"Oh, hey.How did she seem to you?"
"Not good, to tell you the truth.She looks tired, wiped out, dark circles under her eyes.As you know, she'd been taking a nap because she had a headache.Zia told me that she'd been sleeping for a long time, and while we were there she looked as though she was ready to doze off again."
"Callie brought her some groceries, though," said Ollie."Orange juice and protein shakes and fresh fruit and veggies.Maybe that'll help?"
Callie didn’t comment; Reaves sounded as unconvinced as she felt.
"Maybe.I mean, thanks, Callie.It was good of you to do that."
She didn't bother to respond.There was no need for him to thank her — she hadn't done it for him.
"Did she say what her plans are?"
"She said that she's going to get back on the road tomorrow."
"So, they're staying there overnight?"Reaves asked."If I get going now, I could be up there before dark."
Callie really felt for him.She knew that he didn't want them to leave in the first place, and now he was concerned about them on top of it.
"You don't need to drive," said Ollie."If you want to come, I'll fly back and get you."
"I don't know.What do you think?"Reaves sounded uncertain."Maybe I should just call her?I mean, of course I want to come up there and check on her, but I should probably ask first, right?"
"I think you should," said Callie."I understand how you feel.I feel the same way.I think we all do."Ollie nodded."We want to help and it seems like she could use it, but until she asks — or at least agrees to let us — there's not much we can do."
"Yeah."Reaves sounded defeated."I'll give her a call now, and if she says I can come see them, I'll take you up on that offer, Ollie.I'll call you back and let you know, if that's okay."
Callie glanced over at him and loved the way Ollie smiled as he said, "Sure thing.Just let me know, bud.If she says you can come, I'll be right back to get you."
"Okay.Thanks, guys.I'll call you back soon."
Callie felt for him as the call ended.The poor guy was eager to say the least.But she had a feeling...
"She's going to say no, isn't she?"Ollie asked.
She was surprised that he picked up on it."I expect she will.But not because she doesn't like Reaves."
"No, I get that," said Ollie."She's used to fending for herself and Zia.I don't expect it would come easily to her to accept anyone's help."
"No, I don't expect it would," Callie agreed.
They were almost to the cottage now, and she glanced over at him again, wondering what he'd make of the place.The trees had closed in around them as they approached, and when she turned off the road, he grinned.
"Is this it?Your cottage?We're there?"
"This is it," she said with a shrug."It's nothing like what you're used to in Napa, I know, but to me it's home."
Ollie nodded as he peered out through the windshield."It's a cool little place, isn't it?"
That made her smile."I like to think so."
~ ~ ~
Callie parked the truck and Ollie followed her out.There was a one-story cottage with chipped paint, a redwood deck half swallowed by ferns, and as they approached, he caught the scent of...something familiar.Looking around, he spotted the source — purple flowers.A flash of something from childhood, too distant to hold onto.Warmth.Laughter.A big hand holding his.
"Lilacs."He felt pretty dumb when he said it out loud.
Callie turned to him with a smile."Wow, I wouldn't have expected you to know what they were.I love those things.Aren't they awesome?They're the reason I bought this place — they remind me of home."
