Chapter 66
The faint strains of instrumental jazz playing in the background blended with the gentle hum of conversation that filled the gallery.
The subtle tang of paint and varnish blended with the aroma of freshly made coffee from the tiny corner cafe.
A pair strolled about the room, whispering to one other and pointing to the pieces on exhibit.
A pen was clicking absently against a notepad while I sat at my desk by the window. My cell buzzed and clattered on the wood floor.
My stomach turned when Caleb's name appeared on the screen.
I just stared at it for a while. I pushed the side button without giving it any thought, and I saw the call end up in voicemail.
Even though I felt a lot of guilt, it wasn't enough to stop the doubts from eating away at me. I couldn't get Bella's remarks out of my thoughts from our café conversation:
"Sam, there's something strange about him."
The whispered phone conversation I heard, the rumors.. I wasn't sure if I wanted to put the puzzle pieces together, but it seemed like that.
I stared out the window while holding my chin in my palm. There was more to Caleb than he revealed, or at least he wasn't who I believed him to be. I was no longer able to ignore that.
I was suddenly transported back to my time in London by the memories.
The city's craziness, the hard hours at my previous job, and the never-ending efforts to maintain my composure as my marriage was failing.
In those days, lies and miscommunications had the power to quickly destroy confidence.
Was I repeating myself? Allowing someone to enter who you don't know well?
I was shocked out of my reverie by a loud clap. With her hands on her hips and a sly smile on her lips, Bella stood in front of my desk.
She raised an eyebrow and remarked, "I've been standing here for five whole seconds. You only noticed me now?"
I shook my head and blinked to get the fog out. "Hey, Bella. I apologize.. I was simply... "
"Zoning out? Yes, I did notice." Crossing one leg over the other, she dropped down in the chair across from me after pulling it out. "What's happening? It appears that your lunch money was stolen."
With a sigh, I combed through my hair. "It's Caleb."
Bella leaned back in her chair with a dramatic groan. "Oh, let's get started."
Her antics made me grin a little, but the weight of what I had to say made me feel depressed again. "It's simply complicated."
Bella leaned closer and remarked, "Girl, everything about that man is complicated." "Leak. Now what?
I paused. Although I hadn't been entirely honest, I had previously told her some of it. Not about how I feel. Not regarding the extent to which Caleb had evaded my defenses.
Before I could stop myself, the words escaped my lips: "I think I like him."
Bella raised her eyebrows. "Well, of course. That was visible to everyone with sight. However, what is the issue? Sam, he is quite dishonest. You have expressed it yourself.
With a shaky exhale, I responded, "I know." However, it goes beyond that. The other day, I heard him discussing keeping someone in the dark over the phone. I have a good feeling that was about me.
Bella's face became stern. "What did he say exactly?"
As the recollection came back to me, I lowered my voice and repeated the bits I had captured. Bella pressed her lips into a narrow line as she listened carefully.
When I was done, she replied, "Sam, this isn't good. This guy is taking up far too much space in your life. Regardless of your feelings, you must defend yourself."
"I understand," I murmured, scarcely raising my voice above a whisper. "But, it's not that simple. It feels a little different when I'm with him. He seems to understand me better than anyone else.
Bella folded her arms and leaned back. That's the reason it's so risky. Sam, you know how to play your cards. If someone is skilled at saying the right words, you're not the first woman to fall for them.
I knew she was correct, even though her comments hurt. I simply didn't want to acknowledge it.
After a little period of silence, my phone buzzed once more.
It was a text this time. The sight of Tyler's name made my stomach turn around as I took it up.
Can we have a conversation? Coffee? I'll clarify when we get together.
Bella looked at my phone as she leaned over the desk. "Tyler once more?"
I bit my lip and nodded.
She nudged my arm and smiled. "Go. You should give him a chance to speak. Additionally, it might help you understand Caleb better.
I paused. The prospect of seeing Tyler was like opening a door I wasn't sure I wanted to go through, and we had been walking on thin ice lately.
However, there was a sense of urgency in his text, and my curiosity prevailed.
"All right," I responded, reaching for my purse.
Bella grinned. "That's my girl. Please just assure me that you will keep your guard up."
I forced a smile as I nodded. But, my mind was already racing with potential solutions as I walked out of the gallery and toward Tyler's appointment.