We hope we can share these with you again in the future, but for now, we hope you and your roommates enjoy them. Love, Max & Miles
My friends watch me read the message, but they don’t ask about it as I tuck it away.
“Are they still sending you iced coffees?” Marissa asks.
“Yeah.”
“That’s sweet.”
I arrange the dessert containers on the counter. “They just feel guilty.”
“I’m sure they do,” Ana says, “but they wouldn’t do all of this out of guilt. Guilt usually makes people avoid a situation, not stay connected to it.”
“I agree,” Marissa says. “Guilt is a hundred dollar coffee shop gift card, not a daily delivery.”
CHAPTER 62
CALLIE
The next day at Big Daddy’s, a familiar person comes into the shop. If I were only seeing her face, I might not remember who she is, but her spiky rose gold hair and vibrant clothing tip me off immediately. It feels like forever ago that I met her the first time I went to Max and Miles’s beach house. I also saw her briefly during a couple of our pre-wedding study sessions.
I give her a wave. “Hi, Ms. Collins. Do you remember me? Callie Baker.”
“I surely do, dear, but I didn’t know you worked here.”
I nod as she steps up to the counter. “I haven’t seen you in here before.”
“I don’t typically get food out, but one of my bridge friends has been raving about the sandwiches here. Something about a Big Texan Daddy?”
I can’t help but giggle at the face she makes as she names the sandwich. “That’s right. Brisket with barbecue sauce, white cheddar, pickles and onions.”
“Sounds good. Sign me up for one of those.”
As I take her payment, she says, “I haven’t seen you at the house lately.”
“Oh. Umm … are Max and Miles still living there?”
“Yes, they sure are, dear. They extended their lease, actually.” As she focuses on counting out change from a coin purse, she says, “They haven’t been themselves, lately, though. Very mopey now, those boys, even Max.” Looking up at me, she adds, “I miss that boy’s grin.”
As soon as she says it, it hits me hard. I miss Max’s grin, too. And Miles’s grumpy face.
I miss them.
After I thank Ms. Collins and tell her that her sandwich will be ready soon, she gives me a wave and moves down the counter. “Hope to see you around, Callie.”
They extended their lease?Maybe there’s more to investigate in the area?
Much as I try not to think about them, they fill my thoughts for the rest of the day.
I’m off the next day, and I sleep in. Dreams of Max and Miles wake me a couple of times, but I put on my podcast, roll over, and fall back asleep until well into the morning.
When I finally come out of my room, I find Ana and Marissa standing at the front window, peeking through the blinds.
“What’s going on?”
There are odd grins on both of their faces when they turn to look at me. “Your car is being washed.”
I frown at them, wondering if I’m still sleepier than I realize as I go to the window.
