"The start of something new"

O N W A R D S;

Caleb knew he was late when he'd checked his watch that read half past twelve and he internally winced when he pushed through the doors of the small restaurant and caught sight of Georgia sitting by herself. He was almost forty five minutes late and although he'd texted her that he was going to arrive late he hadn't estimated the meeting being so long. Talking to the waitress curtly he made his way over to her. Her hand was fiddling with the napkin nervously as she stared at the table cloth.

At his approaching figure he saw her lift her eyes and a smile fled onto her lips.
"I almost thought you wouldn't be able to make it." She stood up to greet him.
Caleb shook his head, "I'm sorry," He snaked his arms around her and placed a kiss to her cheek.
She shrugged, "In all fairness, you did warn me that you'd be late."
They sat down together and Caleb stared at the beautiful woman in front of him.

Her auburn colored hair was out covering her shoulder that was dressed in a blue dress. She wore minimal makeup that he could see and all in all she looked stunning. Her eyes gazed at him expectantly, "How was the meeting?"
Caleb shrugged, "Mostly solidifying the deals I've closed. Making sure that the parties involved know what is required."
Caleb never really enjoyed talking about his job but with Georgia's undivided attention, talking about it didn't seem so bad.

She listened to his complaints and nodded her head ever so often.
"Do you remember when I told you that I didn't see you becoming as a businessman."
Caleb faintly remembered them talking about it in the hospital, "Yeah."
She shook her head, "I changed my mind," she smiled, "The way you talk about it, your facial expressions. You're passionate."
Caleb smiled at her, "You've been doing so many great things with the company it's hard to see you doing anything else now."

Caleb appreciated the sentiment as a comfortable silence came over the two of them before the waiter came and delivered their lunch.
"What are your plans now that you're out of the hospital?" He asked curious as to where her mind was at for her future.
He saw her lean back and sigh, "Call me crazy, but I quit my job a few days ago."
Caleb looked at her stunned, "You quit being an assistant right?"
She nodded her head looking at him nervously, "I haven't told my family yet— I mean I was still technically on sick leave when I did it but I felt like it couldn't wait."
"What do you plan on doing now?" He asked.

This was where Georgia avoided his eye contact, "I wanted to reapply for medical school."

She said the last part as a whisper and Caleb's eyes widened, "You do?"
She nodded, "I know, it wasn't a smart move and... I.... I should have asked for advice but after everything... uh... I just...."
Caleb cut her off gripping her hand in his, "I think it's a good idea."
"You do?" She asked wearily.
He nodded, "Yes I do and I know for a fact you'd be an amazing doctor."

She smiled at him shyly and squeezed his hand, "It means a lot that you're supporting me." She admitted truthfully.
He brought the back of her hand to his lips and kissed it, "Always."
A blush appeared on her cheeks covering both of them fully and he grinned as she shyly avoided his eye contact. It was then for the first time since the start of their lunch that he noticed the gold chain around her neck.

The 'G' pendant on show, Caleb could feel the happiness pouring out of his skin. She'd found it, the necklace he'd given her in Greece. As if she'd known what had caught his attention she lifted the pendant between her fingers, "It was at my house, just like you said."
He shrugged, "Exactly, when am I ever wrong?" He smirked.
Georgia rolled her eyes, "Let's not have this conversation again." She feigned annoyance.

Caleb chuckled, "When are you planning to reapply?" He asked.
"In a few months probably but first I have to tell my parents."
Caleb nodded, "I don't know why you're worried. They'll be proud of you." He sent her a reassuring smile.
She opened her mouth to speak but the buzz of her phone caught her attention. Her eyes suddenly widened as she stared at the screen and then he saw her facial expression morph into one of confusion and fear.

"Georgia?" He asked.
"What? What is it?"
Her eyes suddenly met his in a flash and her hand holding her phone was gripping it tightly.
"Someone's been messaging me."
She handed him the phone, "At first I thought it was a wrong number and I ignored it.... but now they're constantly texting me."
Caleb snatched the phone from her and scrolled through the messages.

how are you feeling baby?

I want to see you.

why aren't u answering me?

hi again baby, checking to see how you've been

Answer me!

"Did they ever give their name?" He asked, fearing he already knew who it was.
She shook her head, "No, never and I didn't bother to ask...."
"Should I have?"
Caleb shook his head instantly, "No you shouldn't have, just keep ignoring them. Have you tried blocking the number?"

Georgia nodded, "You see, I did but then a new number started messaging me."
Caleb furrowed his eyebrows, "How many numbers have you blocked so far?"
Georgia shrugged like it was no big deal, "Like two, this is the third number."
Caleb frowned, "You didn't think to tell your brother?"
"I didn't think of it nor did it come across as some kind of threat to my life and if I tell Adrian even the slightest thing he'll get all his FBI buddies to keep tabs on me all the time!"

Caleb sighed, he knew she didn't remember Sloan so her not thinking that she was in any danger wasn't her fault but he needed to talk to Adrian about this.
"In the messages as the person ever mentioned your name?"
She shook her head, "No, never. Which was why I just thought it wasn't meant for me.
Caleb nodded, "Well first thing you need to do is get rid of your number and get a new one."
Georgia narrowed her eyes at him, "Alright." She said cautiously.

She was examining him, Caleb could tell she knew that he knew more than he was letting on. Caleb still had her phone in his hand when another message suddenly made it vibrate.

I went to the hospital to visit u & ur asshole brother didn't let me, but I'll c u soon baby.

See you soon? Caleb gulped as he reread it over and over. It was Sloan, he was sure of it now and as he stared at Georgia who was preoccupied with talking to the waitress who'd complimented her on her dress, he made a rash decision acting fast he swiped the message quickly deleting it. Resting her phone down as soon as she turned her attention back to him.
"Want any dessert Caleb?" She asked, picking up her phone and placing it in her purse.

"Yeah, uh chocolate cake is fine."