“Zoe, Iā¦” He scratched his nose awkwardly. “Ruby had a relapse. I stayed with her at the hospital. You know she’s an orphan. She doesn’t really have anyone else to turn to. I’m sorry I kept you waiting.”
He stepped toward me and reached out, trying to pull me into his arms. But I stood up and took a step back, just in time to slip out of his reach.
“I’ll go heat up your dinner,” I said softly.
Caleb nodded, a little ashamed. “Thanks, Zoe. I promise I’ll make it up to you in a week.”
I lowered my head and said nothing.
“Make it up to me? There’s no ‘future’ for us anymore. I’ve only got 48 hours left to live,” I thought.
The next morning, I got up early and made breakfast.
When Caleb came downstairs and saw me, his expression briefly showed guilt. “Zoe, you’re up already?”
“I made breakfast. You should eat before you go,” I said, pointing to the table.
He sat across from me and had just picked up his cutlery when his phone rang. It was Ruby.
As soon as the call connected, her sweet, whiny voice came through the speaker. “Caleb, didn’t you promise to come with me for my check-up today? Where are you? Is Zoe clinging to you again?”
Caleb glanced at me. “No. I’ll come find you after I finish breakfast.”
“Alright then,” she said playfully. “If Zoe really insists, just bring her along. That way, it won’t seem like we’re sneaking around behind her back. I’d feel terrible if it looks like we’re having an affair. With her around, no one would dare call me a third wheel.”
He gave me a hesitant look. “Ruby is hoping you’ll come too.”
My heart sank, but I looked up and smiled. “Sure. I’ll go with you.”