I use the Keurig to make the coffee and I hear Cora’s laugh. God I missed that laugh, it tugs at something deep inside me. What the hell am I doing? I am not going to be able to keep her at a distance, I want her.
Carrying the coffee over to the two of them, Cora looks at her cup. “Two spoons of coffee, one spoon of sugar, and a small drop of milk. I’m assuming you still take your coffee that way.” I smile at her. Her lips turn up and she can’t help the smile.
“Actually, no, but that’s only because I don’t want too much sugar.”
“I’ll make you a new one.” I stand and move to pick up her cup. But she pulls it away from me.
“I’ll drink it. This is how I really love my coffee, I just don’t make it this way.” She lifts the cup to her lips and takes a sip. I watch her closely as she closes her eyes and takes a sip. I watch as she swallows and I see her smile. God I want to make her smile more. Thus is definitely going to be torture.
“So, did you discuss food, allergies and everything else while I was gone?” I look at both of them.
“Yes, we did,” Marion says. “Cora likes to cook, so we negotiated that she cooks at the weekend so I can have time off. But don’t you think that I’m going to take a cut in my wages.” She looks at me, smiling. I nod my head.
“Thanks, Marion. So, Cora, I’m off for the day, do you want to start going over the files? We need to learn everything about each other before the wedding next weekend.”
“Actually, Caleb, don’t forget Sunday dinner.” Marion smiles and then stands. “I’ll see myself out. Cora, good to meet you and I can’t wait to get to know you better.” She nods her head and then turns to walk away.
“See you soon, Marion,” Cora says to her retreating back. Then she turns her gaze toward me and her smile disappears. “Sunday dinner? Is she talking about you going to your parents? I won’t be going so what is she talking about?”
I take a deep breath in. “Yeah about that. I kind of told the family that you will be coming with me to Sunday dinner. It’s as much a tradition now as it was back when we were teenagers. Mom can’t wait to see you again.”
“Caleb, what the fuck? I can’t go to Sunday dinner with your family. Our relationship is not real. They know that, right?
“I guess we’d better make a start, but are you sure you don’t need to go to work? I can go over the files myself.” She looks uncomfortable. I could go to work, I have loads to do, but I want to spend the time with her.
“No, I’m fine. I took the day off to make you comfortable and show you around the apartment.”
“Well, you’ve done that. I know where everything is. I can read the file on my own. I’m sure there’s not that much to learn.” She smirks at me. I used to love her sass and defiance.
“Honestly, it’s not a problem at all, Cora. I want to make you feel at home and I can answer any question you might have. Now, let’s move to the garden, it’s a beautiful day, we might as well make good use of it.” I stand and take the file from her before moving toward the stairs leading up to the garden.
“Let’s get to know each other better. I know about us when we were younger, so tell me all about you since then,” I ask.
“You mean tell you all about how I’ve been since you walked away from me and broke my heart? That’s going to be fun.”
She is going to make it so hard for me, but I am determined.
Chapter Eight
CORA
I’ve been here for six days, five nights and it’s been hard going. Caleb has been the perfect gentleman. He’s polite, funny, handsome and just such a nice guy. I tried to stay mad with him, but then I remembered that I’m supposed to make him fall in love with me, so that I can break his heart like he broke mine.
I’m cooking dinner tonight. Marion has cooked every night this week and everything was so tasty. Caleb is obviously used to good food, so I hope I don’t disappoint him. I’m making beef in a red wine casserole and then I’m going to make peach cobbler for dessert, I remember he used to like it.
We’ve been getting on okay. He’s been working, so I’ve had a lot of time to myself. I’ve been swimming, laid in the sun in the garden and just generally relaxed.
I’ve just bought the food for tonight and Louisa came to collect me from Walmart. Even though Caleb said there was a car in the parking garage for me, I don’t want to use it.
“Hey girl, how's it going? Have you made him fall in love with you yet?” Louisa opens the trunk for me to put my purchases in.
“No, but he’s warming up to me, or rather should I say I’m warming up to him. He’s such a nice guy, Lou.” I put the trunk down.
Louisa grabs my hand. “No, no, no way.” She’s shaking her head while talking. “You are not to fall for him, remember. You want to hurt him, but you’ve got to keep your feelings out of it. Remember we talked about this.”
“I know Lou, but all my old feelings are so close to the surface, I can’t help liking the guy. I’m in his apartment, sharing the dining table with him. It’s hard not to fall for Caleb Masters, Lou.”
“I know, girl, but you’ve got to try so hard not to let him creep under your skin while you’re looking for revenge.”