My Childhood Sweetheart's Brother

Part 32: Oh My God

That morning I had woken up feeling refreshed and ready to start my new cheating-friend-and-ex free life. I was finally done with all the negativity in my life and I could focus on myself.

Unfortunately, even though I could ignore Grace all I wanted, Dan was still going to be in my life seeing as our parents were friends for years. 

Tonight was a night that I would see him. It was both of our dads' birthdays and both our families were celebrating together.

I found myself dressing up, majorly. I had chosen a navy lace wrap bralet on thin straps, and a matching navy lace high waisted pencil skirt, with a pair of nude heels. I felt good, I felt ready, I felt confident.

***

"Happy birthday!" My mum and I cheered as the Spears' walked into the restaurant.

They returned the cheer towards my dad as they reached our table. We all stood up, one by one greeting each other. 

"Oh my god." Caleb whispered in my ear as he gave me a hug. 

"What's wrong?" I asked, feeling my heart beat speed up. Was everything okay? Did something happen again?

"You look out of this world Parks." He smirked.

I slapped his arm. "I actually thought something happened."

"Yeah, a heart attack could have right here." He told me.

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up."

"I'm serious." He laughed. "You look amazing."

"Not too bad yourself Spears."

He walked past me to greet my mum and I took and internal breath as Dan approached me. 

"Hi."

"Hi."

"You look nice."

"Thanks."

"Can I speak to you outside?"

"Now?"

"If that's okay."

I nodded, making my way through the tables, outside. 

"I want to thank you." 

I knew what for. "It's fine."

"No it's not. I know how much I've hurt you and how much it must have taken you to give us your blessing but--"

"But you actually like her." I rolled my eyes. 

"I do."

"That's nice."

"I really appreciate this Abbie."

"Yeah I know." I nodded. "Can we go back inside now? I'm cold."

"One more thing."

"What do you want?" I huffed.

"I've seen the way Caleb has looked at you since we came in just a few minutes ago."

My eyebrows shot up. "Are you serious?"

"I'm looking out for you Abbie. I still care--"

"Okay look," I told him. "I don't need you to look out for me. Anything and I mean anything we've ever had is gone Dan. You've got my blessing be happy about it and leave me to my life and let me make my own mistakes."

Dan sighed. "Okay, just know that I warned you."

"Whatever." I rolled my eyes, leaving him outside, as the warm air hit my body. I felt Caleb's eyes on me until I reached our table where he mouthed 'are you okay?' And I nodded with a smile in reassurance.

I took the opportunity to leave the table and go out onto the balcony for a breather. 

"Aren't you cold?"

The voice made me jump as I turned on my heels to be met by a smiling Caleb. His eyes made their way from my head to toe and back again before focusing back on my eyes.

"I needed some air. It's stuffy in there."

"Are you okay?" He asked, leaning with one hand on the barriers. "What was earlier about with Dan?"

"I met up with Grace yesterday, she started apologising only to ask me for my blessing." I told him.

"Are you serious?" I nodded. "What did you say?"

"I let them have it." I shrugged. "I'm done with all this shit and drama Caleb, I just want to put it behind me."

"So what did he want?"

"To thank me."

"That's it?"

I nodded, lying. I didn't want to cause anymore drama by telling him about Dan's warnings. Neither of us needed that.

"What about you though?" I asked, changing the subject. "How have you and Rachel been?"

"I don't know. It's weird."

"I can imagine."

"I've gotten a job." He smiled. "You know, I have to start saving up for my baby."

"I'm proud of you." I grinned. "Have you come to terms with it then?"

Caleb nodded. "Yeah, I have."

"Do your parents know?" 

"No, I haven't told them yet."

"They're going to find out sooner or later."

Caleb sighed. "I know, but it just doesn't feel right just yet."

"I understand."

"Thank you."

"For what?" I asked confused.

"Just for being you."