Page 130 of Fame & Chaos

I frown and nod as she walks out, closing the door behind her with a huff. I do feel bad for using Sasha like that. She clearly came over hoping for a repeat of last night, and instead, she spent an hour listening to me moan about another woman. I can see how that would annoy her, so I’ll send her a thank-you text later. Maybe flowers, too.

But right now, I need to make things right with Indi.

It’s late and probably another terrible idea, but I need her to see that I’m in this. She needs to give us a real chance. She came back into my life for a reason, and I’ll be damned if I let her slip away from me again.

I grab my jacket and keys before heading for the car.

On the drive to Indi’s, I practice everything I want to say, but none of it sounds right. I have no idea how I’m going to change her mind about me, but I’m not leaving her house until she gives us another try or calls the cops.

Either way, I’m sorting this out tonight.

When I pull up outside her house, I climb out and walk straight to her door. My hand runs through my hair as I try to calm my erratic heartbeat, but it’s thumping so hard it’s making it difficult to breathe. The crisp night air makes me shiver, though maybe I’m just shaking like a complete fucking idiot.

“Get a grip, Caleb,” I whisper to myself.

Taking a deep breath, I exhale slowly and force down the nervous energy before lifting my fist and knocking on her door. My heart races faster while I wait, but there’s nothing. No movement, no sound, so I knock again, wondering if she’s even home, but then a light flicks on inside.

“Indi,” I call.

Still nothing.

I knock again, frustration rising as she refuses to answer. “Indi, it’s me. Come on, please open the door,” I say loudly, and one of the neighbor’s lights flicks on.

Still nothing.

I knock harder this time. “Indi!”

The neighbor’s door opens, and an older woman glares out at me. “Do you know what time it is, young man?” she snaps.

“Yeah, time you mind your own damn business.” I turn back to Indi’s door. “Indi! Open the door.”

The neighbor pulls out her cell phone and starts dialing what I can only assume is the police.

Great.

“Indi, please. Your neighbor is going to have me arrested. Answer the damn door. Please!”

The door finally swings open, and Indi stands there, her nostrils flared, her face bright red, her eyes puffy from crying.

The sight cracks my chest wide open.

She looks miserable and furious.

“Shut the hell up, Caleb,” she hisses before stepping out to face her neighbor. “Sorry, Mrs. Latham. No need for the police.” Then she grabs my arm and drags me inside, and I try not to smile because she actually answered the door, and now I’m exactly where I need to be.

Caleb, one.

Mrs. Latham, zero.

“Caleb, what the actual fuck?” Indi snaps as she slams the door and glares at me.

My internal victory dance dies immediately as I take in her tired, broken expression. She looks so lost, and knowing I’m the reason for it guts me.

“Indi, I don’t know what happened to make you so angry with me, but we need to sort this out right now.”

She huffs and turns away, walking into the living room before dropping onto the couch. “It’s late, Caleb. I’ve had a big day.” Her voice sounds flat and empty.

“Indi, look, I know what I wrote on the card might have scared you. I know I pushed too much. I know you don’t want a relationship—”