“I think they were a little disappointed. I never quite fit the mold they had for me, but they were too busy grieving to give me a hard time about it. I think they just gave up on me. Isabel was always their favorite, and they moved to Florida shortly after her death. That’s why I love Roots. Even when my parents were gone, I still had a family here that loved and accepted me for me. They helped me realize I just had to do what was best for me at that time, and it turns out what was best for me was coming back to Roots and opening the café. Isabel and I dreamt of doing it since we were little.”
“That’s so sweet. You’re brave for chasing your dreams like that.”
I wish I could be more like her. I wish I didn’tneedthe stability of a sturdy job or that I had the bravery to chase a dream without letting fear hold me back. I wish I knew exactly what it was that I needed to fix the things that feel offin my life. The craziest part of it all is that she’s gone through so much and only come out stronger, always smiling and making an effort to make people feel loved. I want to be like that.
“You could chase your dreams too, you know. It just takes a little bit of courage, literally just a few seconds here and there to get started.”
“I don’t even know what my dreams are. I mean, yes, I have interests like marketing and dogs, but those aren’t the kinds of things you make a career out of.”
“Sure they are! Have you ever heard of an influencer? The world is full of more possibilities now than ever. Ninety percent of the journey is just knowing who you want to be and then wanting it badly enough to go after it.”
Starting to feel uncomfortable, I search for a way to change the subject. “How did Rhett get involved with the café? He’s kind of like a silent partner, right?”
“Yeah, he just happened to come to town at the right time.” She pauses, thinking for a bit. “I forced him to be my friend, kind of like I’m doing to you. He didn’t have any choice but to spend some time with me, and he understood the importance of what I was doing.”
“Aww, I love that for you.”
“Yeah, Rhett’s pretty great.” A mischievous look crosses her face. “Speaking of how great Rhett is, we should invite him to come out with us tonight. It could be fun. It’d be good for you two to get out of the house and hang out in a low-key environment. Let loose. Do a little dancing.” She shimmies her shoulders as she leans in toward me.
“No way! You and I are supposed to hang out.”
“I don’t mind third-wheeling for a good cause.”
“Callie!” My face must be as red as the top she gave me.
“I just want you two to get together already.”
“That’s not going to happen.”
“Why not?”
“I’m leaving in a couple months. I don’t want a relationship. I don’t think Rhett wants one either.”
“Trust me, he’s just saying that. That man is a sucker for love.”
“How do you know?”
“I mean it’s obvious if you know Rhett. He’s always doing kind things for people. It’s clear he just wants someone to see him for who he truly is and love him for that.”
“I hate to see the way he’s closed himself off so much. He’s helped push me to reconnect with my parents and to see a counselor for my anxiety. He’s even been there when I had a panic attack. I’m not saying I’m magically healed now. I still have a lot of work to do, but he helped me get started. I just wish I could do the same for him.”
“Then we should definitely invite him out. It’d be good for him to just hang out and have a good time. I promise I don’t mind. Now try the top on! I’m dying to see the full look on you.”
I slip my oversized t-shirt off and slide the tank top on. It fits nicely. It’s slightly cropped, so it sits just perfectly at the waist of my high-rise shorts, and the neck swoops just enough to be flattering without giving away anything. The boots Callie gave me make me look like I actually belong in Roots. I kind of like the sight.
“Damn, you look hot!”
I blush. “I’ve always wanted to have cuter clothes, but when all you do is work or sleep, there’s no sense in buying a top like this.”
“Why not? You could wear this to work!”
“No way! I have to look professional, not draw everyone’s attention to me.”
She purses her lips. “Well, I can assure you, there will be nothing professional about tonight, and everyone’s attention will be on you, especially Rhett’s.” She gives me a once over again before her eyes light up. “Oh, I have this eyeshadow that will make those beautiful eyes of yourspop! Let me see if I can find it.”
ChapterTwenty-Three
Rhett
