Ollie was still frowning."How did you even see that?"
He glanced at Callie, but she didn't seem too worried.
His dad pursed his lips, then shook his head slowly."I could probably come up with some convincing tale, couldn't I?"
Ollie let out a short, bitter laugh."I'm sure you could.But the truth would probably work better."
"Okay.Then the truth is — I have alerts set up."
"What kind of alerts?"
"Searches for if your name comes up online anywhere."
Ollie's shoulders sank, and he turned away."What — are you worried that I might bring your name into disrepute or something?I don't believe you, Dad."
"Ollie, no—"
His dad came after him, and when his hand came down on his shoulder, Ollie shook it off angrily."Why the hell else would you?"
"Jesus, Ollie — because Icare.I've always cared.I try to keep in touch, but you just block me out."
Callie's hand found the small of his back — not pulling him anywhere, just letting him know she was there.
His dad glanced at her."I'm sorry you have to hear this."
She shook her head."It's fine.The two of you need to sort this out."
His dad sighed heavily."Well, now you both know the truth.I'm a sad old man whose only way to know what's going on in his son's life is to have alerts set up on news and social sites."He met Ollie's gaze."Satisfied?"
Ollie glared at him."Satisfied?What does that even mean, Dad?"
"It means I care, son."
Son.The word landed somewhere deep — somewhere Ollie had stopped letting anyone reach.Somewhere no one had touched, not until Callie.He shook his head.
"You never cared enough to be here.When I was a kid—"
"I did care, Ollie.And I'm sorry.I should have done things differently.I know I can't change your childhood.I know I can't make up for what we lost.But I'm hoping — really hoping — that maybe there's something we can salvage now."
Ollie's heart was pounding as he turned away to look out at the vineyards.He felt like that little kid again.The one who'd been disappointed so many times.The one who'd waited for his dad to come home, only to be told he'd called and couldn't make it this weekend — again.The one who'd played by himself among the vines.Who went running to Rosa in the kitchen when he fell and cut his knee, or when the kids at school asked why he lived here when his dad made such awesome movies in Hollywood.
That was when he needed his dad.Not now.
He took a few deep breaths before turning back around.A warm breeze stirred the vines, and he could hear birds somewhere in the oaks.He'd promised Callie he'd stay open.And maybe — just maybe — he was tired of carrying this.
"Do you want to come up to the house?"
There was no mistaking the relief and gratitude in his dad's eyes as he nodded."Yes, please.I'd like that."
Ollie was surprised to see him turn and give the nod to his pilot.He'd assumed his dad would be determined to stay no matter what Ollie thought about it.
Apparently, he hadn't been so sure he'd be welcome.
~ ~ ~
When they reached the terrace by the pool, Callie was surprised to see that the table was all laid out with glasses and napkins.She gave Ollie's hand a squeeze, and he shook his head slightly.She couldn't understand what was going on until Rosa came out of the kitchen door, carrying a tray and wearing a smile.
She set it down on the table.There were bowls of chips and nuts and little canapés that Callie didn't recognize.Luigi came out behind her, carrying a carafe of wine and some sodas.
