Page 121 of I Wanna Text You Up

I nod against hershoulder.

“You sure everything is fine? Where’s this handsome-as-sin new beau of yours?” She lets out a girlish giggle that I can’t help but smileat.

“He had to take off. His…old roommates were being troublesome about his bike he left overthere.”

Her brows pinch together, and I can see my father look our way from myperipheral.

Shit, did I tell them Caleb sold his bike? I can’tremember…

They exchange a glance but don’t say anythingfurther.

“Well that’s a shame. Did he at least leave his adorable little kitten behind? I was hoping to get a few snugglesin.”

“He did. I’ll go grabhim.”

“Wait, wait—no hug for your oldman?”

I walk into my dad’s open arms and he squeezes me extra tight, like he knows something’s off. I blink back the tears forming. I love my parents and their unconditional support, but right now I just want to be alone. I need time to figure this out, to decide how I’mfeeling.

As soon as my father releases me, I dart down the hallway, locking myself in the bedroom Caleb and Ishared.

I’m just so…annoyed.

Why couldn’t he have woken me up? Why couldn’t he have left more than four words on a piece of paper? And why in the hell can’t he answer his phone? Text me back?Anything!

Pulling my phone from my pocket, I check it for the millionthtime.

Nothing.

Still.

I think it’s the total silence that’s pissing me off themost.

I want to send him someveryangry texts right now, but I know that’s not going to get us anywhere. I can’t muster up the energy to be fake nice, so I don’t say anything atall.

Scooping up Mittens, I march toward the door and pause. I inhale a deep breath and square myshoulders.

Fuckthis.

I’m not letting his disappearance ruin my time with my parents. I’m going out there with a smile on my face and enjoying the rest of my break, Caleb Mills bedamned!

Twenty-One

Caleb:I’ll be hometomorrow.

Caleb:Sorry I had to leave. There was some shit I had to take careof.

Me:You know, Caleb, there’s always “some shit” you have to take care of, and that’s fine. I understand you have obligations and everything, but not leaving in the middle of the night RIGHT AFTER WE HAVE SEX FOR THE FIRST TIME would be a goodidea.

Caleb:It wasn’t YOU. It wasme.

Me:CLICHÉ!

Caleb:But thetruth!

Me:I’m sure it is. That still doesn’t excuse you just leaving and then not even bothering to answer my calls the entire time you’re gone. Not bothering to send a single text. Not bothering to give me ANY details as to where in the hell you disappearedto.

Me:I don’t get it. We’re dating, right? That’s that WE decided. Boyfriends and girlfriends don’t just ghost on each other. That’s not how relationships and communicationwork.

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