"That's fair," said Reaves."But if I can persuade Alara to come out for an evening with me, would you mind watching Zia?"
Charles chuckled."I think you already know the answer to that.Although—" He turned to Ollie."I'm going to have your number on speed dial in case I need to be rescued."
Ollie nodded."I'll be more than happy to help out if you need me."
"Good.Well, that's that then.As I said, I thought I had a solution that would work for all of us."His smile faded."The only matter left to resolve is whether it will work for Alara."
"I can't see her having a problem," said Reaves.
"Me neither," Ollie agreed.It really was a great idea, and he couldn't see any reason why she wouldn't go for it.
Charles turned to him and gripped his arm."Unfortunately, it doesn't resolve your issue with the lovely Callie, does it?"
He shrugged."I just have to wait and see what she has to say."
"I believe she'll come around; she's a sensible girl.And you know..."
Ollie raised an eyebrow, knowing damn well that Charles had something up his sleeve."I don't yet, but I get the impression you're about to tell me."
"I was thinking I'd like to get Alara's input on what this rebrand will mean — and it sounds as though she'll need to attend to her health before she can think about working."Charles glanced at Reaves."Perhaps if Ollie were to fly you up there to collect them, you could drive this camper of hers back here so we can get the ball rolling."
Ollie pursed his lips.Of course, he'd love to have a reason to go see Callie again, but she'd said that she'd call him — even if it was to say they were done.He had to respect that and give her space.
Charles raised his eyebrows."Or I could claim that I'm desperate to get those last few sunflower glazes here?"
Reaves met Ollie's gaze."It's up to you.I don't want to push."
He shrugged."Talk to Alara.If the worst comes to the worst, I can drop you off at the airport and fly away again before Callie comes to pick you up — you can load the glazes in the camper."
Chapter Fifteen
Callie:I've been thinking.Can we talk?
Ollie:I'd like that.When?And listen, I'm really sorry.I didn't want this whole deal with Reaves coming to get Alara to make you feel like you were under pressure, but I couldn't exactly tell him no.
Callie:You're gonna have to fill me in.I don't know what you're talking about.
Ollie:Ah, OK.Can I call you?This'd be so much easier to do in person.
Callie stared at her phone.She had wanted to talk to him, so why not?
Callie:Sure.I'll call you.
She hit the call button and held her breath as she waited.She didn't have to hold it long; he picked up on the first ring.The sound of his voice wrapped around her like a blanket when he said, "Hey, how are you?"
"Hey.I'm okay.I don't know what's going on with Reaves and Alara.That wasn't why I was texting."
"No?"She hated the note of wariness in his voice.
"No.I told you I needed some time to think, and I've taken it.And...I think we need to talk.But I'm not trying to drag this out, Ollie.I was hurt and shocked, but it's like you said at the time — you haven't done anything worse than I have.I'd be a hypocrite to hold it against you."
"I shouldn't have done that, Callie.Shouldn't have thrown it in your face about Reaves."
"No."She cut him off."You absolutely should.I can't have one standard for you and hold myself to a different one, can I?Sure, this hurt more because I was the one on the receiving end.But my point is, I want to put it behind us — if you still do."
She could hear the smile in his voice when he said, "Yeah, I'd like that.I'd like that a lot."
"But what's going on with Reaves and Alara?"
