Charles looked back to where Callie, Alara, and Zia were all chatting animatedly."It's good to see the ladies together.Perhaps the two of you will come over again before Callie leaves.But for now, I imagine you'll be wanting to be on your way."
Ollie gave him a grateful smile.
"No need to explain," said Charles."Let's get these sunflower glazes set up, and we'll let you go."
After he and Reaves arranged the last four glazes against the wall — with much supervision from Zia and a little from Charles — Ollie went back to Callie's side and caught her hand.He was about to suggest leaving, and was relieved when she was the one to say, "I'm sorry this is only a flying visit, guys, but I'll be back to see you again soon."
Zia came running and wrapped her arms around Callie's legs."I'm sad to see you go, but I know we'll see you soon."She looked up at Charles."Sunshine Queen is my forever friend, you know."
Charles nodded."I can see that."
Callie turned to Alara."I'll give you a call in the week, okay?"
Alara smiled at them."I'll look forward to it."She met Ollie's gaze and added, "And thanks again.So much."
"You're more than welcome.Come on, Peanut.Butter."
Zia laughed out loud at that, and Ollie gave her a puzzled smile."You haven't given them names — I thought you might."
"No," she said, coming to pet them both with no fear whatsoever."You already gave them the right names.They like them.They told me."She looked up at him."And they're my friends too now.Forever friends."She looked at Callie."Like you."
Callie smiled down at her."Absolutely.Forever and a day."
~ ~ ~
As she followed Ollie back to his place, Callie kept laughing at the way the dogs watched her out the back window of his SUV.She loved them.They were so good, and they'd been so gentle with little Zia — gentle with her the same way they were with Charles.They really were intelligent.
When they arrived at the estate, she watched the gate swing open as Ollie approached and followed him through it.It didn't even seem that strange anymore to pull up at a big automatic gate like that.It seemed like everyone around here had one.
She made a face to herself.It was amazing how quickly you got used to things that seemed so strange initially.At the same time, she made a mental note not to ever start taking things for granted.
She parked next to Ollie out back by the pool, and just before she went to get out, her phone started ringing.She checked the screen and opened the door.
"I'll be right with you," she told Ollie."This is Becca.I should take it."
"No problem.Take your time.I'll let the dogs out and we'll throw the ball."
"Hey, Becca.How are you?"
"Me?Never mind me," Becca exclaimed excitedly."Have you seen it?"
"Seen what?"
"Oh my gosh, Callie, you have to see.It's gone viral."
"What has?"Callie asked with a laugh, wondering what her friend was so excited about.
"The post that Delaney did about your work."
Callie's throat went dry."She posted?She didn't say anything.I haven't seen anything."
"Oh my gosh, you need to get on your— I need to get off the phone so that you can look at your Instagram.It's got thousands of likes already."
"Seriously?What exactly did she even post?"
"Oh..."Becca sounded wary."She didn't tell you what she was going to do?"
"No.And don't tell me to look again.I can't until we're finished, so please tell me what's going on."
