‘And now you have,’ he said, still staggered to think of his sister dating Riley Sharp, let alone marrying the man. Before their conversation descended into an argument, he decided to return to their mother’s reaction. ‘Don’t be too upset by Mum. You know she can be a bit dramatic sometimes and you are her daughter, so I suppose in this case she’s entitled to be.’
‘Eugh. I’m in my mid-twenties, Callum. I run a business and have lived alone since I left home at eighteen. I’ve no idea why she still feels the need to be so overprotective. She can’t get used to the idea I’ve grown up; that’s what it is.’
Wanting to calm his sister, he said, ‘That’s not true, Erin, and you know it. It was a shock to all of us, discovering you had married someone you barely know. Someone with such a public profile as Riley Sharp. Surely you can understand how this might take a moment for Mum to come to terms with.’
There was a pause before she responded. ‘The only thing I can see now is how much I’m enjoying my summer being with him. I’ve fallen in love properly for the first time and he’s adorable, whatever you might think. He treats me like a princess, and I love every moment I spend with him.’
Callum was glad his sister and Riley got along so well but felt compelled to explain their parents’ concerns, hoping Erin would be understanding when she saw either of them. It wouldn’t be a good start to her marriage if she fell out with her parents, especially if she needed them should things go sour between her and Riley.
‘I’m happy for you, Erin. I really am but…’ he hesitated, trying to get his words right so that he didn’t antagonise her further ‘…you even said how he was engaged, or almost engaged, several times in the past, and we all know how tumultuous his relationship with his most recent girlfriend has been, with them breaking up and getting back together several times. Doesn’t it worry you he’s had such a chequered past?’
She didn’t reply immediately and so he waited.
Erin groaned irritably. ‘You mean Brooke?’
‘I do.’
‘I know you’re concerned about me being safe and happy. For your information, Brooke is in Hawaii right now and having a ball there. So regardless of what everyone seems to think, I’m not stepping on anyone’s toes and, for what it’s worth, not that it’s anyone else’s business, my salon is being well looked after by my staff. Satisfied?’
He wasn’t surprised Erin was angry with them all. He would be unimpressed if his family tried to dictate how he should lead his life. She deserved an apology.
‘You’re right,’ he said, hoping to calm her. ‘Sorry, Erin. I overstepped the mark and will let Mum and Barry and Dad and Betsy know that’s what I think too. We just want you to be happy. That’s all.’
‘I know you do,’ she said, her voice gentle again. ‘And I love you all for caring so much. I’d just like you all to trust me to do what’s best for me.’
‘That’s fair enough.’ Callum relaxed slightly. ‘I’ll also let Mum know you’re fine and doing perfectly well and that there’s no need for her to worry about you.’
‘Thank heavens for that.’ She muted the call briefly. ‘Look I’m going to have to go now.’
‘Really? You don’t have time to tell me more?’ he asked, surprised.
‘Not right now I don’t. I can speak to Mum about all of this face to face. No need for you to worry. I just wanted you to know how I felt and have my back if Mum continued to make a fuss.’
How typical of Erin to have planned this before seeing them all, he thought, impressed. ‘No worries. I’ll see you soon. Oh, and Erin?’
‘Yes?’
‘Congratulations to you and Riley. I hope you’ll both be very happy.’
‘Thanks, big bro,’ she said happily. Before Callum could say anything further, Erin ended the call.
Callum went to find Tasha and relayed what had happened.
‘I’ve decided I’ve had enough of being the one to resolve family issues. We’re not children any more and our parents would hate us to fuss about them. It’s time they stopped doing the same thing to us.’
Tasha gave him a sympathetic smile. ‘They’re your parents. I think it comes with the territory. Or at least that’s what my mum says.’
He gave her comment some thought. ‘I suppose you’re right. I’ll give it a go though, just in case I can persuade them we’re both capable of looking out for each other as well as ourselves.’
52
TASHA
Tasha showered and washed her hair, relieved to have finally made a decision and cancelled her flights. It was a little unnerving to take a chance and stay with Callum, but she was in love with him and wanted to make the most of the feeling that being in an exciting and romantic relationship gave her.
She was sitting on the balcony reading while her hair dried in the warm morning sun as Callum took his own shower when the doorbell rang. Tasha put her book on the table and stood to go and answer it. She got to the door just as Callum walked out of the bedroom, pulling a T-shirt down over his tanned, muscular chest, his hair still wet.
She stared at him and sighed, making Callum grin.
