Weathered Love

CLOSURE

The next night I went out with Samantha, Mackenzie, and Ella. We had a standing monthly date night. And we usually had it at Caleb's bar, because despite the history I had with him, he and his business partner were usually really good sports and we often drank and ate there for free. Besides, Caleb and I were civil towards each other, so there was no point in holding unnecessary grudges.

That particular night, however, only Eric was manning the bar. "Caleb's busy in the back for a bit. Inventory issue, apparently," Eric explained without being prompted by any questions. "I'm still baffled you guys knew each other."

I shrugged as I sipped my sparkling water. I was on a bit of a health kick at the time and refused any form of alcohol whatsoever, so I was always completely sober on our girls' nights. "It's not like we're in a completely different town that we followed each other to," Mackenzie pointed out.

"I know, it's just weird, is all. I'm glad you do know each other. You being here all the time is great for our business," Eric pointed out. "I'll go see what he's up to." Eric then left us alone to chat for a bit. He returned a few moments later and tended to his other patrons along with the other bartenders bustling around behind the bar. A few moments more and I was getting irate with the constant "accidental" brushes against my chest and "unintended" smacks to my behind, so I decided to take a step outside along with everyone else.

"That's what you get for being famous," Ella jokingly scolded.

"Precisely," Mackenzie agreed.

"Yeah, because it has nothing to do with them being perverted creeps who don't understand the seriousness of sexual assault," I bitterly responded. "You were getting groped too," I accused.

"I feel like that was a ricochet off of you," Mackenzie continued teasing.

"You're not leaving, are you?" came Caleb's voice from the front door. I imagine it was because the longer we stayed, the better it was for their business. "I needed to ask you about another live show," he pointedly stated to me. I nodded and followed him in, grabbing Ella's arm so she could accompany me as my manager.

We quickly worked out the points of negotiation and Ella and I were about to walk out when Caleb stated, "There's something else I wanted to talk to you about." We both started sitting back down when he continued, directing his statement at Ella, "Something private."

I noticed Ella was about to protest but I stopped her. "I'll be fine," I assured her.

She gave me a skeptical look, then warned, "I'll be right outside if you need me." I nodded in acknowledgement of her statement then turned back around to face Caleb.

As soon as I heard the door close behind me, Caleb asked, "I know this is weird, but I just have to ask: if you hadn't met Andrew, would I have had a chance?"

"No," I immediately replied, without hesitation. I sincerely hoped my irritation could be heard in my tone as well.

"Why not?" Caleb genuinely inquired.

"I'm not playing this game again. You hurt me deeply. There's no romance to be had after what you did. Are we done here?" I tried to close out the conversation. I started to get up but Caleb quickly leaned over his desk and grabbed my hand.

"What if I hadn't done what I did?" he insisted.

"Still no," I firmly responded, pulling my hand free. I noticed the "why" beginning to form on his lips, so I explained before he could ask, "Because you just don't have the kind of personality I need in a relationship. You're a runner. You run away from hard times. I need someone who isn't afraid to stick around when things get awkward or hard. We wouldn't have lasted."