She sighed."I knew you'd think that.I'm not saying I don't want you to come to the cottage.I was only trying to be helpful, that's all."
He relaxed again."I know it's in your nature, but you don't need to go out of your way.We can come to you."
She laughed."You can — when I come pick you up, right?"
"Oh, yeah.Although I can call the office and see if they have a crew car.Maybe we could use that."
"I don't mind coming to get you."
"If you really don't mind, that's probably easiest."
"Not a problem.Do you know what time you'll be there?"
"I can text you just before we take off and let you know.How about that?"
"Okay, sounds good to me."
The line went quiet for a few moments.
"I'm sorry Reaves will be with me."
"No, that's okay.I totally understand."After a beat, she added, "But I know what you mean.Nothing against him, but — I'm sorry too."
"How about this time, before I leave, we make a date for when we can see each other again?"
"Let's do that.I really haven't been avoiding you, Ollie."
"I'm glad.I'll see you in a little while."
Chapter Twelve
Callie was tempted to bring the sunflower glazes up to the cottage.That way she'd just be able to back the truck up to the front door and load them from there.But if she were going to do that, she might as well just put them in the truck and take them with her when she went to collect the guys — and Ollie would no doubt think it was weird anyway.He and Reaves were trying to save her the trouble of having to carry them.
She blew out a sigh and looked around the cabin.At least the glazes were easily accessible.She’d just have to hope that Zia and Alara stayed in the camper, out of sight.
This whole situation wasn't ideal, but it wasn't her place to decide what was best for Alara.Although...She took her phone out and sent a text.
Callie:Are you absolutely sure you don't want to see them?Reaves and Ollie are both well connected in Napa.They might be able to help you find work.
She stared at the screen for a few moments, wondering if she'd even get a reply.Alara had said that she was going to nap, but she and Zia hadn't gone back to the camper that long ago.
Her screen lit up a few moments later.
Alara:I'm sorry I'm putting you in a difficult position.And maybe I will call Reaves and ask if he has any contacts.But not yet.I hope you understand.I'm still trying to adjust and get my feet back under me after the job fell through.I'm too ashamed right now.
Callie:You have nothing to be ashamed of.I totally understand.Don't worry about a thing.I'll text you when I'm on the way back from the airport with them and let you know to stay out of sight.
Alara:You're a good friend.Better than I deserve.
Callie:You deserve the world, girl, don’t ever doubt it.
With that, she stuffed her phone back into her pocket and walked up to the cottage.She smiled as she looked around.She loved this place, and she'd made it her own.
Her smile grew wider when she remembered Ollie's face when she'd brought him in.She'd been nervous that he might be patronizing, but it was obvious that he loved it.He got it.
She wandered around putting cushions back in place and quickly put the dishes and glasses from earlier into the dishwasher.They wouldn't give away that Alara and Zia had been here, but if Ollie spotted them, he'd no doubt think that either she'd had guests she wasn't telling him about — or she was a slob who never did her dishes.
She had everywhere straightened out and was rearranging her books on the shelf when her phone finally beeped with a text.
