heading instead for the side gate. Luckily it was unlocked. I went along the perimeter of his house toward the backyard and breathed a sigh of relief when I spotted him sitting in his favorite chair on the patio, the soft lights illuminating the backyard.

“Hi,” I greeted.

His head whipped up. “Hi.” His expression was tormented.

“I wasn’t sure if you would want to see me on a Monday night.”

“I always want to see you, but as you found out, I’m not good company during the week.”

“Sometimes the best company is the type where nobody’s expected to entertain.” I walked over to the pond, smiling at the three fish happily swimming around. I needed for him to come to me.

“The boys have missed you,” he expressed, walking up behind me.

He was so close I could feel the heat from his body. It took everything in me not to lean back into him. But that wasn’t why I was here.

“I don’t know. They look pretty happy.”

“Nope, they were depressed until you showed up.”

Something told me he wasn’t talking about the fish.

“How have you been?” he asked, his voice husky.

“I’ve been better. You?”

“Same.”

I turned around, searching his face. He looked so conflicted, I had to try to lighten things up. “I brought you something.”

“Did you?”

“I did.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out the woven material to hold up for him.

“What is it?”

“Your friendship bracelet. It’s long overdue, but you know, I had some production issues.”