The reminder that his folks were safe was just what Boone needed to shake off some of his hostility. The last thing he wanted to do was take away from Calliope’s happiness. He just hoped Luna would be there, because seeing her in a friendly social setting would go a long way toward making him feel better.
CHAPTER TEN
“AnyluckwithyourUdall search?” Calliope was in Luna’s workshop waiting for her new and improved bio-patch.
“I’ve tracked him to New Jersey, but that’s where his trail goes cold.” Not knowing where he was frustrated the heck out of her. “He was spotted on a surveillance video near the main port there.”
“Well, don’t let it make you crazy. Boone’s mom and dad are safe, and that’s really what matters.”
“Yeah, I guess.” She hated the thought of them being in danger.
She’d texted all of that information to Boone, hoping it would bring him some solace knowing Udall was nowhere near his folks. She hadn’t gotten a response, but she assumed it was because he had a very intense training schedule today.
“You’re coming to my birthday party tonight, right?” Calliope asked. “All of the wives and girlfriends will be there.” She grinned. “Boone will be there, and I’m sure seeing you will make him feel so much better.”
Luna gave her a quick sideways glance and returned her focus to inputting Calliope’s biorhythm data into the system.
“Luna, I’ve known him for less than a year, but I’ve spent my entire life around guys, and I can tell my brother is definitely into you.” Calliope picked up a pair of needle-nose pliers from the workbench and started fiddling with them. “Okay, I’m about to be nosy, so you might want to prepare yourself.”Hoo boy.Luna tried to do just that. “What’s holding you back? I mean, he’s good-lookin’, responsible, and he’s super nice.”
“It’s not him. Boone is great.”It’s me.Aware this was a topic she couldn’t escape, Luna saved her work and swiveled her chair to face Calliope. “I’ve got some … baggage from my past that keeps me from totally putting myself out there. Mostly where guys are concerned.”
Calliope sort of short-laughed. “Who the hell doesn’t?”
Could Luna tell her what happened? Her friend was such a strong, self-confident woman—would she think Luna was weak for being so gullible? Sharing it with Boone had actually felt pretty okay, almost like it lessened the stigma of the whole experience. Maybe the more Luna opened up about it, the less awful the memories would be.
“Have you ever heard of a commune called The Farm?” She wasn’t quite as tentative this time.
“I think so.” Calliope thought about it for a minute. “Isn’t it that weird place that used to be in the mountains somewhere in Montana?”
“Yep, that’s it.” Luna proceeded to share her experience and didn’t hold anything back. Even the parts about her that were less than flattering.
Calliope just listened. She didn’t interject her opinions—she just sat quietly and never took her eyes off of Luna as she shared what happened. Every awful, embarrassing detail.
“And that’s why I sometimes have trouble trusting my instincts.” She rolled her shoulder to loosen the tension.
“Holy shit.” Calliope surprised her when she said, “Girl, you are amazing.”
“Wait, what?” She sat up in her chair. “You don’t think I’m weak or stupid?”
“Weak or … Are you kidding me?” Her voice became gentler than she’d ever heard it before. “Luna, I think what happened to you made you incredibly strong. You are, like, one of the smartest people I know, and you’re such a good person. And you’re a hell of a lot nicer than I am.”
“That’s not true.” She leaned toward her a little, as if sharing a secret. “You’re just very particular about who you share your soft side with.”
Calliope leaned in and whispered, “Don’t tell anyone.”
They both chuckled.
“Seriously, though, you shouldn’t let your past mistakes define who you are now.” Calliope set her hand on Luna’s forearm. “Focus on the remarkable woman you’ve become. Trust the instincts I know you possess. I’ve seen them in real time, when you’re working, and they’re pretty fucking spot-on.”
“Yeah, I guess. Thanks, Calliope.” Luna never thought Calliope would be the person to help her see past her own insecurities. “And your secret is safe with me.” She crossed her heart and held up three fingers.
“Well, thank God for that!” And the old rambunctious Calliope was back. “So, are you coming to my party tonight or what?”
“I wouldn’t miss it,” Luna said.
She wanted desperately to see Boone. He’d been understandably upset when he left the meeting earlier, and she hadn’t seen him since.
“Excellent. And remember, no gifts.” Calliope slapped the tops of her thighs and stood. “Welp, I’d better go show those boys how to shoot.” She started toward the door, stopped, and turned back to Luna. “Thanks for trusting me with that.”
