Page 65 of Screwed
Her father shook his head regretfully. “What’s happened to you, Callie? You used to be such a sweet, obedient girl.”
For a few seconds, she couldn’t speak. Pressure built in her chest, squeezing the air out her lungs. Yes, she used to be a sweet, obedient little girl, because she thought that was how she could win her parents’ love and affection. Now, she wanted to cry for the girl she’d been, trying so hard to be good. Just wanting to be loved for more than her good manners and social standing and suitable husband.
No more. She wasn’t that girl anymore.
She fought to keep her voice steady. “I used to be what you wanted me to be, Daddy. But that wasn’t really me, and I wasn’t really happy. Now I’m doing what I want, and I’m having fun.” She swallowed. “I’m accomplishing something, something all my own.”
“You upset your mama the other day, with your tattoo—”
“What?” Beau’s head jerked around. “Tattoo?”
Callie rolled her eyes.
“And missing church,” Daddy continued. “And then starting this business without even telling us.”
Now her entire body trembled with pent-up frustration. She’d never in her life gone against her parents’ wishes. She’d always tried to please them, hoping and hoping for their approval and affection. The fact that they were disappointed in her yet again might have been enough to crumble her at one point in her life. But where had trying to please them ever gotten her?
She’d thought she loved Beau. But, looking back, she’d never been truly happy in their marriage. She’d been doing what her parents wanted, and what Beau wanted—putting on a smiling face, going to her fun little job, doing charity work, hosting dinners, charming clients. It had felt empty and meaningless—well, other than the charity work; she enjoyed the work she did with the Make-A-Wish Foundation—and when Beau had cheated on her, it had nearly destroyed what little self-esteem she had.
She wasn’t going to let them continue to do that to her.
“You got a tattoo?” Beau asked.
“Yes. But never mind that.”
Beau huffed. “You’re going to run the business out of here?”
“Yes.” She gave a firm nod. “That’s the plan.”
“You can’t do that.”
Callie crossed over to the corner where she’d set up a small office area, hoping her unsteady legs would support her. She picked up her business license, strode back to Beau, and slapped it into his hand. “Oh yes I can.”
He glanced at the paper, then stared at her. “You’re serious about this.”
Daddy moved to Beau’s side and took the license to study it.
“Of course I am.” She shook her head. “Would you like to see my business plan, Daddy? I told Mama you could review it if you wanted.” She picked up a folder and handed it to her father. She crossed her arms and leaned against the counter, trying to appear confident as he flipped through the pages.
After a moment, Daddy lifted his gaze. His thick eyebrows rose, and he nodded slowly. “I’m impressed.”
Callie’s breath stuck in her throat for a moment. She’d never heard that from her father. But this wasn’t about impressing him. This was about doing what she loved to do. “And apparently surprised,” she said. “Thanks for thinking so highly of me.”
“Callie.” Daddy actually looked chagrined.
She sighed. “Thank you, Daddy.” Her timer dinged. “If you’ll excuse me. I have work to do.”
She moved to the oven to remove the cookie cups, giving them her back, biting down hard on her bottom lip, her eyes stinging.
When she turned to set the tray on a cooling rack, they were still standing there watching her.
“I have clients already, and I’m getting a lot of positive feedback about my work,” she said. “I’m proud of what I’m doing, and if you aren’t…then please, just go, and leave me alone.”
“Callie, don’t be so dramatic,” Beau said.
Dramatic? What the hell? Spots flashed in front of her vision, and she opened her mouth. Before she could say anything, Daddy surprisingly spoke up. “Those cookies smell amazing.”
She closed her eyes briefly, then started lifting her cookie cups from the baking tray to another rack. “Thanks, Daddy.” She had to focus on being gentle as they were still warm and soft.
