The Best Mistake

Chapter Sixteen

Monday morning came faster than I expected. Everything I was worried about came rushing to the front of my mind and I tried my best to contain my nerves as I packed our bags. Caleb said he will be here by 9 am and it's already 8:15. I buzzed around the house as the girls played in their room. Royce has barely said four words to me since Saturday and I don't totally blame him. He slowly got ready for work ignoring me as usual and I tried to not let it get to me. I had just finished packing our bags when Catherine arrived.
 
"Alright alright, the life of the party is here." She said. Cat placed her luggage near the front door as she entered. She wore a bright yellow summer dress and her shades were perched on her head, pushing back her short red hair.
 
I rolled my eyes and carried my bags to join Cat's bags at the door.
"Geez contain yourself." Cat said dryly.
 
"I'm just really stressed out and I'm trying not to throw in the towel."
 
"Where are the girls and Royce?"
 
"The girls are in their room and Royce is getting ready for work."
 
"So are you excited about today?" She asked.
 
"Shh, don't even say that too loud. I don't need another bitch fit from you know who."  I sighed.
 
"Is it that bad?"
 
One look at my face and Cat nodded in understanding. I was trying my best to not lose my cool with Royce. The only thing I asked of him was that he be a bit understanding.
 
"Thank you for coming along. I hope it wasn't any trouble."
 
"Pshh, please, I've already handed in my letter of resignation and exams are basically done so they won't miss me for a couple of days." She said.
 
"I don't want to ambush him with the girls or anything. I just wanted to talk to him first, while you watch them."
 
"A free stay at a 5-star hotel with my nieces? Sounds like a dream come true." She sighed.
 
"More like a chance to be in Caleb's presence for a few days." I smirked.
 
Cat rolled her eyes, "Don't start."
 
"Cat, Stevie Wonder can clearly see you have a thing for Caleb."
 
"I find him attractive okay. That isn't a crime."
 
"Sure. That's why you're looking extra cute today."
 
"Oh please, I always look extra cute. It's not my fault you always want to wear a t shirt and jeans everywhere."
 
"We're going to be in a car for three hours, I wanted to be comfortable." I said.
 
"Well honey there is such a thing as too comfortable."
 
Just then there was a soft knock at the door. Cat jumped slightly startled and started fixing her hair and clothes. I rolled my eyes before moving to answer the door.
 
"Hey Caleb." I said.
 
"Hi Ava, Catherine." Caleb smiled. Caleb wore a blue long-sleeved shirt rolled up to his elbows with a khaki pants. Cat waved her fingers shyly and I chuckled.
 
"Are you ladies ready? Are these your things?" He asked.
 
"Yes, thank you." I said as he bent to grab them. Cat watched him lift the bags in a daze and I clipped my fingers to get her attention.
 
"You can head in the car Cat. I'll go get the girls." I said.
 
I headed upstairs to the girls room and took the tablets out of their hands.
"Come on girls, get your shoes, we have to go." I said. Lily was dressed in a soft tinkerbell shirt and pants set and Peppa wore a Moana set. I wanted them to be comfortable for the ride too. After they were ready, I took their hands and I headed to Royce and my bedroom. He was already dressed and putting on his gold watch when I came in.
 
"We're leaving." I said.
 
He didn't say anything for a moment before approaching us slowly. Without a word he crouched to his knees and pulled Lily and Peppa into a soft hug.
 
"I love you girls, be good for mommy okay." He said.
 
"Love you Roy." They said softly.
 
Royce stood up and turned away quickly. I sighed and pulled the girls along with me downstairs. Caleb was standing by the door watching us intently. I noted the look on his face in seeing the girls again. He beamed and knelt to them as we approached him.
 
"Hi Lily and Peppa, do you remember me? I'm Caleb." He said.
 
"Cabub." Peppa said.
 
"Hi Cabub." Lily smiled reaching out to pat his hand.
 
"I'll take it." He winked.
 
Caleb stood up and I noticed he was staring behind me. I turned as Royce descended from the stairs, his face void of emotion.
 
"Royce you know my boss Caleb." I said.
 
Royce stood behind me and nodded his head solemnly. I waited for him to speak but he didn't. Caleb simply nodded his head in return, unbothered. I sighed and led the girls out the door.
 
"I'll see you when we get back." I said to Royce. He didn't respond as he slowly shut the door. With a heavy heart, the girls and I were on our way with Caleb and Catherine.
 
For the first twenty minutes of the ride the car was silent. The girls were strapped in the back seat with Cat and watched cocomelon on their tablets. I was sitting in the passenger’s seat trying my best to stay positive.
 
"So, is this yours?" I asked Caleb referring to the sleek Suburban that we were riding in.
 
"Yea, I normally don't have a reason to drive it unless I'm traveling far or with a load."