Under the Spotlight

he next-organizing bookshelves, chatting with customers, trying not to let my thoughts wander to the man who had walked into my

ed to share little things-comments on life, jokes, his attempt to convince me that he wasn't anything like the actor ever

ooked at me, something I couldn't put my finger on. His glances

ough, was

ed up, expecting the usual quick hello from Caleb. But instead of the calm, almost familiar smile I had grown used to

ut hesitating just a step from the counter.

of his words. He never asked if I had a minute. He just always appeared and we fe

forcing my voice to b

r, clearly debating whether or not to sit down.

ring to one of the armchairs near the window. I moved around the counter to join him, though I d

vily on him. I stayed standing, uncertain of how to proceed. I had never seen Caleb look so... vulner

" he started, his voice uncertain. "A

The words hung in the air between us, heavy and

er, though I hadn't meant for th

n my spine. "Yeah. I know this is... complicated, and I get that you proba

ning. What was he trying t

voice coming out softer than I int

eyes for a moment, then opened them again, his gaze intense and searching. He di

p things simple. But the more I come here... the more I talk to you...

Was he saying what I

This was more than just him being a regular customer now. There was

ssed. "I mean, people always want something from me. Something more. But

didn't feel like a shopkeeper offering recommendations to a celebrity. I f

id quietly, my words more genuine than I had intended. "I just... I just want to

struggling with something. "I've been running away from that for so long, Olivia. I didn't expect to come i

been, how much of himself he'd hidden behind the public image. And here I was, a woma

efore. "Then I'm glad you came in here. Because I'm not here to judge you, Caleb. I'm here to l

his elbows resting on his knees. "I didn't think

poken but understood. Caleb Montgomery, the actor, the star, was just a person after

tly. But before he could finish, the door to the bookst

e quiet moments. Reality came crashing back, and I found myself wantin

y, his usual composed demeanor returning. "I

I hoped conveyed everything I wanted

raw. He stood up, his shoulders slightly hunched, as if pu

rely above a whisper. "I just wanted to let you

p form in my throat. "A

lking toward the door. As the bell jingled behind him,

time, I had seen the real him-the person behind the fame. And someho