“First of all, it’s his loss. Nobody in their right mind wouldn’t want you. You’re beautiful, smart, funny, and independent. I’m glad you left. But why didn’t you call me to help? I would have come in a heartbeat. I thought we were better friends than that.”
She laughs. But it’s not because anything’s funny. It’s self-deprecating. “There was no way I was calling you. I left because it hurt too much to be around you and you not noticing me as anything more than Miles’s little sister. It didn’t help that some girls in my class gave me crap about it and called me pathetic. When I got the scholarship to a school in Oklahoma, I took it and never looked back. I couldn’t let you see how horribly my life turned out.”
Fuck. She’s breaking my heart as much as she did when she left and broke all contact without an explanation.
“I’m sorry.”
“For what?” She’s genuinely confused.
“Everything. If I had asked you out back then, all of this could have been avoided. I was too worried about what Miles would think, and what it would change with my friend if things didn’t work out.”
“That wasn’t all on you,” she argues. “Besides, if things didn’t play out exactly how they did, I wouldn’t have Lexi. Or this chance with you.”
I hold up my mug of hot chocolate and clink it to hers. “Here’s to second chances.”
Twenty-Four
Callie
“I’ve got good news.” Peter announces as he comes into the bedroom.
“What are you still doing here? You’re always gone by the time we leave for school and work.” I’m putting my shirt on and I’m certain the words are muffled. Hopefully he gets the gist of what I’m saying.
“True, but I’m going in late today.” He rushes to me and wraps his arms around my waist. It feels like a bear hug the way he envelopes me. “Can I get the key to your house?”
“Why?” I catch his eyes in the mirror.
“Because the good news is the plumber called me as I was about to head out the door. He’s on his way over there.” He smiles as if he’s just delivered the best news.
It is, but I’m going to miss this. Being in the same space as him and knowing I’m wanted here.
“Do I need to take off work?” I nibble on my bottom lip. Taking off my first week on the job probably isn’t a great decision, but this is a good reason. It’s not like I’m blowing off work.
“Nope. That’s why I’m going in late. I’m one of the bosses and as long as I get what I need to done before the weekend rush, everything will be gravy.” He kisses my cheek before taking a step back. “And I already sent Eric a text. He can bring Lexi home today if I can’t leave the winery.”
He really is too good to me. Conrad would never have taken the initiative. One of these days I’ll stop comparing the two. But it’s still early for us. Not even a week. I may be open to us seeing where this goes, but I still need to protect my heart…and Lexi’s.
“I was going to have Parker pick her up, but she hasn’t even met him yet. Hopefully that’ll change soon.”
“You’re telling your family?”
“Absolutely. You already know my siblings love you. They have since we were kids. And they’re going to adore Lexi. Especially Piper. They’ve invited us to game night if you’re up for it.”
“Sure. I don’t think Lexi has any plans. At least, not that she’s told me about.”
He gives me another hug before backing out of the room. “I’ll let you get ready. If I stay in here there’s a chance, you’ll be late for work.”
I roll my eyes and toss a pillow at him. “You’re ridiculous.” Not going to lie, I love it. He shows me he wants me, and I know it’s not because he gets something out of it.
A quick glance at the clock tells me I need to get my butt in gear. I finish applying my makeup and settle for a braid over my shoulder. It’s the one day a week we can dress casually and I’m taking advantage of it.
I grab my purse from the dresser and dig around for my keys, pulling the one to my house off it. Making copies of it is next on my list of things to do. Lexi needs one, and at least Miles. Though, if I’m being honest, I’ll probably have one made for Peter as well. He’s the closest should anything happen.
“Lexi, are you ready?” I call down the hall as I leave the room.
“Almost. Give me two minutes.” She’s already pushing the time crunch. She gets to school early now because of my job. But soon she’ll be able to drive herself. Well, as soon as I get the course information.
“Here you go.” I hold the key out for Peter. “Crap, I don’t have time to take Alice out.”
