“Didn’t give their child any love or affection? No, you weren’t abused physically, but you absolutely were emotionally neglected. And you were, still are, manipulated by them. Can’t you see, that to your parents, you’re nothing more than a tool for them to use for their own betterment?”
Reagan’s words were harsh, but she softened the blow with a loving tone. Still, it was hard to hear. Callie sat up and wrapped her arms around her knees.
She didn’t meet Reagan’s gaze as she replied quietly, “You don’t understand. I don’t think my parents know how to love, not even each other. I watched them after the photo shoot last week, they did not even speak to each other unless they had to. How can they show me love if they don’t know what love even is? Maybe they’re doing the best they can.”
“Callie, please. You’re so quick to defend them, only because you have the biggest heart of anyone I know. But listen to your own words. You talk about them doing what they think is best, but it’s definitely not what would be best for you. When will you stop living your life for your parents, and start living it for yourself?”
As Reagan’s words hung in the silence that followed, Callie admitted to herself that her heart had been at war for too long. The conflict between reaching for her own dreams and trying to obtain her parents approval was exhausting, and Callie yearned to find peace. Jake’s face came to mind, unbidden, and Callie smiled as she let herself feel the happiness and excitement he had brought to her life. Perhaps he could be the key to finding peace within herself.
“Okay, I hear you. I think I need to stop overthinking all of this. Distract me, please! Pour us some more wine, and let’s talk about you and the way you eyed up Chase when he took the stage the other night. What was going on there? Could it be, does Reagan Grant have a crush?”
Callie’s teasing made Reagan’s cheeks turn bright red with embarrassment.
“Oh my god, you’re nuts. Chase? I wasn’t watching him, I mean I was, but only because we were there to see him play! Sure, he’s ridiculously good looking but come on. As if a sexy musician like him, could possibly have any interest in me.”
Callie shook her head sadly in response, “You have no idea what everyone else sees when they look at you, Reagan. You look in the mirror and I don’t know what you see. But everyone else? They see a stunning woman, with curves that make blind men drool. You’ve got hair that most women pay big bucks to get at the salon, and eyes that light up a room. You’re beautiful inside and out. When are you going to believe that?”
Reagan’s eyes filled with tears as she said, “You have to say that. You’re my best friend.”
“That’s crap. I don’t have to say anything but the truth,” Callie scoffed. “And the way Chase was watching you the other night at the pub, I don’t think I’m wrong in saying he looks at you with big time lust in his eyes.”
Surprise flooded Reagan’s expressive face at what Callie said.
“He was watching me?”
“Yes! And if you hadn’t disappeared so quickly after his set, I bet he would have come and joined us for a drink. What was that all about anyway? I’ve never seen you this nervous around a guy.”
“That’s because he is way out of my league. I mean come on, he’s a freaking rock star. He must have his pick of women. What would he want with a would-be baker who clearly enjoys too many of her own treats?” Reagan rolled her eyes as she gestured to her curvaceous hips, “I know you think I’m too hard on myself, but seriously, give it a rest. Chase is pretty to look at, but he’s not for me. Besides, he’s probably a total man whore. Yuck.”
Callie looked at her friend for a moment. She could tell that Reagan was uncomfortable with the conversation and knew that her dear friend came with years of baggage in the form of low self esteem and body image issues. She decided to drop it, for now.
“I think you’re insane, but I won’t push you. Just for the record, Jake says Chase is a nice guy. So, don’t be too quick to judge him okay?”
Reagan gave Callie a small smile. “Yeah, you’re right. I’m not being fair.” She sighed wistfully, “he is so damn sexy isn’t he.”
“Amen to that. Cheers to the sexy men of the Lucky Strike!” Callie proclaimed.
Both women giggled before clinking their glasses and taking a long drink.
Putting her glass down, Callie took Reagan’s hand and turned a plaintive gaze on her friend.
“Now on to a serious matter. I need your help Reagan. You know I am a disaster in the kitchen, so what do I have to do to get my amazingly talented best friend to whip up one of her delicious pumpkin pies for me to take to Jake’s family dinner on Thursday?”
A short while later, as the girls cleaned up the living room and prepared to watch a movie, Callie’s phone rang.
She glanced at the caller ID and groaned, “It’s my mother.”
“Don’t answer,” Reagan pleaded, knowing her words would be ignored. Sure enough, Callie answered the call.
“Hi Mother, what’s up?”
“Well Callista, that is a rather crude way to answer the phone. Where are your manners? I know I taught you better than that.”
Callie stifled a sigh, clearly it wasn’t going to be a pleasant conversation.
“I’m sorry Mother. How lovely to hear from you. What can I help you with?”
Reagan snorted quietly at the sarcasm dripping from Callie’s words. Callie simply rolled her eyes and motioned for Reagan to fill up her wine glass. Listening to her mother would require alcoholic fortification.
