Page 93 of Screwed
“Okay, let’s hit the road.” Kristy picked up the wine. “If traffic’s okay we should be there before eight.”
“Sorry to make you wait for me.”
“It’s fine, Cal. Charlotte and Emma went earlier and got us checked in at the hotel. They’ll probably be drunk by the time we get there.”
“And full of gumbo.”
Kristy laughed. “That, too.”
They hit I-10 and sped east through the city, talking about all kinds of things and listening to music.
As they neared Mont Belvieu, Kristy shot her a look and said, “Everything okay?”
“Yeah. Why?”
“You seem a little down. Business is going well, right?”
“Yeah, it’s going great. Some days I’m selling out of stuff before we close.”
“That’s awesome. How’s your new salesgirl working out?”
“Ginnie’s great.” She sighed and looked down at her hands and tried not to burst into tears at Kristy’s questions. “Oh, Kristy.” Her voice quivered. “I think I’m in big trouble.”
“What’s wrong?” Alarm raised Kristy’s voice, and she shot Callie a sideways glance.
She told Kristy about Cash’s withdrawal. “I don’t understand what happened.”
Kristy was silent, then said quietly, “But you knew you two couldn’t really be together.”
Anguish squeezed her lungs. “I know. But…” She nibbled her thumb nail.
“You fell in love with him.”
She nodded morosely.
“Maybe he decided to end things before Beau found out.”
Callie’s eyes stung, and she squeezed them shut. “But still…we were friends.”
“Who were banging each other’s brains out.”
Callie choked on a half laugh, half sob. “Sort of, yeah. I just… I was getting this feeling that maybe it could be more than that. That maybe itwasmore than that. I don’t know. It’s just weird that he answers my texts with just a few words and lets my calls go to voicemail.”
“Well, the best way to know what’s going on is to ask him.”
Callie chewed her bottom lip. “I know. I know you’re right. I guess…the truth is, I’m scared.”
“Scared that he’ll say, yes, it’s over?”
“Yeah.” Her heart constricted, and she pulled in a shaky breath through her nose.
“This was what I was worried about,” Kristy murmured. “Shit.” She reached out and gave Callie’s forearm a squeeze. “I don’t know what to say, hon. I only saw you two together that one day, and it wasn’t for long, but he did seem really into you. He’s such a…Southern gentleman, I guess is how I’d describe him. I know he doesn’t come from the same social circles as Beau and your family, but he seems like a great guy.”
Callie’s throat squeezed. “Heisa great guy.”
“But itisawkward, him being Beau’s friend.” She paused. “D’you think Beau would ever accept you and Cash being together?”
Callie’s lips pushed out. “I…don’t know.” Yeah, she did know. Beau would be pissed. “I need wine.”
