Page 127 of Shattered Melodies

I glanced around at the bustling activity. “Pretty good, actually. We’re making progress. All we need now is you.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line. “I wish I could be there right now,” Liam said softly. “Hey, I had an idea. I’m gonna ask Jimmy to give you a call. He might be able to help with the marketing side of things.”

“That’d be great,” I said, feeling a surge of gratitude. Even from miles away, Liam was still looking out for us. “Every little bit helps.”

“Alright, I should go. Got another meeting in five,” Liam sighed. “I love you, Caleb.”

Those three words still made my heart skip a beat. “Love you too,” I replied, my voice gruff with emotion. “Come back to me soon, yeah?”

“As soon as I can,” he promised before hanging up.

I stood there for a moment, phone still pressed to my ear, lost in thought. Hearing Liam’s voice had both soothed and intensified the ache of missing him. But there was work to be done, and I had a surprise to prepare.

“Alright, folks!” I called out, clapping my hands to get everyone’s attention. “Let’s wrap it up here. We’ll pick this up tomorrow.”

As the workers started packing up, I headed back to the house. I found Mom in the kitchen, Peanut immediately went to her and curled up on her lap as she read a book.

“Hey, sweetie,” she said, looking up with a smile. “Heading out?”

I nodded, leaning down to scratch Peanut behind the ears. “Yeah, meeting Sarah and Mark at The Grove. Mind keeping an eye on this little troublemaker?”

Mom waved me off. “Go, go. Peanut and I will be just fine. Won’t we, sweetheart?” she cooed at the kitten, who purred in response.

I shook my head, grinning. “You’re gonna spoil her rotten, you know that?”

“That’s what grandmas are for,” Mom replied with a wink.

As I drove into town, my mind wandered to the surprise I had planned for the fundraiser. I hadn’t told Liam about it yet - partly because I wanted it to be a surprise, and partly because I was nervous as hell about it.

The Grove was bustling when I arrived. I spotted Sarah and Mark at our usual booth and made my way over.

“Well, look what the cat dragged in,” Sarah teased as I slid in across from them. “We were starting to think you’d stood us up.”

I rolled my eyes, reaching for a menu. “Please, like I’d miss a chance for Sarah’s famous apple pie. How’s it going, guys?”

The Grove was quieter than usual, perfect for the conversation we needed to have.

Mark leaned forward, his elbows on the table. “So, Mr. Busy, finally remembered your old friends, huh?”

I winced, feeling a pang of guilt. “Yeah, about that… I’m sorry, guys. Things have been kind of crazy lately.”

Sarah raised an eyebrow. “Crazy enough to forget about us completely? We’ve barely heard from you since Liam showed up.”

I ran a hand through my hair, sighing. “I know, I know. I got caught up in everything. It’s not an excuse, but…”

Mark waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t sweat it, man. Sarah filled me in on some of it. We’re just a little hurt you didn’t come to us sooner.”

I looked between them, seeing the concern in their eyes. These were my best friends, had been for years. How had I let myself get so wrapped up in everything that I’d pushed them aside?

“I’m really sorry,” I said, meaning it. “It won’t happen again. I promise.”

Sarah reached across the table, squeezing my hand. “We forgive you, Caleb. Just don’t shut us out, okay? We’re here for you, whatever’s going on.”

I nodded. “Thanks, guys.”

Mark leaned back, crossing his arms. “So, spill. What’s been going on? And don’t leave anything out this time.”

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. Where to even begin?

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