Page 180 of Well Played

“Can I speak to the kids? Have they had dinner yet?”

“Yes, we just got stuff from the chippie.”

“The chippie.” Callie felt the first bubble of annoyance. “I thought you were going to feed them what I bought and put in the fridge.”

Drew sighed.

“It’s my first day of my holiday, Callie. It was a treat.”

“Okay, fine.” Callie didn’t want this argument. “Where are Brad and Kara?”

“Brad’s right here. I’ll go and get Kara.” A rustling and muffled voice came over the line, and then Callie heard her son. “Hi, Mum.”

“Hey, honey.” Callie smiled. “You doing okay? How was school?”

“It was okay. No problems from the usual people. Have you got to Wales?”

“Yes, I’m in the house right now. You would love it. It’s huge.”

“Will you send some pictures?” Brad asked.

“Of course.” Callie paused. “I miss you, honey.”

“I miss you, too.”

Callie kept the conversation going, wishing that she could talk to her son face-to-face. But she couldn’t expect her friends to be responsible for her kids while she was competing. Also, she wasn’t about to get into trouble bringing them out of school to come to Wales; that was a fine she wasn’t about to deal with.

It wasn’t long before Kara joined in, and she sounded so excited talking about her new game that Drew had downloaded for her. At least she sounded happy, and Callie felt an ache in her chest. She wanted to video call them, but neither of them were happy with using the video call and just showed her the top of their heads. This would have to do.

Once the kids had finished, Drew was back on.

“Okay, I’m back.”

“Thanks for that, Drew.”

“It’s fine. Bye.”

“Drew…”

But Drew had already hung up. Sighing, Callie put her phone on the bed and flopped back onto the mattress. She had wanted to remind him to use the food she had bought because he asked her to. Otherwise, it was a waste of food. Maybe she would text him later.

She could only hope that the place wasn’t in a mess when she returned.

“How’s the room?”

Callie lifted her head. Matt was looking around the door, his eyes landing on her after casting them around the room. Callie saw his gaze slide down her body, and she felt a throbbing start between her legs. Clearing her throat, she pressed her thighs together and sat up quickly.

“Bed’s very comfortable.” She managed a smile. “I think I’ll enjoy sleeping in here.”

“I bet.” Matt’s expression warmed as he moved into the room, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Ben and I are going to have fun jostling for the best bed in our room.”

“Why don’t you share one? I’m sure Ben won’t mind.”

“He might not, but I do. I like my space.” Matt paused. “You called the kids? They okay?”

“They’re fine. Drew got them food from the chippie instead of making them something.” Callie huffed. “What was the point of bringing the food in on his request and he doesn’t use it?”

“Have you told him that?”

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