Page 99 of Love By The Falls

“That’s good, Travis. Real good. Thank you. What time’s the meeting and where?”

“Five o’clock in your office.”

I check my watch. It’s just past eleven. “Got it. I’ll be there.”

I hang up the phone and look over at Charlotte. She’s got her arms crossed, and she’s speaking in harsh whispers with her ex. Charlie’s tossing the ball in the air again.

“I’m sorry, but I’ve got to go,” I say when I reach her.

“Where?”

“I have an important meeting at the office.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“Run along, now,” taunts Jason, and Charlotte glares at him.

“Tell Charlie to keep his elbow straight.”

“I will,” says Charlotte.

“I’ll see you later,” I say, but don’t move.

She stares at me, and we both know that this will probably be the last time I see her until the baby is born.

“See you later,” she whispers. “And thanks for fixing the door.”

I nod and turn to Charlie. “Goodbye, Charlie.”

The boy’s face falls as he reads something on my face. “Bye, Caleb.” I stare at him for a second longer, then run inside to grab my bag. Sage stops me in the hallway. “Are you leaving?”

“Yeah.”

“Already?”

“Something came up.”

She frowns and shakes her head. “I really thought you were different.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re just like him.”

“Who?”

“Have a good life, Caleb.”

“I’ll be back.”

“Sure, you will.”

I don’t argue with her. Although I wish I could say I’ll be back next week, I have a weekend conference in Manhattan and some big games coming up and I’ll need to entertain guests. I wish I could tell Sage that she’s wrong, but I can’t.

I stare at Charlotte as I start my car. She doesn’t look my way, but Charlie’s waving as I pull out onto the road. Jason moves to stand next to Charlotte and puts his hand on her shoulder. She doesn’t shake it off and something inside me wants to stop the car and pull it off for her. But there’s no time for that, nor do I think she’d appreciate it.

I drive through the neighborhood and leave Cedar Brook Falls behind. My life is in Queens and that’s where I’m headed.

*

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