Page 69 of Caleb
I’m at a loss for words. Apparently, I’m doing a shitty job at “being myself” because asking someone to be “themselves” is the fast track to awkwardness. But Ambassador Murphy didn’t get the memo.
“Why don’t you call whoever’s calling you back?” She frowns. “I have an assignment to get to, anyway. I’ll see you later.”
It’s best to retreat.
After nodding once, I excuse myself, walk back to the parking lot, and pull my phone out of my pocket. It’s been burning a hole inside my jacket since Noelle first called me.
I text her.
Me:Hey. I’m sorry. I was busy, and I couldn’t answer the phone.
Her reply pops up when I’m back in the common room. I just sat down with Aaron and a couple of agents to eat.
Noelle:That’s ok. I saw you at school today. I’ve missed you. Are you free tonight?
Pursing my lips, I stare at my phone and contemplate my options. I’m unsure if seeing Noelle is a good idea or not. A part of me wants to say goodbye, but at the same time, I don’t know if I care about her as much as I did before. We were nothing more than a casual fling, but she has made it clear repeatedly that her priority will always be her boyfriend or ex, whatever she might call him these days. She’s broken up and gotten back together with him so many times it’s hard to keep up. The only constant is that she comes looking for me every time they split up.
I’m conflicted.
“What’s on the agenda for today?” I ask Aaron, who’s stabbing a piece of broccoli and taking it to his mouth.
“There’s an event at the Residence tonight, but I know Miss Murphy is not attending this function. And she didn’t add anything for tonight, so I doubt she has any plans,” he says, taking a sip of water. “She would’ve notified us by now. You know she’s organized with her schedule.”
“Okay, thanks.”
“Making plans?” Aaron wipes his mouth with his napkin and narrows his eyes at me. “You know you’re on call anyway.”
I’m usually open with Aaron about my extracurricular activities. But not today. Not when I don’t even know what I’m going to do myself yet. And I’m sure he’s finding it odd that I’m being secretive, but sharing my stuff with him usually comes with his opinion attached to it.
“Not really, no.”
Me:I’m free, but it’s not a free night. I still need to be on call. I’m not sure today works.
Noelle:What if I come over? I just want to talk.
Me:I don’t know.
Noelle:We can meet outside the Apostrophe boutique like we used to before.
“Your food’s getting cold,” Aaron says. “Who are you talking to?”
I hate it when Aaron acts like a parent. He’s been doing that the last couple of days. I know he cares about me and is trying to help, but it can be suffocating.
“It’s Noelle.”
“Mmm,” that’s all he says and goes back to chatting with the two other agents.
Me:I’ll see you down there at 7:30 p.m.
Noelle:Ok.
Noelle:I’m outside.
Me:I’ll be right there.
After putting the book I was reading aside, I fire a text to Aaron to let him know I’ll be outside with Noelle and head out to meet her.
The guard lets me out through the pedestrian access gate, and I see Noelle in the distance, her blonde hair blowing softly against her face. She’s wearing jeans, a white t-shirt, and a tweed blazer in pastel tones.
