"Because I'm a damn fool.Mostly.But partly because she had this whole not-fitting-in-with-the-Napa-wealthy-crowd attitude."
"Right.And you wanted her to fit in with you."
"Yeah."
She punched his shoulder."But you've figured it out now, right?"
"Yeah.I thought I'd screwed it up completely, but we're past all of that now."
"Well, isn't that all the more reason to get her used to who you really are — and how you really live?"
"It is, but I don't want to rush it.Don't want to push her.I need to take my time and go at her pace."
She gave him a wry smile."This is different from your usual problem, isn't it?"
"What do you mean?"
"Just that when you've started dating someone in the past, we've all been worried that she might be after you for who you are and what you have."
"Ah, yeah.Right.Yep, it's definitely the other way around with Callie."
Willow grinned."You'll get there.I like her.You two seem like a good match to me."
"Thanks."
Reaves came out of the cockpit."Oh, hey, Willow.You're still here.I thought you were in a hurry to get back to Slade."
Willow checked her watch."I am, but we're good for time.I made sure I kept my meeting short and to the point, since I have a date with Slade tonight."She turned to Ollie."And I was hoping that if we got back earlier, you'd be able to spend more time with Callie."She looked at Reaves."And what about you?Are you headed over to your dad's?"
Reaves smiled."Yeah, Dad's decided he wants the sunflower glazes moving to a different position, and Zia has to be there to supervise — and decorate everything with glitter," he added with a chuckle.
Willow laughed."I'd better get going, then, so that you two can get on your way.Are you going to bring Alara out on Saturday night?"she asked Reaves.
He made a face."I'll ask her, but I don't know if she'll feel up to it."He gave Willow a stern look."And if I do, don't go playing matchmaker.And tell the others the same thing, would you?"
"Why?Have you decided that you're not interested in her in that way?"
Ollie had to smile when Reaves said, "No, I'm far too interested.But she has too much else on her plate right now.I'm being there for her as a friend.If anything else happens, it'll be down the line."
Willow rolled her eyes."I don't know what the hell's going on with you two.Neither of you ever used to take your time with women."She smiled."But then I guess it hits us all in the end, doesn't it?"
"What, growing up?"Reaves asked.
"No.Getting serious about someone."
With that, she made her way down the steps and turned back to wave at them."If I don't see you before, get your asses to Muse on Saturday night and bring your women — even if it's only as friends."
After she'd gone, the hangar fell quiet.Late afternoon sunlight slanted through the open doors, catching the dust motes in the air.
Reaves checked his watch."Are you gonna call Callie?"
"I am."
"I'll take care of things here.Go."
Ollie only hesitated for a moment before pulling his phone out of his pocket."I won't leave yet, but if you don't mind closing up, I'll give her a call."
"I don't mind.Go if you want to."
