Page 34 of Shake the Habit

“I think so,” Caleb answered. “But I know you’re worried. I watch you walking around the jobsite and cleaning up, and while you do that, you’re keeping track of everything.”

“You watch me?”

“I swear that I’m not—”

“I know you’re not a murderer or worse. Your office doesn’t have windows that look out that way, though.”

“I go to the kitchen sometimes,” he answered. “I like to watch you. Uh, again, I’m not…never mind. What can you do about your family?”

“I think I can never give them reason to worry and then with time, hopefully, they’ll step away from their panic buttons. I’m also trying to make more amends. I talked to Cain, Aria’s husband, about paying him back. He footed the bill for my second rehab, the one that took, and I said that I wanted to right that wrong.”

“Did he agree?”

“No, but he seemed surprised and happy that I’d offered. So that’s a good step and I’ll just have to keep making those. Like right now, I’m also going to call my aunt and uncle and apologize for the damage to their farm.” I did that, and they were both very nice about it. I also told them that my dog was going to obedience school, which started next week.

“Really?” Caleb asked when I hung up.

“Yes,” I said. “I had looked into it before, and I’m really going to do it now. This is another way I can show my family that I’m responsible, and it’s good for Sir.” He looked at me and I nodded. “You need to behave yourself or no one will want to come around you, and I don’t want you to miss out. They can’t see what a sweet boy you are if you’re chasing cows and eating roasts. And personally, I’m tired of falling.”

“You mean when he knocks you down, and I don’t like that at all,” Caleb said. “He needs the training.”

I agreed, even though I was fairly sure it would be hard for both of us. Sir didn’t always enjoy listening, and I didn’t enjoy being tough—but I had been, recently. I’d told Marc a thing or two about his relationship with Taygen, and I’d told the guys at the jobsite to knock off the drinking. They hadn’t, but I’d sounded strict and serious, right? I’d even stood up to my aunt Amber when she’d been criticizing Cassidy’s choice to have a tiny, destination wedding.

“He also ran away from your aunt while she had him out for his exercise,” he commented. “I didn’t want to tell you because I got him back fairly quickly.”

“Oh, no! You did that?” I asked Sir. He huffed through his nose. “How often were you over at their house?” I next questioned Caleb.

“We got to know each other fairly well. Did you know that they’re hosting the get-together after church next Sunday? I’m invited. I’m strongly encouraged to go to the service, too.”

“You don’t have to do either of those things.”

“I’m all about a buffet,” he told me, and held up his fist to hide his smile. “I’d like to come, but I told them that I’d have to check with you.”

“With me?Why?”

“I don’t know,” he confessed. “I told you I don’t know how to do any of this stuff.”

“Relationship stuff? Is that what you’re talking about right now?” Or was I reading way too much into his desire to get more of my aunt’s spoon bread?

“Uh, yeah. Aren’t we—you and I are—you know,” he said.

I didn’t really know what he meant, but it sounded like he needed encouragement. “I count you as a friend,” I told him. “A good one, because not too many people would bathe a girl’s dog after he rolled in cow pies. You’re the person who took me to the airport, too. That’s a big thing that’s only reserved for people who are close.”

“Is it?”

I nodded. “We have dinner together all the time and hang out. I really like being with you. I like you a lot.”

“Hell.You do?”

“Why else would I spend so much time with you? Did you think it was just to get a job for my cousin? Or for you to help with my dog, or to get a cheap house? My Lord, you really do a lot for me. I hadn’t realized how much!”

“I don’t,” he disagreed. “I, uh, like you a lot, too.”

“Good,” I said, and I felt better than I had since I’d left for Hawaii. “Oh, this is one of Jack’s songs!” I reached to turn up the radio and sang along with my new cousin-in-law. “Doesn’t he have a nice voice?”

“I can mainly hear you.”

“I’ll be quiet so you can listen to the real thing,” I said, but Caleb shook his head.

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