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Things between us were perfect before my mother’s birthday weekend. Then Elijah ruined it with his questions. Then her friend Stella, questioning her, making her doubt us. I thought after making love in my office, all this was behind us. But now? Was Leah pretending? Does she still doubt what we have? I told her I was happy. Was that not enough?
I glance at the clock. Damn, it’s the middle of the night for Mark. I pick up the phone.
“Gabriel?” Caleb’s voice comes over the line. “What’s up?”
“How do you know something’s up?” I ask.
“You never call me unless something is wrong or you need something,” he replies, and I realise it’s true.
“I’m sorry,” I say.
“Don’t be. It’s who you are, Gabe. Talk to me,” he says, surprising me.
“Leah’s gone,” I say.
There’s a pause. “What do you mean, she’s gone?”
“Her ex turned up and made her go for coffee with him.”
“Okay.” Caleb is clearly wanting more.
“Two and a half hours have passed since then,” I say.
“And you’re worried?”
I run a hand through my hair, a habit I seem to have picked up since Leah entered my life.
“Have you tried messaging her? Calling her?” he asks.
“She hasn’t messaged or called me.”
A moment of silence follows. “Gabriel, you and Leah are in a relationship. You are having a child together. I know it’s unconventional, but there’s more between you than either of you are admitting. A blind man would pick up on the chemistry that sizzles between you two.”
“Have you been reading romances again?” I ask Caleb. He’s always had a penchant for romance. It’s why I’m surprised he’s never settled down.
“Nothing wrong with a good romance,” he laughs. “You can learn a lot, but Gabe, if you’re worried, call her, send her a message.”
“What if she thinks I’m interfering? Overstepping?”
An exhale comes down the phone, and I know Caleb has sat down. “Do you love Leah?”
That was not what I was expecting.
“Er...”
“Let me put it another way. When you are with Leah, does she make you smile? Do you want to share your thoughts with her? Your worries and fears? When you touch her, does it feel safe and natural, like you’ve come home?”
I stop and listen to my brother’s words, half shocked and more impressed. When did he become insightful?
“You are not useless at romance, Gabe. It’s just you never met the right woman. You and Leah fit together.”
“But —”
“But nothing. If she makes you feel that way, then you have to tell her. Don’t let Vince sweep in because they have history. Not that I think Leah is that naïve. She has feelings for you. Every time she looks at you, it’s written all over her face. You just started wrong.” Caleb sighs. “What have you got to lose?”
I think about what he’s said.
“I’ll call her.”
