"Oh, hey, Callie.Listen, I don't suppose..."
Ollie tensed; he thought he knew what was coming — and he was right.
"...there's any chance that you..."
He was grateful to Callie when she saved Reaves from having to ask.
"There's every chance," she told him."If what you're asking is whether I plan to go check on them again."She smiled at Ollie."I'll go after I take Ollie back to the airport."
"Right.Sorry, guys.I should let you get on with it.This is only your second date and here I am playing third wheel for half of it and sending you off to do a welfare check to boot."
Ollie chuckled, and Callie said, "It's not like that.We're just hanging out.And I was glad to know that Alara and Zia are here.I'll keep Ollie updated and he can let you know."
"Thanks, Callie.You're a gem."
"No problem."
"I'll call you when I land," Ollie told him.
"Okay.See ya."
He ended the call and decided this was the moment.He had to come clean with her.He looked up, dreading that this might be the last time she was so open with him.
When he met her gaze, she held up a single key and grinned."I didn't know if I was going to bring you back here because I didn't know if I was ready to show you my cabin.But you shared flying with me."She hesitated, seeming to consider her words before she continued."And I think you might get it.But no pressure if you don't," she added quickly."Do you want to come see?"
"I'd love to."
He knew he should tell her, but he justified the delay by telling himself that if she hated him afterward, he'd never get another chance at a glimpse inside her world like this.
He followed her out back, their footsteps crunching across the mossy gravel drive.The redwoods pressed close here, blocking out most of the sky.It felt like stepping into a separate world — her world.Somewhere through the trees, he caught the faint rush of the ocean.He wondered if she even noticed it anymore.The little porch creaked when she stepped up onto it, and she gave him a rueful smile.
"This place still needs some work, but I love it."
"I can see why," he told her.And he wasn't lying.
It was rustic, to say the least, but it had character.She unlocked the door and let them inside, stepping back when he joined her so that he could see.The kiln was much larger than he'd expected, set in the far corner.Her wheel sat in the middle of the room underneath a skylight.Late afternoon light poured through it, catching the dust motes that hung in the air, turning the whole space amber.There was a comfortable-looking chair set in front of the wheel, with a shawl draped over the back.Everything seemed much more organized than inside the house.It still had character, but there was an element of precision about it.He got the sense that nothing in here was an accident.
He turned to her with a smile."So, this is where the magic happens."
"Yeah."She nodded."I didn't think you'd understand it, but seeing you in the cockpit of the plane today, I think you just might."
"I think I do," he agreed.
He wandered around, looking at the tools, all neatly stored in racks, and what had to be her supplies — various boxes and bottles, all meticulously labeled.He appreciated the sense of order.
"What are you thinking?"she asked quietly.
He turned back to her."That I'm getting my first glimpse at who you really are."
As soon as the words were out, he worried he shouldn't have said them.The irony hit him hard again.But then a slow smile spread across her face.
"Don't look so worried.It's okay.Saying that tells me that you get it."She checked her watch."I'd love to fire up the wheel and give you a taste of how it feels, but..."She made a face."There probably isn't time before you need to get back."
He could protest and tell her that he was fine to stay for longer, but if he stayed, he'd have no more excuses not to tell her the truth about who he was.
"Then maybe next time?"he asked.
She nodded happily."I'd like that.Both for there to be a next time, and to bring you out here when you come."Her smile faded."And talking about next time, I’m sorry — I never filled you in about Charles, did I?"
