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I was shocked last night when he packed up my stuff and took me home with him. I honestly thought he would just turn around and leave. But he didn’t. When we got home, he made space for me in his closet and told me I’m home now. I feel like I can finally breathe. I have a real home with SJ, where we were always meant to be. Together forever.
Goldie’s was the closest I ever felt at home. But here with SJ feels right. My heart feels so full being here with him.
I glance down at my phone. It’s been blowing up on and off with texts from my parents. I’m not answering them.
I sent a text to both in the same chat:
Do not contact me anymore. I’m blocking you.
It’s done. SJ’s right. We fight together. When he’s tired, I’ll fight. When I’m tired, I guess he just moves me in with him.
Harley flops down next to me and lays her head on my leg.
“Hey, sweet girl. How are you?” I stroke her soft ears and notice she’s a lot happier and calm now.
SJ leans down and kisses me. “Hi,” he says.
“Hi,” I say back and smile over at him.
“Feel better today?”
“Yeah, I let my parents know I blocked them. So be on the lookout for them popping up like mean little leprechauns.”
“We’ll handle whatever comes our way.” He shrugs. “You work tomorrow?”
“Yeah, and I have a meeting with HR first so that should be interesting. I could be getting let go.”
“You want to go by Dad’s shop and bring him lunch today? He’s going stir-crazy now that he’s finally home from the hospital but can’t work. He could use a little reminder from his doctor that he needs to take it easy.”
“Yeah, of course. I can do that,” I agree.
“Do you want to keep Harley with you today?” he asks as he scratches her ears, and she leans into him.
“Yeah, I’d like that.” I look at him and think about how good life feels when we do normal things together like eat, go to his games, and have Harley with us.
He continues to scratch her ears. “She knows you need her.”
“It’s official, huh? When will you officially be head coach?” I stare at him, full of pride. I’m happy for him.
He nods, beaming with excitement. “We’re telling the team tonight. Evan got the new board going, and everything is official.” He smiles at me. He’s a lot happier, and oh, how I missed this.
* * *
SJ
Can you check in with Dad and Bear? I’m finishing up some things and running behind.
I send him a text back letting him know I got it, and it’s no problem.
I let myself into the shop, and Axel waves across the bay. He’s been helping Sam out since he’s been out. “Hey, Axel. Where’s Bear and Sam?”
He nods upstairs and continues working. Before I can make it up the stairs, he calls, “Callie.”
I turn, and he nods to the front of the bay he’s working on. I see my parents’ black SUV has pulled in and my parents are getting out. Great. I groan.
“Axel,” I call, and he’s beside me before I can finish asking him to come over.
They stroll in, and my mom looks around disdainfully like she’s thinking she’s going to need a shower after just stepping foot inside of a place that she deems so beneath her. I roll my eyes.
