“Hello, Cole.”
He went still. “Callie. Why are you calling me?”
“I’ll be home for Thanksgiving. I thought maybe we could get together.”
“Why would we do that? I haven’t heard from you in a year.”
“I’d love to see you.”
“How many times have you been home since you left?”
A pause. “I was back last Thanksgiving. And Christmas.”
“And you never called once.” He leaned against the wall. “Not once.”
“I didn’t think you’d want to hear from me.”
“You’re right. So, what changed? You heard I’m seeing someone, didn’t you.”
It wasn’t really a question.
“I might have heard something,” she said.
“Might have. Callie, you still have people here. I’m sure you knew within the hour.”
“Is it serious?”
“Is that any of your business?”
“Cole.” Her voice softened. “I miss you.”
“Have a good day, Callie.”
“Wait.”
He stopped. “What.”
“I’ll see you soon.” She hung up.
He stood there a moment staring at the phone. What was she after? He knew her well enough to know this wasn’t sentiment. It was something else.
“It doesn’t matter,” he muttered. “She just doesn’t like the idea of you being happy without her.”
“You talking to yourself?” Rio had come back in through the side door.
Cole pocketed his phone. “Callie just called me.”
Rio’s expression shifted. “What for?”
“She’s coming home for Thanksgiving. I think someone told her about Aftyn.”
“Ah.” Rio shook his head slowly. “Doesn’t want you, just doesn’t want anyone else to have you.”
“That’s about the size of it.”
“I never liked her, Cole.”
“I know you didn’t.” He pushed off the wall. “I’m heading inside. Talk to you later.”
