Chapter 65
I took a step back to make sure the wall frame was level before adjusting it.
Except for the slight hum of traffic outside and the occasional footfall of people peeping through the window, the gallery was still today.
The quiet that had descended around us was finally broken by Caleb's low, smooth voice.
"You've surpassed yourself, Sam," he remarked, pointing to the colorful painting before us. "The show might be stolen by this one."
He was standing with his arms folded when I turned around, looking at the piece as if he were truly enthralled.
I didn't mind his compliments today, but it always seemed a bit too staged and polished.
I required the diversion.
"Thanks," I said, attempting to sound casual. "But you have a bias."
With a subtle yet recognizable scent, he took a step closer. "Perhaps. But then, I can spot talent when I see it."
Although the words were lovely, there was something strange about Caleb.
He had been checking his phone all morning, frowning whenever he looked at the screen.
His jaw tensed as it buzzed in his pocket once more.
"Is everything alright?" I asked in an informal tone.
"Huh?" As though he had forgotten I was there, he blinked. "Yes, only work-related matters. There is nothing to be concerned about."
Though it didn't reach his eyes, he grinned.
His phone buzzed once more before I could push any buttons, so he took it out and looked at the screen.
I apologize, Sam, but I have to take this. I'll be right back.
He left without waiting for my response, and the glass door behind him swung closed.
I tried to concentrate by turning back to the artwork, but my curiosity kept getting the better of me.
I was concerned, distracted, and tense because of Caleb's peculiar demeanor ever since he arrived.
And the manner in which he had nearly run outside... There was something wrong with it.
As I argued with myself, my fingers twitched with the canvas's edge.
The knot in my stomach wouldn't go away, but I wasn't the type to listen in.
At last, I put down the canvas and walked light-footed toward the door.
Silently, the glass door opened, and I crept out, being cautious to hide behind the building's corner.
With his back to me and his phone clamped to his ear, Caleb stood a few feet away.
His voice was sharp yet quiet as he added, "I told you I'm handling it."
With my heart racing, I froze.
He went on, "She doesn't need to know yet. When the time is appropriate, I will inform her."
My throat tightened each breath. Who is he referring to?
There was a long silence, and I had to listen carefully as Caleb's voice became increasingly irritated.
"No, she shouldn't be involved. That will make matters more difficult.
The words sent a chill down my spine. Was I the subject of his remarks?
"I'll take care of it," I said. "Just follow the plan," he yelled.
His voice lowered even further, nearly to a growl, and my chest constricted.
"Her trust is essential. We can't risk it if she finds out now.
My mind was racing, and the air seemed heavy.
What did he conceal? And to whom was he speaking?
I stepped back shakily, trying not to make a sound.
As I crept back into the gallery, my heart pounded in my ears. With my knees wobbly, my hand gripped a table's edge for support.
Shortly after, the door opened, and Caleb entered with a calm, collected demeanor, as though nothing had occurred.
But I sensed a change when we locked eyes.
I wondered whether he could tell I had heard him because his eyes were fixed on me, searching.
"Are you alright?" His eyes were keen, yet his tone was light as he inquired.
on an attempt to hide the tension on my face, I faked a grin. Indeed. Why wouldn't I be?
He returned his smile with ease, having practiced it. "You just seem a little... preoccupied."
I tried to brush it off with a shrug.
"With the exhibition approaching, there is a lot to consider."
After giving me a nod, he moved in closer and touched my arm. "Avoid excessive stress. You can do this.
I wasn't as reassured by the warmth of his touch as I usually was.
Rather, it seemed premeditated, like a play in a game I was unfamiliar with.
Unspoken but evident, the tension between us grew as we stood there.
"Sam, is something wrong?" Caleb spoke in a gentle, almost enticing tone.
I paused, a thousand questions flying through my head that I wasn't prepared to ask.
I shook my head at last. "No, everything is alright."
In actuality, though, nothing felt good anymore.
I sensed that Caleb was watching me, his eyes piercing my armor.
"Are you certain?" he asked, his tone growing worried. "Sam, you haven't been yourself recently. You've been...far away.
In an attempt to minimize the reality, I shrugged. I forced a tiny smile and continued, "Just a lot on my mind."
Caleb, however, didn't believe it. "You know you can talk to me, Sam. I am your friend.
I shuffled uneasily, not knowing what to do. However, I was also aware that it wasn't healthy to keep it all to myself.
"Really, it's nothing," I said, my tone a bit too high. "Just family matters."
Caleb's face furrowed slightly as his eyes narrowed. "Stuff from the family?" he repeated.
"You know," I said, trying to sound casual. "The usual.. parental issues, financial issues, etc."
Although Caleb's face remained unchanged, I could tell he was skeptical. "The usual?" he asked again. "Sam, that doesn't sound like you."
I felt the words hold in my throat as I swallowed hard. "Caleb, I'm all right. Really," I answered, a little hesitantly.
Caleb let out a sigh and lowered his shoulders in resignation. "All right, Sam. I'll overlook that if you claim to be alright. For the time being.
I felt a moment of relief, but it was fleeting as his next comments tumbled out. However, I've been meaning to speak with you about something else. You still haven't responded to me.
My chest constricted. I chastised myself for not addressing it sooner since I understood exactly what he was talking about. I avoided looking at him while I fidgeted with the hem of my sleeve.
"Caleb..." I began, but as the tension in the room increased, I spoke more slowly.
With a softer tone now, he said hurriedly, "I'm not trying to pressure you." "I simply need to know our current situation. Sam, you are very important to me. I don't want to keep waiting and hoping for something that won't happen, though, if this isn't what you want.
His voice was so sincere that it made my stomach turn.
Despite everything that was going on around him right now, I didn't want to harm Caleb because he had always supported me through good times and bad.
With my heart racing in my chest, I paused before saying, "I... "Caleb, it's not that I don't care about you. Yes, I do.
"But?" he asked, looking into my eyes.
I tried to stabilize my voice by biting my lip. However, I don't believe I'm in a position to be of assistance to you at this time. My life is a wreck. I don't want to involve you in that; I'm just trying to gather myself.
A moment of disappointment flashed across Caleb's face as his demeanor wavered.
Do you think I'm unaware of how chaotic your life is? I've been here the entire time, Sam. I am aware of your struggles.
I whispered, "I know you do." And I'm really appreciative of that. However, at this time, I am unable to provide you with the kind of relationship you deserve.
For what seemed like an eternity, we were back and forth in that manner, with me firmly believing that it wasn't the appropriate time and Caleb attempting to persuade me that we could make it work.
At last, he reclined in his seat, his face displaying a mixture of resignation and frustration.
"I understand," he responded quietly. "I understand, but I don't like it."
I experienced a twinge of s
hame as the air between us was thick with unsaid feelings.
The tight silence was broken before I could speak another word when my phone buzzed on the table.
My breath caught as I looked down at the screen.
Tyler's name appeared on it.