Page 73 of Screwed
“That sucks.”
“It does. But it’s okay. Obviously, they’re not going to invite meandmy ex to parties and such.”
“I suppose that could be uncomfortable.”
“Well, Beau and I aren’t screaming mad at each other. But yeah. And since I’ve been living in the house, Cash has been really helpful when I need something fixed. Which happens way too often.”
“He’s used to looking after people.” Ginnie rolled her eyes. “Whether we want him to or not.”
Callie smiled and sipped some champagne. “Overprotective big brother?”
“Oh yeah.” She made a face. “But he looks after Mama, which is good since I’m not around right now. And honestly, I can’t really complain, since he’s putting me through school.”
Callie blinked. “He is? Oh wow. I didn’t know that.”
“Mama wouldn’t have been able to afford it. I mean, she’s comfortable now, with her admin assistant job, and since Cash bought her the new condo, she’s okay. And she would have helped me, but Cash stepped up. Of course, I work summer jobs to help pay for things.” She paused. “I need to get on that for this year.”
He bought his mother a condo. And paid for his sister’s college education. While he lived in a modest place of his own and drove a Ford pickup.
Kevin joined them then, and Callie tuned out their affectionate banter as she let this knowledge sink in. She watched Cash on the other side of the room, talking to his mom’s lady friends, charming them with his bright smile and gleaming eyes, leaning in to listen to something Barb said, then laughing. She observed the pride on his mom’s face as she looked at him.
Oh God. Callie’s ribs squeezed tight. She gulped some champagne, finishing her glass.
“More champagne?” Nahla appeared with a bottle.
“Thank you.”
She’d liked Cash for a long time. As Beau’s friend. And then as her friend. But now…this huge, swelling feeling inside her felt like…a lot more than friendship.
Everything around her faded away into blurred darkness and muted noise, and she stood alone, contemplating what was happening inside her. This immense feeling…how much she cared about him. How much she admired him. How he did so much for others, and how much they obviously loved him, too. How he made her feel so good about herself, and how she wanted to give that back to him.
She couldn’t be falling in love with Cash. Sweet loving Lord, that would be so bad. Not only was he off-limits, she was on a mission to prove that she could be an independent woman and accomplish something of value.
She shook her head and returned to reality as Cash spoke to the group. “If everyone wants to find their seats, we’re ready to start dinner.”
Callie saw that Ginnie had set out name cards printed on pretty pink stock. Mrs. Hale was seated in the middle of the long table for twelve, with Cash on one side of her and Ginnie on the other. Callie found her seat next to Cash, and he held her chair while she slid into it. “Thank you,” she murmured.
The evening passed quickly, with delicious food, conversation, and laughter. The courses were served family style, platters of chicken with basil and garlic, gnocchi, and a creamy risotto that were passed around so everyone could sample the various dishes. Mrs. Hale had been firm that she wanted no gifts, so once the table had been cleared, the cake was served with coffee and tea. The restaurant cut the cake and plated it, and Callie smiled to see Mrs. Hale’s serving had the biggest flower and the butterfly.
Once more, she was pleased when everyone complimented her on how good the cake was.
After dessert, the guests lingered at the table, some drinking coffee, others finishing the bottles of wine. When things started to wind down, she rose from the table with the others, saying good night to those leaving.
Cash’s mom moved closer to her, away from the rest of the group. “Thank you again for the beautiful cake.”
“You’re very welcome. I’m glad you liked it.”
“Cash talks a lot about you.”
Callie blinked. “He does?”
Mrs. Hale smiled. “He does.”
“Well, we’re, uh, friends.” Even as she said the words, she knew they didn’t sound convincing.
“So he says. You know, Cash has very strong feelings about loyalty and honor.”
Callie gazed at Mrs. Hale. “I know.” What was she getting at?
