Page 255 of Fame & Chaos

Filled with love.

Devotion.

As though, despite everything that’s happened between us, nothing has changed.

“Caleb, I…”

“Indi, I tried to let you go.” His voice is rough with emotion. “I wanted you to be happy. I wanted you to have the normal life I couldn’t give you. I had no idea you’d be here today, and I’m sorry I punched…” He glances toward Mick. “… your boyfriend. But the thought of you with someone else drove me insane.” He cups my face again, his thumbs brushing gently across my cheeks.

“I tried to move on. I even tried dating, but every time I did, I ended up thinking about you. Crying over y-you.” His voice breaks. “I love you so fucking much, Indi. I just wanted one normal thing today. Just a coffee. Then I walked in here and saw you.” His forehead rests against mine. “I need you to let me explain everything. Just give me one chance.”

Only then do I realize the entire coffee shop has fallen silent.

Every customer is watching us.

Every staff member has stopped working.

I’m standing in Caleb’s arms while Mick is still on the floor, being held back by Staked’s security, and reality crashes over me.

I gently step away. “You can’t just walk in here and kiss me, Caleb.”

He nods immediately. “I know. I’m sorry.” Then he looks towards Mick. “And… I’m sorry I punched you. Jealousy’s a bitch.”

Mick slowly climbs to his feet, staring at Caleb as recognition dawns across his face. “Indica…” His eyes widen. “Your ex is the lead singer from Staked?”

I nod. “Yeah.”

“Shit.” His gaze shifts between Caleb and me, and I watch the realization slowly settle over him. “But…” His voice catches. “You told me you loved me.”

Caleb looks at me. “You love him?”

“No,” I answer quickly before looking back at Mick. “Not the way you deserve.” His face falls. “I tried,” I whisper. “I wanted so badly to move on. You were kind to me when I needed kindness, and you never asked for anything I couldn’t give.” I swallow hard. “I wanted to fall in love with you, Mick, I really did.”

“But you didn’t.”

Tears sting my eyes. “No.”

The single word feels cruel.

“I’m so sorry.”

Silence hangs between us.

Then Caleb speaks softly, “So… you’re not over me?”

I meet his eyes.

The answer has always been there.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be over you.”

Relief floods his face before he pulls me into another embrace. “I’ve missed you so much, my sweet Indi.” The moment his arms close around me, something inside me settles.

For months, I’ve felt as though I’ve been drifting through life, pretending to be okay.

Now…

I’m home.