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Cal settled on the couch, forcing himself to sit in a relaxed position, even though he wanted to pace. Then he called Steph back.
She answered on the third ring. “Hey.”
“Hey.”
“Thanks for calling me back. Um, I’m sorry about all the miscommunication,” she said slowly. “It’s been a crazy week, and …”
He waited for her to finish since he wasn’t going to jump in and smooth things over like he wanted to.
“Pops told me you stopped by.”
“Yes.”
“Sorry about that, too—I didn’t mean to make you worry.”
“I was probably more pissed than worried, Steph,” Cal said, unable to hold back any longer. “If you want to tell me no or you’ve changed your mind, then just say that. You don’t need to be all sweet and flirty and kiss me, then ghost me. Just tell me you’re done.”
Steph didn’t say anything for a long moment.
Cal reviewed his words, but decided they’d been exactly what he wanted to say. “Look, I like you. And it’s been amazing to see you again. I liked you as a teen, and well, I like you as a grown woman. If you don’t feel the same way, then that’s fine. Just tell me.”
Steph sniffled. Was she crying?
“I do feel the same way, Cal,” she said in a trembling voice. “That’s the problem.”
What was she talking about? “What’sthe problem?”
“I don’t want to get my hopes up …”
When she didn’t finish, he said, “Because you think I’ll dump you?”
“I know you’ll dump me,” Steph said. “It’s my track record. And you’re … well, you’re too great of a man to be dumped by. You told me all those men I dated in the past are idiots. That the breakups had nothing to do with me. So if you dump me, then I’ll know I can’t blame the men I dated for being jerks. I’ll know it’s all me. Because you’re not a jerk or an idiot.”
Her logic was twisted, but he could see how she got there. “Well, thanks for telling me I’m not a jerk or idiot, but I can’t read the future, Bee,” he said in a softer tone. “I’m just willing to take a chance.”
Another long moment passed, but he waited it out.
“Why?” she whispered.
Did he not just explain? “I already said I like you—and I might not have all the answers right now, but I’m okay with that. I’d rather have questions and still spend time with you.”
“See? Even when I’ve been a jerk to you, you’re still being sweet to me.”
Cal closed his eyes. He wished he were in the same room with her. This conversation wasn’t ideal over the phone. “You say it like it’s a bad thing.”
“Every relationship has taught me that the other shoe will drop,” Steph said. “So I guess it’s easier if I drop it myself, because if I allow myself to put hope in a relationship with you, I know there will be pain in the end.”
Ah, he understood exactly what she meant. “I’m scared, too.”
“You are?” She sounded surprised.
“Of course.” Cal rose from the couch and crossed to the windows. “I mean, I didn’t expect to have feelings return when I saw you at the reunion. I wanted to apologize, sure, but I didn’t expect …you.”
“This is crazy, Cal,” she whispered.
“I agree.” He breathed a little easier, but his pulse was still racing. “It’s crazy, but I want to find out where this goes. Wherewemight go.” He might as well put it all out there—so she could take it or leave it. If she left it, he’d find a way to move on.
Steph was quiet for so long, Cal thought she might have hung up. When she finally spoke, he was more than glad she hadn’t. “Cal, I’m kind of a mess. I don’t even know how to have a relationship.”
