I cross my arms and grin at her, not denying it.
“This summer, you’ve helped my family greatly. I hope you realize that, Silvie. You’ve made more progress with my sister than I’ve made in six years. I’ve offered the best therapists, support, and I’ve tried everything. But you? You bring them both back to life.”
That gives me pause.
“Cal has a hard time showing love and letting people in,” she continues. “He will rearrange his whole life to protect the people he loves.”
My throat tightens. I look toward the hallway again, suddenly aware of just how much Cal has given me without me knowing how big of a deal it is.
“And my sister,” she says softly. “She hasn’t let anyone in for a long time. And now she has a book club, gets makeovers, and speaks of you as if you are her new best friend.”
That makes me smile. “She is my new best friend. I adore her.”
The shower turns off down the hall, and Donna smiles, but there’s something else there, too. Something watchful.
“I don’t mean to intrude on anything...”
“You don’t,” Donna says. “That’s the point. Has Cal ever talked to you about his father?”
I still. “Not much.”
“Hmm,” she murmurs.
Carly steps into the room then, smiling, a towel still wrapped around her hair, wearing shorts and a T-shirt. The tense moment breaks. But something has definitely shifted between us.
And now I’m wondering deep down, what else does Cal have buried? And why do I feel like it’s starting to surface?
And I’m in too deep to step away.
28
Cal
The bar’spacked in the way that makes Cocktails & Chaos feel alive. We have a live band tonight that is one of my favorites, and this is the night to be at the bar. The weather is perfect, the music is great, and Silvie’s here.My wife.
I don’t get tired of thinking that.
The Bees have taken over a few tables and somehow made this even more fun with a dartboard set up. No idea where that came from, but we’ll go with it. Sometimes it’s best not to ask the Bees any questions.
Silvie is at a table with Mia, Summer, and Wendy. They’re all swapping stories, doing shots, laughing, and catching up like normal friends who do this. And that’s what is fun to see. Silvie has become a local. Not an easy thing to do, but she’s done it. She fits in here.
I’m working behind the bar, making drinks, and grinning like an idiot every time I catch Silvie’s eye. I want to drag her home and fuck her senseless, but she’s having a good time, and I need to work.
A hand reaches over the bar and rests on my forearm. I look over to see a blonde woman who looks to be in her early twenties. “You single?” she asks, shouting over the music.
I don’t hesitate and lift up my hand, proudly showing off my ring. “I’m married.”
And it feels good to say that. Who would have thought that I’dlove being married? If you’d have asked me several months ago, I’d swear I’d never get married.
She laughs. “Figures. All the good ones always are. Who is the lucky lady?”
I nod toward Silvie, who is watching this, looking less than impressed by what is happening.
Silvie says something to the women, and they all turn and watch. Great, now we have an audience.
The woman follows my gaze and lifts her drink in a salute to Silvie. “Damn. Lucky.”
“Yeah,” I say quietly and mostly to myself. “We are.”
