The Delivery Girl

20. Violence

Callen

"You're sure you can handle that much?" I look at Luke skeptically. For someone as thin and lanky as him, I can't believe how many drinks he's had.

He laughs and nods. "I lived in Ireland for six months and built my tolerance up while I was there."

I've always had trouble taking Luke seriously. But I suppose he's a nice guy who treats my sister well, I have no reason to hate him.

Eliza chuckles and sips her drink. "Thanks again for organizing this, Callen."

Our friends at the table nod in agreement. Having been friends since we were all kids, it's exciting seeing everyone hit major milestones over the years. Unsurprisingly to all of us, Eliza is the first to be engaged.

"I'll repay you by planning your bachelor party when you get married," Luke says with an excited grin.

Luke is one of the last people I'd trust to plan anything for anyone.

I don't see myself getting married anytime soon. With how much of my time I spend at work, I barely have the capacity to even meet anyone as it is.

Though there's a persistent, annoying voice in my head that's trying to convince me otherwise. That perhaps relationships aren't as impossible as they once felt. It's becoming harder and harder to drown the voice out lately.

"Yeah, maybe," I mutter. "I'm going to get another drink."

"Me too," Eliza chimes, sliding out of the booth and following me to the counter. She waits until we're out of earshot of the group before softening her voice. "How have you been? Any luck with finding a girlfriend?"

"I'm fine," I say monotonously. "And no, I have more important things to focus on."

We order our drinks. As we wait, Eliza sits on a tall barstool so we're close to the same height and studies my face. Her hazel eyes suddenly light up. "You're totally lying!" she gasps, holding her cheeks. "Who is she?!"

I feel my heart skip a beat but I don't let my composure change. "Who is who?" I grumble.

"You have feelings for someone. I can definitely sense it." She giggles and rolls her eyes. "Don't deny it."

I groan and immediately down the shot the bartender places in front of me.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I say dryly.

"Aw c'mon Callen." She laughs and gives me a shove. "I've known you for twenty three years! I recognize that look in your eyes, I saw it a couple times when you were dating that really nice girl... Nadine, was it?"

"Drop it, Eliza," I warn.

"Ughh, fine, but you're so boring," she groans.

Do I really have the same look? I can't deny that Julie makes me quite happy. She's kind and thoughtful and doesn't walk on eggshells around me like everyone else seems to.

But does that really mean anything?

As we head back to the booth, my phone suddenly starts ringing. It's Hayley's desk phone.

"Sorry, it's work," I say, tugging on my coat.

"Aw c'mon, you sound like dad," Eliza whines. "Can't you stop working for one night?"

"I'll just be a minute." I'm sure it's nothing major.

I step outside into the chilly night. Just as I'm about to answer the call, I hear speaking.