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"But you love him?" I blushed, and he nodded. "Ah. Then you have to open up to him. What are you waiting for?"
I shrugged.
"Is life better with this man?"
Of course it was. I thought about the way he looked across the banquet hall at the gala. How he looked when he was working at his computer. How he moaned my name…
Mr. Kruger's eyebrow went up again. "It IS better. I see." Another blush. "Then you must get him back, Schatz. Life goes too fast, you know. I mean, look at me. It's almost over." He hit his shoulder into mine. "Take the chance. It will be worth it." When he saw the doubt on my face, "Believe me."
And then he started walking away. My eyes stayed on him for a while until I shook my head, chuckling softly. My days are just unbelievable.
I pulled the fish out of the oven to Cassie and Ava's oohs and aahs. I admit, this meal was as impressive as it was easy. Perfect for an easy weekday dinner.
I placed the fish onto the plates and carried it to the table.
"OMG, this looks so good, Calla," Cassie said appreciatively.
"Thanks so much. This is a real treat. You should cook for me more often," Ava chimed in.
"I just felt it was about time. We haven't had a nice, calm supper together for a long time," I offered. "And you can't beat this fresh fish. It really does all the work in creating the magic."
We ate and drank, chatting happily about, well, everything.
We settled into a comfortable lull. We leaned back, fully satisfied from a sumptuous meal.
"Hey, Cal," Ava started, "How are you doing? You know, about Dom and everything."
I shrugged. "What can I say? He ended it. I was sad, but there's nothing I can do. He's gone. Today I had a great day, so I'm just chillin' with my besties."
Cassie leaned forward. "Do you think it's really over? I mean, you guys were so perfect together."
I shrugged again. "I mean, I don't think it's great when someone breaks up with someone. It means that there is always going to be some doubt moving forward. I guess we just weren't meant for each other."
Cassie protested, "But you are! Can't you see that? He's so perfect for you. And you're perfect for him. You just fit together like the perfect puzzle."
"I thought that at one time, too," I sighed. "But it wasn't to be."
Ava asked, "Did he say why he broke up with you?" I hadn't told the girls everything. I just couldn't until now. It had felt too raw, but I think my good mood from today helped be able to answer.
"It was the same old thing. He wants me to be more open with him and not shut him out emotionally."
Cassie exhaled sharply. "I don't want to upset you, but why can't you? What are you afraid of?"
I felt the tears well up. I knew exactly what I was afraid of, and it already happened. Both girls extended their hands to cover mine in support.
"I'm afraid… I'm afraid the person I love is going to leave me. And, well, I guess I made it happen, because he's gone." A tear slid down my cheek.
"Where did this fear come from, Cal?" Ava asked.
I sniffled, reached for a tissue, and blew my nose. "I know exactly where it came from. My parents. They were happy. And then they weren't." I felt a little guilty bringing it up because Cassie was the result of my dad's infidelity and she was sitting right in front of me.
Cassie put her hand on my arm again. "Cal, it's been years and both of your parents have moved on. And for the better. For both of them. Sometimes bad things happen, but people find their way. You can't hold yourself back from loving someone with all your heart. It's not a way to live your life. No one wants that for you."
I nodded. "I know, but it's really hard."
Ava added, "Why don't you talk to your mom and dad about it? Maybe they can shed some light on their relationship and you can see that it's worked out for the better? Would that help you to move on?"
I felt uncertain about it, but it was possibly a good idea.
