“No, she doesn’t. I caught her because I just so happened to look out the window at the right time.” Mom tilted her head again. “Why the secrets, Son?”
“Mainly because I didn’t want to piss Cal off while we were on tour, but also because Connor doesn’t think her dad will approve.”
Mom frowned. “That’s not true at all. Michael’s always liked you.”
“He’s got a weird way of showing it,” I huffed.
“Some people show affection differently…like by not showing it at all,” Mom replied with a bemused smile. “I won’t say anything to Maeve about it, but I do think you should tell her soon. She’ll be just as overjoyed as I am.”
“You’re overjoyed?” I arched a brow in question.
“Yeah, I am. My son’s finally in love, finally ready to settle down, and it’s with a girl I adore.”
“Yeah, well. Don’t get toohappy, I don’t think Connor’s ready to settle down. She’s just getting started.”
“You know, you can settle downandpursue your dreams, contrary to what the lot of you think,” Mom said. “Maybe that’s my fault, maybe I haven’t shown you that’s possible over the years…and I’m sorry for that.”
“Mom, don’t. You did a great job raising me.”
“Thank you, Son. I just had such a hard time trusting after your father, and with my job…with you? I just didn’t have the heart to try it again. Plus, I didn’t meet anyone worth taking the shot with. Until recently.” Her eyes sparkled a little.
* * *
I glancedat the Rolex on my arm, noting the time. Cal was going on twenty-minutes late.
“Ugh. Whereishe?” Evan complained, looking out the window that overlooked Main Street. It was a beautiful—albeit chilly—morning, and plenty of people were out and about, visiting the different shops. But there was no sign of Cal’s car, not even out front of Harper’s bookstore.
“I don’t know. He left before me, I figured he’d get here before me too,” I said, growing more flustered by the minute. I didn’t like being late for appointments. It wasn’t professional, and Cal knew this, he felt the same about it as me. Running late made him anxious, and he’d rather get things done with early in the day.
Evan was the wild card. If he wasn’t reminded by one of us, he’d be late.
The doors opened and Cal strolled through, carrying a tray of coffees and a box of baked goods. As soon as he walked in, the anxiety started to fade. I didn’t bother to question him on why he was so late when he wasneverlate. He probably had a good reason.
Calum grabbed a cup from the tray and passed the coffees to me while Evan snatched the paper bag from his hand. He reached in and pulled out a Danish. He took a huge bite and then moaned as if it was the best thing he’d ever put in his mouth.
“Oh my God, this is the best fucking Danish I’ve ever had in my goddamn life! Where is it from?” His eyes lit up.
“It’s from Books & Brews,” Calum replied. “Harper’s bookstore and café.”
“I’d have moved back home just for these Danishes,” Evan said wistfully, taking another huge bite. His eyes rolled into the back of his head.
Don cleared his throat, and the three of us turned to watch as he walked out from the hallway over to the receptionist’s desk. “Calum Jacobs. You’ve changed a little bit since the last time I saw you.”
“You look the same, Don.” Cal shook his hand, grinning in greeting.
Don threw back his salt-and-pepper head and laughed. “I’ve aged a bit since then.” He patted his rounded belly affectionately, his eyes twinkling. His amusement faded, a somber look befalling his face. “I was sorry to hear about your grandfather. He was a great man.”
“Thank you.” Cal inclined his head in acknowledgement.
“All right, well…let’s get to it, shall we?” Don cleared his throat again, seeming to stand taller. “While the décor hasn’t changed in a decade, we recently got some new equipment upgrades.”
“That’s perfect. Could we book two days a week for the next couple of weeks, starting next week?” Calum asked. Don nodded, his eyes bright with excitement.
“Absolutely. I’d be honoured to work with you fellas again. How do Tuesdays and Thursdays sound?”
Cal looked at us, and we both nodded. “Works for us.”
After paying for the studio hours to book our time, the three of us piled out on the street. Calum glanced longingly at the bookstore, as if he was pulled in that direction.
