Page 46 of Love at a 7-Eleven

We sat comfortably, loosely tangled on the bench for the process of washing, and those were quite possibly the best moments of my life. We observed other people and spoke lightheartedly about ourselves and anyone else who came into our line of vision. We never kissed, but we also never lost physical contact.

Caleb and I got up after the washer was finished to put the shirt into the dryer. We had some extra quarters when we finished with the dryer, and we decided to go to the vending machines for candy and a soda.

I gave him the corner of the bench when we got back to our spot. I sat curled up next to him, and he sprawled out with his leg on mine. We ate candy and talked and laughed while we waited for the dryer. The conversation was amazing, and the music got turned up while we were sitting there, making all my laundromat dreams come true. It was pop radio, and I knew the lyrics to all of the songs, which cracked Caleb up.

It was the most perfect date ever. I was fixed on staying close to Caleb Caldwell for the rest of my life, and I hoped and prayed that everything would work out that way. It seemed like he wanted that too.

We walked over to the dryer after the shirt had been in there for a while. I watched as he took it out, took off his larger shirt, and then replaced his undershirt before shrugging into the larger one again. I had another good view of his upper body in the process. It was brief, but I had seen enough to have some warm feelings in the pit of my stomach. He left me breathless. I remembered him from the show, and it was surreal to see the tattoos. What made it better was that they were worn by an amazing, sweet teddy bear of a guy. I felt in my heart that he was going to be mine forever. I hoped that was true.

After tacos, we drove to an overlook where we watched the sunset. We were there for a half-hour or so before heading to golf. We were at the first hole at the mini golf place when someone asked for a picture with Caleb. They called him by his name on the show and asked if they could take a photo with him.

There were six of them in the picture, and I took it for them. It was something I had done before with my dad and brothers. I loved to volunteer since I didn't want them to feel awkward about inviting me to be in it. They thanked us and left us alone after that. There were a lot of people at the course, but that was the only group who approached him.

The course itself was huge, colorful, and fun, and there was never a dull moment with Caleb and I teasing each other and trying to get around the obstacles. We laughed because we were both competitive and tried to outdo each other on the silliest things.

I had grown up with two older brothers who were both gifted athletes. I had no choice but to be better than a complete goober. I was serious about the game and tried my best at every putt, and Caleb thought it was remarkable that I was so good.

"You're beating me, and I've only got one hole to turn it around," he said, staring at the scorecard like he couldn't believe it. He glanced at me, blinking comically. "I’m trying my best here," he said, looking confused and making me laugh.

"Are you surprised that I'm so good?" I said.

"No, I guess that's why you brought me here… because you knew you would destroy me. You must study miniature golf in your spare time. Did you bring me here to tell me that?" He stared at me and moved closer, and it made me laugh.

"No, I haven't done this in years. I'm just used to being a little try-hard because my brothers were relentless with competitions when we were growing up. They were almost better than me at ice skating, and that was my thing."

"I still haven't seen you skate," he said.

It was his turn to putt, and he made the stroke right after he said it. We took time to watch his ball go across the green. We were on the eighteenth hole, and there were quite a few obstacles—first up a hill, then a tunnel, down a slope. Then it had to narrowly avoid a rock before making it to the area near the hole. Amazingly enough, it did all that, and I let out a yell when it passed about an inch away from the hole. It kept going and then settled in a spot a foot or so from the hole—an easy second shot on a par four.

"Nice one," I said, looking at him with surprised confusion. "You may beat me with that one."

Caleb shrugged hopefully, and I watched as he went to finish his shot. He hopped over one of the obstacles and went to where the ball was sitting. Before he hit the ball, he looked up at me with an expression like he had just thought of something.

"Show me a video!" he said.

He looked down and easily hit the ball into the hole before quickly bending down to pick it up. He jogged back to me.

"What video? I asked.

"You. Skating. I'm sure you have a ton of videos. How have I never seen a video before?" He came closer to me when he was saying that. He was so serious and concerned about it that I grinned, thinking of which one to show him. He was so gorgeous that just coming to stand near me took my breath away. There were people on the course, but none were on the hole directly behind us. I knew we didn't have to be in a rush.

"Now?" I asked.

"Yes. Please. Even just a clip."

"I have so much video," I said, fishing for my phone in the bag that hung near the side of my waist. "I have some recent stuff handy for sure. I'm not competitive anymore, so I've let a lot of my skills go, but you get the idea. I'll show you old stuff later."

I tried to give Caleb my phone, but he let me hold it. He came to stand behind me, close enough for me to lean against him while he watched. I rested my head lightly against his chest while I held the phone for him. His hand came around my waist and rested on my mid-section. He held me close as he watched.

I paused it and took a step away after thirty seconds or so, stashing my phone.

"Lilaaa," he said moaning.

"What?" I reached out for his hand and held onto him as I waited for his answer.

"That was you in that video?"

I laughed. "Yes. You can tell it was me."

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