Page 37 of Tracing Holland

She just shrugs and leans into Casey, taking his arm.

“You’re not…no…”

“Not officially, no.But we’ve been talking about it.You know, one day.”

My jaw is on the floor and the warmth returns, starting to melt the freshly frozen barrier on my soul.There is nothing better that could be happening at this moment.

I grip the table.“Are you freaking serious?”I whisper, and Casey returns my grin.

“Calm down, man.We’re just talking.”

“Yeah, but…”

“We may have looked at rings today just for fun,” Callie whispers back.

Casey gives her a gentle shove, and she giggles.

“What?Oh my…That’s amazing!That’s…” I’m totally speechless.“I’m so happy!”

“Like we said, it’s not official so don’t say anything!We’ve only been together a few months,” Casey explains.“It’s just…I don’t know.It feels right, you know?”And I seriously think I might lose my shit at the looks on their faces as they gaze into each other’s eyes.

“Wow, this is…this is definitely not how I thought this conversation was going to go,” I laugh, leaning back in my seat.“You two are so great together.I’m so happy for you, you have no idea.”

Callie’s smile fades as she searches my eyes.“Thank you, Luke.You mean everything to us.You know that, right?No matter what happens, it’s always the three of us against the world, got it?”

I smile and nod.“Callie Roland Straight Talk.Got it.”

She laughs, and Casey just looks confused.

“Huh?”he says.

“Nothing, hon.Hey!They have those ribs you like!”she cries, pointing at the menu.

“Those ribs?”

“Yeah!The little ones with the BBQ sauce!”

Casey casts me an amused glance.“Um…you mean baby back ribs?”

“Yes!”

“Cal, I love you, but every place has ‘those ribs.’”

She scrunches her nose.“Not every place.”

“Most places.”

“Ugh, fine!Anyway, you should get them.”

Casey laughs.“Why?Becauseyouwant them?Why don’t you just get them?”

“What if I don’t like them?”

“Then I’ll eat them.”

“What if you don’t like them?”

“You already know I do.Isn’t that what started this conversation?”

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