She raised her eyebrows."Maybe the two of you need the time together."
"No."He shook his head adamantly."If he wants to be a part of my life now, then he needs to get to know you."He rested his head against her shoulder."And besides, I'd like you to be there with me if I have to face him."
She kissed the top of his head."Then of course I'll be here with you.We'll do it together.But promise me something, Ollie.Promise me that you'll give him a chance."
Chapter Twenty-Six
Callie stood close to Ollie's side as they watched the big jet come in to land.It hadn't occurred to her before to ask where he landed the Cirrus when he came back to Napa.She'd assumed it would be at some airport somewhere.She hadn't known that he had his own runway out here.Of course she’d seen the hangar, but she’d assumed it was some kind of storage building.
The jet taxied toward them and came to a stop in front of the hangar.The engines wound down, and the sudden quiet felt heavy.Heat shimmered off the tarmac, and the faint smell of jet fuel hung in the air.
She took hold of his hand and gave it a squeeze."This is gonna be okay, Ollie.Even if you decide that he's not someone you want in your life, at least you'll know.You can make the decision from who you are now, not based on the past."
He turned and pressed a kiss to her lips."Thanks."
"Of course.I'm here for you.And honestly, if at any point you want some time alone with him, just give me the nod.I'd say that I'll slip away when I sense that you need it, but I don't want to walk out on you at the wrong moment."
He smiled."Thanks.If it comes to it, I'll just say that I want to talk to him alone."He looked at her."Are you ready for this?"
"I am," she assured him."Of course I'm nervous about meeting your dad, but this is about so much more than that."
"Damn, Callie, I'm sorry.I should be the one reassuring you that this is gonna be okay.The only reason I'm not doing that is because it doesn't matter what he thinks.You're more important to me than he is."
"No, Ollie, don't say that—"
He held her hand tighter."I can say that because it's true.And that isn't some spiteful little-boy thing, Callie — that's just the truth.I love you.I barely know him.And maybe by some miracle today will change things between me and him, and we'll get to be — I don't know — friends or something.But you are the important one in my life.Understand?"
She cupped his face in her hands and brushed her lips over his."I understand.I love you, Ollie."
He smiled."That's what I was saying too.I just used too many words."
She turned to watch as the door on the plane opened and a uniformed pilot lowered the steps.The scene looked more like some visiting dignitary arriving than a family member coming home.She glanced at Ollie but couldn't read his expression as he stared at the man coming down the steps.
His father.
~ ~ ~
A dozen memories flashed through Ollie's mind as he watched his dad descend the stairs.He was older — more silver in his hair — but he still looked good.He kept in shape, and his white shirt and navy slacks gave him the air of a relaxed professional.But there was something in his posture that Ollie hadn't expected.A hesitance.Like he wasn't sure of his welcome.
Ollie remembered times he'd come out here to sit outside the hangar and wait for his dad to arrive home when he was small.He wasn't supposed to, but it was easy enough to slip away from the nannies who never really cared about him anyway.
He shot a sideways glance at Callie as his dad strode across the tarmac to meet them.His dad had a way of charming women around to seeing things his way.Something loosened in his chest when he realized that he already knew for sure that Callie wouldn't fall for it.
His dad stopped a few yards away, pushing his sunglasses up onto the top of his head.
"Ollie."
"Dad."
Callie shifted beside him, and he felt bad.This wasn't just about him anymore.He took a step forward.
"I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Callie."
His dad smiled."It's good to meet you.You're just as beautiful as your photo."
Ollie inhaled sharply."What do you mean?What photo?"
"The one on Instagram, of course."His dad smiled."You two make such a great couple.I'd been waiting and waiting to come visit, but when I saw that post, I took matters into my own hands.I hope that's okay."
