It was obvious that Caleb was flustered. His hands grabbed both my arms, his grip firm, his eyes desperate, as if he thought he could convince me through sheer force of will.
"You're panicking, Caleb. Why didn't you ever tell me you were in love with her back in high school?" I shook off his grip away and took a step back.
"I… I was afraid you would mind and be mad at me," he confessed, stepping closer to me, pulling me into his arms again, holding me tightly as if that could erase the doubt and pain between us.
Rationally, I knew I should have pushed him away, accused him, demanded more answers, but I did not. After all, this was the man I loved and he had given me an explanation.
"Nora, if you're still upset, then you can hit me until you're feeling better," Caleb said suddenly, grabbing my hand and pressing it against his own face.
"Fire her tomorrow," I said. "Find her another job, anywhere, anything. I don't care as long as she's not working with you anymore."
"But… she's a woman and she doesn't have any family around to help her. As an old classmate, I feel responsible for her." I could see a flicker of hesitation crossed Caleb's face.