Page 36 of Drive Me Wild (Owl Creek #2)
I t takes Mabel a few months to downsize enough to move. I’ve been living with her while learning the ropes and making minor changes to grow the store on social media. I’m still running my online business but hired a virtual assistant to help with day-to-day tasks.
Caleb is a regular fixture at the house and store, and Renée has been doing some carpentry work on the house.
We built a gathering area in one of the rooms so I could start regularly hosting regional authors for talks and added another display case next to the espresso machine for more pastries, pre-made sandwiches, and cookies.
We’re also partnering with the library to bring in some of the programming that they used to offer until the new location is finished being retrofitted.
The city used its rainy day fund to buy a small Victorian a few blocks away, and Renée is leading a group of volunteers to help do all the light construction work when she isn’t working on wedding planning.
Today, I have a roommate moving in. Once Mabel has closed on her new house, I’ll rent out the other bedroom, keeping the fourth and final bedroom for an office.
It’s eight in the morning, and the dusting of snow we got last night has melted from the streets, but the walkway is still covered. Caleb is upstairs getting dressed to go shovel what little is there and salt everything to make it safe for customers.
I make myself another cup of coffee and hear a knock on the door. It’s a delivery of books that I’ve been waiting for. I run to greet the driver and help him with the box.
Once he’s gone, I grab a box cutter and my phone. I’ve been making unboxing videos for my growing number of followers. They love seeing the new stock when it comes in, especially for my blossoming section of indie authors.
The first book is the debut of a Romantasy author I follow online. I was one of her advanced readers and fell completely in love with this story, so I quickly shoot film of the cover and tell my followers why they will enjoy getting a copy.
The second book is an older release, but it’s considered ‘the bible’ on indoor plants.
Caleb has been waiting on this one, and since he started making cameos in some of my videos, I’ve been getting a lot of followers.
I thought I should start adding even more books about plants for him and the women who I’m sure only follow my account because of him.
What can I say? I’m not above exploiting my hot boyfriend to get new readers.
I set it aside to wait to capture his reaction for the ladies.
Caleb has also launched his own channel, teaching mechanics to women.
In two months, he’s gained thousands of followers who comment that they feel empowered by their knowledge of cars.
He also showcases his growing collection of kinetic sculptures, which he’s decided to display at this year’s Owl Creek Art Festival.
The last book in the order is from the social media influencer whose videos made me realize how much I was choosing fear instead of love. This is her first book, and I’m proud to carry it. It will go on the top of my growing bedside collection as I heal my insecurities.
I take the box to the inventory room so we can tag and shelf them. When I come out, Caleb is walking back from shoveling in with a letter in his hand.
“I guess the mail came late yesterday.”
He gives me the letter addressed in handwriting I don’t recognize. When I look at the sender, it takes a moment for it to register who it’s from.
“This is from Alaska, Caleb.” Tears are filling my eyes. “This is from my dad.”
I run my finger over his name and address before flipping the envelope and carefully opening it. Inside is a single sheet of pale green lined paper folded in half.
Zoe,
When your mother found me after all these years, I didn’t know how to react. I was angry and sad and afraid that you would hate me.
Hate me for not trying to find you.
Hate me for staying in Alaska, doing what I love instead of being with you.
Hate me for letting you grow up without knowing how much you were wanted by me, even if I was too much of a coward to tell you in person.
But after a couple of months of feeling mad at her and myself, I realized that I needed to put it aside and let you know I’m sorry.
I should have been there for you, but I wasn’t.
Your mother gave me this address when I called her back last week and told me you’re a successful businesswoman. For what it’s worth, I’m so proud of you. If you want to talk to your old dad someday and can read my chicken scratch, I’ve included my number at the bottom.
Love,
Dad
I clutched the letter to my chest and looked up into the big brown eyes of my faithful, devoted boyfriend. Warmth spread like melted butter from my belly to my chest. My father loved me. I meant something to him.
If this isn’t healing, I don’t know what is.
Caleb gives me a kiss on the forehead and walks over to the espresso machine. “Need another cup of coffee?”
“Yeah. Let’s have a cup together before I open the store for business.”
We sit in the cozy chairs we placed in the corner of the cafe area, warmed by the coffee and the sliver of sunshine cutting through the trees into the window. Again, I look at Caleb and the shelves of books surrounding us, and I think of how close I was to losing both of them.
“I’m the luckiest woman alive.”
He smiles his dimpled smile, brings my hand up to his mouth, and presses a kiss to the back of my hand.
“Caleb, I’m ready.”
“For?”
“I don’t want to get another roommate when Mabel leaves. I want you to move in.”
“Good, because I’ve been sneaking my things here every week, waiting for the day you’d ask.”
“Where is all your stuff?”
“Spare room closet.”
“You are so weird.”
“That might be so, but I’m your weirdo. You’re stuck with me.”
“Like glue?”
He pulls me into his lap and pushes some hair behind my ear.
“Like glue.”
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