Page 46 of My Best Years
“Your server will be with you shortly.” The hostess pulls me back to reality before she heads back into the restaurant.
Time stands still as I stare at Callum, and he stares back at me. A wave of disbelief rolls through his eyes. He can’t believe I’m here now, and honestly, neither can I.
It’s quiet for several beats as we take each other in, neither of us running away this time.
“Hi, Birdie,” Callum finally speaks, his voice thick with emotion.
His voice…
Guttural and warm.
I missed his voice so much.
“Hi.” I let out a soft smile.
His eyes roam down my body unashamedly.
“That dress on you…” he trails off, his voice full of breathless longing. “You look beautiful.”
My skin feels like a simmering fire beneath his gaze.
“Thanks.” I tuck a lock of stray hair behind my ear before taking a seat.
Callum's throat bobs as he walks around the circular table and sits across from me.
Alluring lights string from each corner of the deck asHotel Californiaby The Eagles lulls through the restaurant speakers. Palm trees and tropical greenery surround the patio, feeling like a little oasis.
I smile internally because my dad loves this song. The Eagles are one of his all-time favorite bands. In a way, it feels like he’s sending me a sign all the way from South Carolina. Telling me that I made the right decision by coming tonight.
“So…” Callum mutters, distracting me from my thoughts. “Have you been to Captain Ray’s before?”
“No,” I shake my head. “It’s really nice, though. Very quiet.”
“Yeah,” he nods. “The locals try to keep it on the down low. Everywhere else is flooded with tourists this time of year.”
My eyes roam around the deck, noticing we’re still the only two out here.
“How long have you lived in Gulf Shores?” My gaze snaps back to him.
“About a month,” I reply. “What about you?”
“I’ve been here for four years now.” He looks down at his hands before shaking his head. “I can’t believe it’s been that long. I feel like I just moved here from New York yesterday.”
New York.
My chest stings at how much of his life is a mystery to me. When we were kids, we were inseparable. I would have neverbelieved it if someone had told me we would end up like this. So distant and unfamiliar with one another.
Before I have a chance to respond, a man with dark blonde hair walks up to our table.
“Hi,” he grins. “My name is Joey, and I’ll be your server tonight. Can I get you started with any drinks or appetizers?”
I’ve been sick to my stomach all day—anxious for tonight. It’s not that I’m necessarily nervous about being here with Callum, but more so learning what his father did to him.
Deep in my gut, I just know that it’s bad. There’s no way that I could eat right now without getting sick.
“I’m actually not that hungry,” I reply. “But I would love a drink.”
“Sure thing,” our server nods. “What would you like?”