Callie didn't manage to get away from Becca and Jacob's place until five twenty.She'd thought that Jacob would be glad for her to be on her way when he got home, but he was disappointed that she wasn't going to stay for dinner.She felt bad about dipping out on them, and he made her promise to at least consider coming to Muse with everyone on Saturday night.
She really liked him.He might seem like a Napa big shot from the outside, but on the inside, he was a sweet guy, and there was no mistaking that he loved Becca to pieces.
It was just after five thirty by the time she pulled up outside Molly's restaurant.She spotted Ollie's SUV parked a little farther down the street and hurried inside.
Molly's was warm and golden inside, the hum of conversation and clinking glasses making it feel like a place where people belonged.She'd been here for Becca's bachelorette party, but tonight it felt quieter.More intimate.
"Hey, Callie.It's good to see you."Grady greeted her with a smile."Ollie's over in the corner booth by the window.I'll be with you guys in a minute."
"Okay, thanks, Grady.It's good to see you."
He smiled and jerked his chin toward Ollie, who hadn't spotted her yet.He was talking to Molly.
"He's a good guy, you know."
She smiled."Yeah, thanks.I know."
Grady chuckled."Sorry, I probably shouldn't say it, but if things for you guys go the way they seem to for everyone else around here, then don't second-guess yourself."
She frowned."What do you mean?"
"Yeah, I really shouldn't say it, but...Don't let me put you off if I've got the wrong idea.It's just that Becca and I talked a little when she and Jacob first got together.She was worried about moving in with him so fast, and all I could tell her was that it was nowhere near as fast as I moved in with Hannah.I stayed over at her place on our first date — that wasn't even really a date," he added with a smile, "and I'm still there to this day."
Callie shot a sideways glance at Ollie, who had spotted her now and was grinning."Yeah, thanks for the warning."
She liked Grady.And he was another one who came from a different background.He worked here for Molly in the restaurant, and yet he didn't seem to have had a problem fitting in with Hannah Jacobs.They lived together in her cottage on the Jacobs estate.
"Like I said, I'm not trying to overstep, but Ollie's a good guy.I'd like to see him happy."
She glanced over at him again."You don't think he is?"
"Yeah, sure.I mean, he's happy, but out of all these guys..."Grady shrugged."I really am running my mouth too much here, aren't I?It sounds like a weird thing to say, especially coming from me — but I've always felt a bit sorry for him."
"Why?"
"Because he has all that money, but no family."
They both laughed when Molly put her hands on her hips and called, "Are you going to let her come in and sit down, Grady?"
"She's on her way," Grady called back, and then winked at Callie."I'll take my nose right back out of your business and let you go."
She smiled.He wasn't being nosy or interfering, she knew that.He was trying to help, and that counted for a lot.
She hurried over to the booth, and Molly stood aside to let her sit.
The leather of the booth was worn soft, and when she slid in across from him, it felt like settling into somewhere familiar — even though she'd never sat here with him before.
"I have to tell you, I'm happy to see you guys together."
"I am too," said Ollie with a smile.
When they both turned to her, Callie laughed."Okay, I'll admit it.Me three."
"That's all I needed to know," said Molly."I'm on my way home.Grady's in charge tonight, so I'll leave you in his capable hands.But I'll see you on Saturday night, right?Won't I?"
Callie met Ollie's gaze, and he laughed."I don't know if you've heard about this."
She laughed with him."Only from every single person I've spoken to since I arrived in town."
