“I kind of showed up. There was an endorsement offer.”
“And?”
“He insisted I stay and give us this week to see…to see if…”
“What could be between y’all.”
“Yes,” I whisper. I don’t know how to do this, confide in a friend. It’s been so long since I’ve had any. My go-to people were always my dad and grandma. My family.
“And?” Vivi prods.
“The endorsement deal was just pulled,” I practically cry, blinking back the moisture in my eyes. “I fucked this up and?—”
“No, you didn’t,” Vivi cuts me off. “Offers and opportunities change all the time in this industry, and you know that. Stop looking for reasons to sabotage whatever is brewing between you and Gage. If you have feelings for him, and you think there could be a future there, then focus on that. God knows you haven’t properly dated in years. That’s partly why Abbi and Claire were desperate for you to come to Chloe’s bachelorette. They want to set you up with?—”
“Set me up?”
“You’re isolating yourself. Throwing yourself into work. And, yes, I know the last few years have been tough and I completely understand why you’re burying yourself in your clients’ problems.”
“They need me,” I protest.
I can hear Vivi smile. “I know,” she says softer. “There’s no one like you, Callie. But you have to focus on yourself and your well-being too. Your love life.”
I scoff.
“Good ol’ Gutierrez,” she murmurs.
I pull in a breath. “So, you don’t think I’m crazy?”
“Not unless you blow this with him. Unless you’re not really feeling it and?—”
“No, that’s not it,” I rush to reassure her. “The way I feel with Gage is…”
“Is…”
“It’s good.”
“You suck at this,” she comments.
I snort. “I know!” I clear my throat. Try again. “The way I feel with Gage is everything. I’ve fallen in love with him. I just didn’t want to admit it.”
“Aw, Callie,” Vivi sighs. “You deserve him, and he’s a good one.”
“He really is,” I agree.
And then, because she knows me well, she adds, “You’re not doing anything wrong. You’re two consenting adults who have danced around this for a long time. You, better than most people, understand the importance of time, Cal. Don’t keep wasting it without the partner your heart wants.”
I blink back more tears. Gosh, when did I get so emotional? “Thank you, Vivi.”
“Call me if you need anything, babe. I’m always here for you.”
“I know.”
“And we’ll celebrate this big the next time you’re in Boston.”
I snort, knowing the girls will be giddy if I show up with Gage on my arm. “I’ll keep you posted.”
“Go get the guy, Callie! Good luck!” She ends the call.
