Page 97 of Keepsakes and Kismet

“Ah. I see you’ve met Zebra.” Callum walks toward me and cringes. “I probably should’ve asked if you’re allergic before you came.”

“You have a cat? And you didn’t tell me? I could’ve been hanging out with a cat this entire time? It’s diabolical you never mentioned her. ‘Pets’ is the number one topic of conversation on literally any date. I would’ve punched you sooner just to meet this princess.”

He grabs the can of food off the counter and bends down to scrape it into a bowl. “I didn’t know that about dates, I guess.”

“Psh. What else are you hiding, Callum?” I wave him off, rubbing my eyes, then ask the cat in a high-pitched voice. “And why are you named Zebra?”

Callum scratches the back of his neck and averts his gaze. “A zebra is another name for a referee, because of the, um, black and white stripes. My friend came up with the idea in high school, and… Anyway, I know it’s weird, for a cat, but⁠—”

“No. It’s perfect. I love how unique it is.” I stroke Zebra’s back, and she purrs in approval. “Where does daddy keep the glasses, Zeeby girl? I have yet to take my meds because this random guy distracted me with sex. I know. Completely unacceptable, isn’t it?”

“Wow. That random guy sounds really handsome and strong. And smart.” He pecks me on the cheek. “The glasses are in the upper cabinet right behind you.”

“Sounds good,” I tell him, “though it will be an impossible task to remove my hands from Zeebs.”

“She really likes you,” Callum murmurs. “I’ve only ever seen her act this smitten with one other person.”

“It’s Carter, isn’t it?” I joke.

Callum doesn’t laugh. He has a wistful, faraway look on his face. “Not Carter,” he says quietly.

He winces when he realizes I’m looking and gives me a half-smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Gonna get my gym shoes from the closet. I’ll meet you by the door.”

Stroking Zebra, I lower my voice and smile. “Not Carter, huh, Zeebs? Who was it? Clementine? Lila? Another woman? Tell me—I can keep a secret.”

With the exception of a contented purr, Zebra gives nothing away, so I pet her one last time before taking my meds and meeting Callum.

* * *

“Clover’s a little shit sometimes, but even I can’t deny that the ship name she came up with is genius.” Carter’s voice echoes in the empty group fitness room. “Tell me, PeyCal. How does it feel to be the most talked about couple in Waterton? You two are so beautiful together, it should be a crime.”

I find myself at ease around Carter and his goofy, brotherly energy. His only response to Callum’s special request to use the group fitness room was to move some weights in there.

Callum rolls his eyes. “Please stop calling me beautiful. It’s weird.”

Carter gives me a mischievous look. “He’s always been so touchy. I’m pretty sure his first words were ‘go away.’”

“Maybe to you,” Callum retorts.

“Wait,” I cut in. “I need to hear more about Callum as a child. Give me all the details.”

Callum groans, and Carter rubs his hands together.

“Settle in, Peyton.” Carter strokes his chin. “Where to begin? Do I start with the time Cal threw up on the judge’s shoes right before the spelling bee in third grade? Or do I go straight to the time he asked Ma to pick him up from middle school because it was St. Patrick’s Day, and he was scared of leprechauns?"

I burst out laughing. “Oh my God, Callum. Leprechauns? At age twelve?”

“Fuck you, Carter,” Callum mutters, dropping into another lunge while gripping dumbbells in each hand.

“You hush,” I chastise, waggling my finger at Callum before gesturing toward his brother. “Please continue.”

Carter tilts his head. “What are some other greatest Cal hits? Hm… Oh! There was the time Cait convinced him that woodland fairies were real, and he kept leaving frosted cereal near the oak tree in our front yard.”

“How old was he then? Fifteen?” I joke.

Carter grins. “Nine.”

“Wow.” I giggle from my seat on the floor. “I’m so glad we came to your gym. This is the best workout I’ve ever had.”