Page 35 of Crash Over Us

I swallowed hard. I was dying to know what Gabe said. How he was, but I had to wait to hear only half of the conversation.

“Yeah. Yeah. I can do that. You have no idea how glad I am you’re awake.” There was another long pause. Caleb nodded. He looked at the sky. Our fingers intertwined and our palms touched. He never let go of me. “Okay. Give me half an hour, maybe more depending on the ferry. Okay, man.”

He hung up and looked at me. “Gabe’s awake. And he’s okay.”

I threw my arms around his neck and held him. “I’m so glad.” I pushed back. “And you’re going over?”

“Yeah. I’m sorry. I know we were about to?—”

“Stop. Go see your friend. We can do that again later.” I winked. It was a guarantee we would have sex at least once more today. I was not going to stop him from seeing his best friend out of a coma.

He kissed me slowly this time. “I love you.”

I nodded. “I love you too. Maybe you should jump in the shower though?”

He laughed. “All right.”

I returned to the porch and picked up my laptop while Caleb showered upstairs. Gabe waking up was the best news he could have gotten. The best news any of us could have received today.

Ten minutes later, Caleb appeared on the porch with damp hair and wearing clean clothes. His truck keys were in his hand.

“Tell Gabe I’m so happy he’s awake. And if he needs anything, you know, just tell him to ask.”

“Yeah. I will.” He leaned down to kiss me. “What do you think about having dinner with my parents tonight?”

I blinked. “Where did that come from?”

“They called when I was upstairs. I think they want to lay eyes on me.”

“Makes sense. You went through something. They did too. Are you sure you want me to go? Maybe it should be a family night.”

Caleb shook his head. “No, they want to meet you. I want you to meet them.”

He shoved his wallet in his back pocket. I knew he had to get to the hospital in Pointe Harbor. Normally, I’d want to talk through all the points and details in meeting the parents, but under the circumstances I didn’t have that luxury.

“Yes, I’d love to have dinner with your family.”

He grinned. “It will be great. I’ll text you from the hospital.”

He jogged down the stairs and climbed into his truck. I watched him drive away.

What had I just agreed to do?

NINETEEN

Caleb

We stood on the porch. I looked down at Margot’s hand in mine. Her knuckles were white from squeezing against me so hard.

“Ouch. Grip.” I chuckled. “Have you ever entered a thumb-wrestling contest?”

“Sorry.” She tried to shake free, but I held on.

“I’m teasing you. But relax. They’re going to love you.” I kissed the top of her head. “And even if they don’t, I do.” I chuckled.

“Hey.” She pushed against my chest. “That’s not helping. The last time I had dinner at someone’s house I ended up almost ruining vintage linen. I made an enemy, and ruined my chances to hang out with the cutest kid I’ve ever rescued. I’ve got a little anxiety about this night, okay? My track record isn’t the best around here.”

“I think it’s cute you’re nervous. But I promise my parents are harmless. They are laid-back and easy-going. You’re going to get along great.” It was time to go in before my mom pounced on us at the front door. “Can’t say the same for my brother.”

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