One Step Closer(101)

“No. She would have told me. I’ve been texting and calling her for the past three hours. What else happened?”

Jonesy’s expression was sympathetic and she looked pained. “That’s all she told me, but…”

“But what, Jonesy?” Caleb bellowed, making the old woman jump, and he regretted yelling at her. His gut instinct told him this was bad. He stepped forward and sat down beside her. “Look, I’m sorry, but I’m freaking out. What happened?”

“Veronica called her this morning.”

Caleb stood up immediately. “Jesus Christ. That woman is such a cunt!”

Jonesy’s eyes widened in shock. “Caleb!” she admonished.

“I’m sorry! But, she disgusts me!” He began to pace, but threw a glance at her. “What else?”

“I don’t know all of the details; just that she asked to meet her downtown at her hotel. Wren went, then came home two hours later, packed her bags, and had Jared take her to the airport. She said her flight was at 5:30 and that she’d call you to let you know her plans.”

“Well, she hasn’t.” Caleb’s head fell back and he closed his eyes, placing both hands on his hips.

“Maybe she’s telling the truth about the audition. The timing could just be coincidental.”

“I’d agree, if she would’ve let me know about it.” He glanced at his watch. It was after five so there was no way in hell he’d be able to catch her flight.

“What do you think Veronica could have said?” Jonesy got up and walked to Caleb, putting a calming hand on his shoulder. His face was pinched and

“You mean what could she have made up? She’s a liar, but I thought Wren was immune to her tricks after all this time.” He pulled his phone out of the pocket of his jeans and clicked Wren’s number; which he had on speed dial. Again, it went straight to voicemail. She was on the plane so Caleb hoped that was the explanation on why he couldn’t get through.

“It’s me again. You left without telling me? Why didn’t you call me, Wren? Please call me when you land in New York.”

He hung up the phone in defeat. “This is just what I need. I have to go back to San Francisco and quit my job.”

Jonesy patted his shoulder again. “You go do that. Take a little time. Both you and Wren have some big changes ahead, but you do what you need to do, and she’ll get this audition out of the way. That ballet is one she’s aspired to be part of, Caleb.”

“As I said, I’d get it if she’d told me. There is more to it. What hotel is that bitch in?”

“Wren didn’t say, but I’m fairly sure she’s already left the city.”

He nodded in disgust then turned and left the room.

Jonesy called after him. “Do you need me to fix you something to eat?”

“I’m not hungry, but thanks.”

Caleb walked through the kitchen and down the back stairs. He was frustrated and pissed off. His first instinct was to beat the shit out of something but the prospect of hitting the bag wasn’t as attractive as an actual fight. He had dialed Dex’s phone number before he’d reached the bottom of the stairs.

“What’s up?” Dex answered. “Miss me already?” He laughed into the phone.

Caleb huffed. “Listen, is there a fight we can get into tonight?”

“Is something up? I hear that old tone in your voice.”

“Wren split without talking to me. Supposedly she has an audition, but the viper is involved.”

“Oh, shit.”

“Yeah. Wren’s on a plane and I won’t be able to talk to her for at least three hours and I can’t just sit here.”

“I’ll check around, but it’s Monday night, there won’t be much. If I can’t, we can get a burger and beer; maybe play some pool.”

Caleb sighed. He’d missed having his best friend to hang out with. “Sounds good.”

By now, Caleb was inside his bedroom and moved to flip the light on in the adjoining bathroom. He ended the call and set his phone down on the top of his dresser, intent on getting into a hot shower. Even if Dex did find a fight, the hot water might relax him in the meantime. He’d changed before lunch with his friend and he was dressed in black pants and a cream colored button down. He kicked off his shoes and quickly unbuttoned his shirt when out of the corner of his eye, he saw a white envelope setting on top of one of his pillows; the white paper contrasting sharply with the navy blue cotton pillow case.

Caleb started to unbuckle his belt and undo his pants, his shirt hanging completely open. He stopped dead as his heart dropped to his stomach. Whatever was inside had to be from Wren, and if so, it wasn’t a good sign. He leaned over and picked it up, hesitant to open it.

“Fucking hell,” he said, sinking down to sit on the edge of his bed. He ran a hand slowly through his hair and leaned back against his pillows leaving one foot on the floor. He stared at the one word written on the outside in Wren’s perfect handwriting.



Cale



He might as well rip off the Bandaid. Waiting was a * thing to do, and he was no *. His lean fingers ripped off the end of the envelope and he pulled out the note. Something else heavier was inside and dropped onto his chest. It was cold and glancing down, he instantly recognized it.