Page 38 of Fierce Storm
I hang up the phone and laugh to myself. Fine with a capital F? She’s not wrong. But really? Does she think it’s going to work if I pitch it to him that way?
Checking the time, I slip into my heels, a smile locked in place, ready to find Sal. I only make it around my desk when my phone rings again, my smile widening when I see the name on the screen.
“Callum? It can’t be.”
“Yeah, yeah. It’s me. Don’t get used to it.”
My best friend never calls me. I call him regularly and he’s happy to chat. Well, as happy as a strong, silent type having to listen to his bestie get everything off her chest can be. But he never calls.
I laugh to myself until reality sinks in.He called me. “What’s wrong?” I try to keep my voice even, but fail to hide the hint of panic in my tone.
“Nothing’s wrong, Keeley. Do you think I’d call you if it was?”
“Yes. Why wouldn’t you?”
“Because you’re on the other side of the world. How are you going to help if I jammed my finger in the door or cut my foot open?”
“For a serious guy, you’re a real comedian. And an idiot. There are these things called emotions and feelings. You can have issues that are not physical.”
“Right. Nah, I’m good.”
“But you’re calling me?”
“I am. Mum was asking about you and filling me in on your mum, so I called.” I can picture him shrugging, and it almost makes me laugh.
“How is Bonnie? Is she there?”
“She’s good. She was over last night.”
“Last night? Oh, I forgot it’s early in the morning in Scotland. Are you on your way to work?”
“The gym then work. So, what’s new with you?”
“You’re asking questions now? Who are you and what have you done with my best friend? Wait. I think I’ve figured you out.Your mom asked about me and you didn’t have answers, did you?”
“Not a single one.”
“What did she ask?”
“How you’re coping with your mum’s illness. Whether or not you’re getting enough sleep or time to yourself. If you’redating.”
“No wonder you couldn’t answer. I usually only talk about work.”
“I know that. But as your friend, I should be asking about the rest. Apparently. So…”
“So…what?” I tease, trying not to laugh as I pretend to be confused, making him work for it.
“You know what I’m asking.”
“I really don’t.”
“Dammit, Keeley. How are you coping with your mum’s illness? Are you getting enough sleep and time to yourself? Are you dating?”
“That wasn’t so hard, was it?” I bite back another laugh, and he groans.
“Just answer the questions.”
“God, you and Easton are so alike, it kills me. Although, maybe that’s why we’re so close. I’m used to it. In answer to your questions… I’m okay. I’m trying to be there for Mom as much as I can be, while also making sure she doesn’t feel like I’m suffocating her. You know Mom; she likes her independence. Which I’m sure you understand with your Grandad. Am I getting enough sleep or time to myself? No. But I’m okay with that. I love my job. And as for my dating life. There’s no one.”
