Page 184 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

“I’m thinking you’re asking me questions I can’t answer—that we’ve got a long way to go.”

She looked down, feeling her walls coming up as the coolness in his tone surprised her.

“Don’t close me out because you don’t like what I’m saying.”

“You aren’t saying anything.”

“I’ve answered your questions.”

She shook her head. “No, you haven’t. Not really.”

“I don’t know what you want from me, Callie. I’m doing my best.”

“I know,” she said quietly, concentrating on moving her hand through Lucky’s fur again as the dog rested his head on her thigh.

“Do you want to hear that I have as many questions as you do? Or that we’re still no closer to filling in our thirteen-hour time gap after our trip to the mainland?”

The ferry’s horn cut through the tension in the room as Captain Bob’s voice played through the speakers, announcing their impending arrival to the island and the invitation for travelers to head below deck and get in their cars.

Callie gave Lucky a final pat and stood, heading toward the door.

“Wait.” Nate snagged her by the wrist before she could push open the sturdy metal. “Hold on.”

She turned, facing him.

“I’m sorry. I just—I want to be able to answer your questions, but I can’t yet. It’s driving me crazy.”

She nodded. “I’m sorry I keep asking. I know you’re doing everything you can.” She sent him a small smile as she struggled not to cry. Tears would help nothing right now—only make things worse. She smiled again, then turned and headed downstairs toward the bottom floor, caring little if someone from the press stopped her. Suddenly weary, she craved to shut herself into Nate’s old bedroom and draw some of the new lighting ideas that had popped into her mind before their visit in Roxbury. She closed herself in the passenger side of the pickup and fastened her belt as Nate opened his door and set the bag in the console between them.

“Callie, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. Everything’s fine.” Or it would be after she had time to think and tuck the worst of today’s emotions away.

He got in and took her hand, pressing a long kiss to her knuckles. “What do you say we blow off the rest of the afternoon and catch a movie—”

She shook her head. “They’re waiting for you at the office and I have some lighting ideas I want to sketch up to show Molly and Gwen.”

He nodded and turned over the ignition when he was given the go-ahead to drive off the boat. He took a right and headed down Highway 1 toward the mansion as the uncomfortable quiet stretched out between them again. Within moments, they were passing cars parked here and there by the Carter House entrance—reporters waiting for their latest story—before Nate pulled around to the back of the driveway by the garage.

Callie got out and hurried to the door before Nate could stop her and let herself into the warmth of the small mudroom. She took off her boots, then her jacket, and went into the kitchen, stopping in her tracks as Mom sat at the table, staring out at the ocean view. “Mom?”

“Oh, Callie.” Mom rushed to her feet, smiling and lifting her arms for a hug. “There you are, honey.”

Callie hurried to her, fighting to keep her composure as she wrapped her up and breathed in the scent that had brought her comfort for years. “What are you—How did you get here?”

“Nate’s sister from the deli brought me over after I explained who I was.” Mom slid her hand down Callie’s hair. “I’ve been so worried. I know you’ve said you’re fine, but I had to come see for myself.”

She gripped Mom’s sweater and squeezed her eyes shut, losing her battle with her tears as a sob escaped.

“Oh, honey.”

She sucked in a breath and finally let the sorrow and helplessness of the last few days go.

“Come on now. Come on upstairs with me and tell me all of your troubles.” She wrapped her arm around Callie’s shoulders. “I’ll tuck you into bed.”

She let Mom guide her up the steps to Nate’s room, broken enough to let Mom take care of her when she always preferred to take care of herself.