Chapter 8: Going Back To Normal Part 2

Chapter 8: Going Back To Normal Part 2

Meadow

He led me through a corridor and then the central stair that took us to the front of the house. It was an enormous residence, with at least two floors on its grounds. He opened the door and made a gesture for me to walk out first. I almost giggled, he was such a gentleman, and my mother would have been drooling over him.

I could finally admire close at hand the beautiful settings. The gardens were untamed, slightly cut here and there just to make it less wild but I could see how most of it was untouched. He led me through a path of rocks and dirt, and we finally arrived at a clearing between the trees. There I saw a blanket, several plates with fruits and salty treats next to my wine. I gasped and looked at him, he had a huge grin on his face. "I hope you don't mind," I was blushing and smiling from ear to ear.

We both sat on the blanket and enjoyed a delightful evening. We talked about silly things, the weather, how tall should the grass be allowed to grow before it became a problem, etc. He took a sip of my wine and really liked it, enough to have some for himself. I wasn't sure if he was pretending to like it just for me until he fought me for the bottle and took the last sip of it. I pretended to pout, but I was laughing too hard.

"I promise you next time I will have one for you and one for me. If you let me enjoy your company a second time, that is." He said once we both calmed down.

I smiled and held silent for a few seconds before I nodded slowly. "I would really like that, Caleb."

He sighed and I saw that sad smile back on him again; something inside me told me he was about to say something I was not going to like.

"I have some business to attend to, unfortunately, and I can't leave this for tomorrow. The people I need to meet with are flying to another country in a few hours. Your truck is in my garage, you can leave anytime you want... or stay as long as you wish. I will be back tonight. Maybe dinner together?" He finished with a little hope.

I smiled but shook my head, focusing my eyes on my entwined fingers at my lap. "I really appreciate it Caleb, but I should go. I have things to get ready for work tomorrow. You have been the best distraction I could have ever had this weekend, though."

This was my sign, I needed to go before I regretted it, as a big part of me wanted to stay, but it seemed that my sanity was jeopardized continuously near him; I had to take it slower. He nodded at me and sighed, sliding a hand through his hair as if he was thinking.

"Perhaps dinner tomorrow then? or going out during the weekdays is not allowed?" He said with new found hope in his eyes.

I really wanted to, but Mondays were the worst, meetings and consultations on the department were a must, especially since my supervisor had been handling me extra work. "Please, believe me, I want to. But my Mondays, every single one of them, are filled with too much work and late hours with meetings."

"I understand. I hope you do not take offense by my invitations, I would hate to seem like I am pushing you." He said with half a smile.

"Don't be sorry, I... I want to get to know you more. Maybe lunch on Tuesday?" My hopes high.

He sighed again, and I felt his sadness on me as well. "I must travel Tuesday, so I guess, for now, this will be all I can enjoy of your presence."

I felt a knot in my throat as if I was saying goodbye forever. I fought a tear, and he smiled at me. "Well, let's start by exchanging numbers, would that be ok?" He offered a simple solution.

I wanted more, but if a number was going to be my only chance, I would take it. I really want to get to know him more. "I think that is a great idea. When are you coming back from your trip?"

"I have to be honest, I am not from around here. I only came here for the burial of my friend's son. But I think I've found a good reason to come here more often."

Was he real? "I thought we were at your house." I managed to ask, not hiding my surprise.

"It is now, I bought it before you woke up this morning." He said while I stared at him in disbelief.

There must be other reasons why he bought this house, since it probably cost a small fortune. It would never be just for a silly girl like me, would be? I looked around, feeling nervous. "It is a good acquisition; congratulations."

He chuckled and nodded. "Thank you, I think it was a good investment. I can recognize something worth it when I have it in front of me."