The smile I’m learning to like far too much plays on his lips. “Only when someone needs to be heroically rescued with food.”
I learn more about their family while we finish our meal. Their parents are still together and live in the next state. Their sister, who’s a few years older than me, is already married.
“What about you two? Any serious relationships?”
In unison, the men shake their heads. “We’ve been too busy with our work,” Max explains.
“Tell me more about that. What do you do, Miles?”
Miles is in the middle of chewing, so Max answers for him. “We’re both software consultants. We worked for different companies originally, but a little over a year ago, we decided to start our own business.”
I nod, encouraging him to go on. “That’s great.”
“We have to travel a lot, but our schedules are flexible, and we can live wherever we want.”
“Sounds perfect.”
“What about you, Callie? Why do you work two jobs and so many hours?”
There’s a long answer and a short answer to this question, and I choose the one that I give most people. “I’m saving money for school expenses.”
Max is poised to ask a followup question, but I put a piece of broccoli in my mouth, and to my relief, he doesn’t press.
CHAPTER 15
MILES
“Tell us more about your ex who’s going to be at the wedding. I assume you’re not on good terms with him.”
We’ve moved from the table to the adirondack chairs. Max brought out bowls of chocolate ice cream for each of us and is continuing his inquisition while we have dessert.
“His name is Rick, and no, the terms aren’t good.”
“Why was he invited to the wedding? Is he a family friend?”
Callie tries to look casual, but her jaw has tensed. “Apparently, he’s now dating the groom’s sister.”
“How long ago did you break up?” I ask.
Her brows lift as she looks my way, probably because I haven’t asked many questions. “A few months ago.”
“How do you want to play it?” Max asks her. “Should we pretend he’s not there, or tell him I’m a billionaire who’s swept you off your feet?”
She shakes her head, looking weary. “I don’t know. I’d like to be able to pretend he’s not there. I just want to get through it.”
“We’ll play it by ear, then,” Max says. “Are you available for dinner the day after tomorrow? We can do this again. We need to set up a backstory for our relationship.”
Callie swallows a spoonful of ice cream, slowly drawing the utensil from her lips. “I am available, but you don’t have to make dinner for me.”
She finishes her last spoonful, and I stand to collect her empty bowl. “We have to eat. It’s no problem making enough for one more person.”
“At least let me bring something, and can I help clean up tonight?”
“Bring a dessert if you like, and no need on the cleanup. It all goes in the dishwasher.”
“Well, thank you. I’d better get home and get to bed.” As she stands to follow me, the quick full-body stretch she does is reflected on the sliding glass door, and I pause to watch.
Ever since he saw Callie at the sandwich shop, my brother’s been giving me shit about my sudden devotion to yoga. I won’t admit it, but he’s probably correct in saying that I wouldn’t still be going to class if Callie weren’t the instructor.
