Free Tell Me Why by Sydney Snow Page B

snorted.
    “I’m in yoga pants and a tank top.”
    “You’re in black yoga pants and red tank top that says Rockstar . That’s hot . . . and amazingly accurate.” He lightly kissed my lips this time, before moving next to my ear. “And that tank accentuates your breasts very—”
    “Are you going to let the boy in or keep him at the door all day?” My mom’s voice interrupted him.
    Caleb quickly jerked away as she rounded the corner and I felt myself flush furiously over his comment. Stepping aside so he could enter, I watched as he easily greeted my mom. “Thanks for having me over, Melanie,” he said, giving her a hug.
    “We should’ve done it sooner. How’re you holding up, sweetheart?” My mom pushed back to stare into his eyes, concern evident on her face.
    “Okay, I guess. It hasn’t been easy.”
    Mom released him and gestured for us to follow her toward the kitchen. He turned and waited for me to close the door, and then followed me. Dad was sitting at the table, reading the newspaper. He folded it and stood to greet Caleb. “Great to see you again, son,” he said as they clapped each other on the back.
    “You too,” Caleb replied cordially. “It doesn’t happen enough these days.”
    “Yeah. It’s easy to let work, and life, get in the way,” Dad said, sitting back down. Caleb held a chair out for me, before sliding into the seat next to me. My mom sat next to Dad, having already laden the center of the table with waffles, fresh fruit, syrup, whipped cream, and orange juice. “How’s your family doing?” my father asked, picking up the plate of waffles and taking a couple, before passing it to me.
    “Honestly, I don’t really know. I’m afraid I’ve been a little absent lately. I’m planning on going over there after I leave here to make sure Danica is okay.”
    My parents didn’t even blink at the obvious slight against Hank in his comment. It was no secret that there was no love lost between Caleb and his dad.
    “I saw Danica at the grocery store the other day,” my mom announced, dishing food onto her plate. “She looked so fragile, as if the slightest thing might shatter her to pieces. She left before I caught her, so I took a casserole by for them, later on. We spoke for a couple of minutes, but it seemed like the visit made her nervous. Not that I blame her. Our hearts have been broken over Jessi. I can’t imagine what it must be like for your mom.”
    Caleb nodded, looking slightly sick. “I’ve been worried about her ; but I’m afraid I got too wrapped up in my own grief. I haven’t been a very good son.”
    “Everybody needs space to grieve their own way,” Dad replied. “Don’t beat yourself up for taking time for yourself.”
    Caleb didn’t reply . Instead, he sat, staring at his plate, not seeing his food. It was obvious his heart was heavy and his mind was elsewhere. Unable to stand seeing the pain etched so plainly on his face, I placed my hand on his leg in a comforting gesture. He automatically covered it with his own, quickly looking up to give me a reassuring smile. The action didn’t go unnoticed by my parents, who exchanged knowing glances between themselves.
    “Is there something you kids want to tell us?” Dad asked.
    Caleb cleared his throat and squeezed my hand tighter. “Yes, sir. We’re dating now and I’m hoping you’ll both be okay with that. I’ve had feelings for Anna for quite a while, but I fought them off because of our age difference. I worried you wouldn’t approve. But after Jessi died . . . ,” He seemed to struggle for a moment. “Well, life is too short for us to not grab what we want most.”
    “We aren’t surprised, really,” Mom said, with a smile. “We’ve noticed a natural spark between the two of you ages ago. You both got along so easily. We wondered if it would ever naturally develop into something more.”
    “Actually, Melanie happened to see you two kissing on the stairs the day you went to spread