Page 20 of Moonstruck at Midnight
Caleb had this effortless way of making me feel like a child sometimes, and Ihatedit. We’d talked about it numerous times. My father was a pro at making me feel that way, and I didn’t need him, of all people, to follow his lead.
But that was Caleb. He got all worked up when he felt like my safety was at risk. His tantrums became a daily routine. I was used to them, but I was also growing tired of them as the years went by.
“I don’t think it’s necessary to make a fuss out of this. I understand what you’re saying, but the woman and her son looked harmless.” I fought back, feeling defeated already. “Besides, you know where to find her. She’s on the fourteenth floor, you heard her.”
“Don’t be too trusting of everyone. You know we’re just trying to keep you safe. That’s what we’re aiming for.” He grumbled with an exasperated tone.
“Okay, don’t worry, I’ll try to be more careful.” I took a deep breath and looked away from him, turning my gaze at David, who was in full observation mode. I stood up, walked to the foyer, and opened one of the boxes, looking for my small acrylic case where I kept my stationery.
There it is!
“David, I need a favor from you since you know your way around the city pretty well. Could you go to a nearby bakery and buy something for Mrs. Nathalie? Muffins, maybe? And—if you could add this note.”
I sat on the couch again and leaned into the coffee table to write a note on a cute shiny card. I love notes, writing them, and giving them away. Not that I had many chances to use them.
“Of course, Miss Murphy. You can count on it. I’ll get to it as soon as possible.” He seemed glad we were done with the last conversation—ready to move on to the next assignment.
“Could you drop them off on my behalf?” I asked. “I’m sure I’m not allowed to do it myself.”
“Yes, we will,” Caleb interjected as we all walked back to the front door. He was probably trying to go back to being the amiable Caleb—the one I preferred.
And as much as I hate to admit it, he was right. There was a protocol to follow, and there was nothing I could do to avoid him from trying to abide by it. Even if I felt like my neighbors weren’t a threat.
Caleb and David walked out of the apartment, and just before I shut the door, I addressed the newcomer, “Oh, and David, I know you’ll be working the night shift with Aaron. Could you tell him to get the car ready at seven-thirty, please? I’m having dinner with Christopher, a friend of mine.” He nodded in agreement, and I closed the door behind them.
I heard Caleb swearing in Hebrew from across the door—he had taught me a few words over the years. I assumed he didn’t like the idea of staying in and imagining how the night would go while I had dinner with some guy he didn’t know. But he needed to understand that my life would be different here. I wanted him to yield a bit and start trusting me more.
I was walking back to the living room, and there was a knock on my door, but I already knew who it was.
“Hey,” I said, leaning against the door frame.
“Who’s Christopher? I don’t think he’s authorized,” Caleb said with a deep crease in between his eyes.
“My father gave Christopher’s mom my phone number, so … I’d say he’s authorized. But you can call my father and verify it if it’ll give you peace of mind,” I said victoriously. Winning an argument against Caleb wasn’t an everyday occurrence. He was always right, but not today he wasn’t.
I could see how pissed off he was about not having any information on Christopher, on who he was, what he looked like, what he had for breakfast that morning. They liked being thorough, especially him.
He pressed his lips and snorted, seemingly annoyed by the whole situation. “I’ll talk to your father,” he said because there wasn’t much for him to say. He hated not being right abouteverything. But it wouldn’t hurt him to let me win an argument every once in a while.
“Sure. Enjoy your night off,” I said with a proud smile. He took a few steps back, shaking his head.
“Are you rolling your eyes at me, Cohen?” I said with a laugh.
“Of course not, Miss Murphy.” He finally yielded a small smile and left through the stairs.
Caleb’s temper tantrums were amusing and even cute sometimes, but if teasing him was an Olympic sport, then I was a high-performance athlete. That’s what friends do, right?
IT WAS PAST NOON,and all I had in my organism was that half glass of green juice and a hastily chugged down instant coffee. I took a bath while thinking about my next meal—something simple for sure, but my stomach was demanding sustenance.
Taking my time in the shower helped me wash away the frustration from the earlier debate with Caleb. They knew how to handle things, and I understood that. But it was frustrating to feel like I was being scolded, especially by Caleb. Ourcomplicatedfriendship could interfere with the required dynamic.
Me:Hi. Please remember to add David to the group chat. Thanks.
Aaron:Right Away.
Caleb Cohen added David Scott to the Group.
Me:Hi David! Could you give me a heads up when you’ve delivered the muffins to Mrs. Nathalie? Thanks.
