Page 42 of (Un)Planned

“Calla.” I stood up to approach her before thinking better of it. “You don’t have to put on an act in front of me. I want to see you, all sides of you, even when you’re upset.”

“Fine, you want to know how I feel?” She let out a half-hearted laugh. “I’m so fuckingpissed, Theo. I’m finally doing something with my life, something that I actually enjoy, and then, withonephone call, my mother brings me right back down.” She scoffed as she stood, walking over to the window. “My entire life, I’ve never been enough for her. But there was a small, probably naive part of me that thought she still cared about me and wanted me to be happy.” Calla turned to lean against the ledge, crossing herarms around herself. “When she kicked me out, it was like the dam broke, and all the insecurities and pain she’d caused over the years came rushing out. The mask was off, and I finally saw the real her. And the worst part? I still want her approval. I want my mom to be proud of me. Does that make me pathetic?”

“No, baby, it makes you human. If you’re not ready to see her, don’t.” I reached out to place my hand over hers. “But if you decide to go, I can go with you.”

“I’d never ask that of you.”

“I’m offering, Calla. Think about it. No matter what you decide, I’ll be there with you.”

Calla smiled back at me. “You have no idea how good that sounds. But I’m not sure if I’m willing to subject you to my family. Devyn is the friendly one.”

“You know I don’t scare that easily, beautiful. Besides, if it's a night that ends with you at my side, it’ll be a good one, no matter what happens.”

Calla smirked as if she didn’t quite believe me, but I was telling the absolute truth. I’d walk through fire for this girl. Hopefully, dining with her family wouldn’t be as painful.

But with the look Calla was giving me, it was probably going to be worse.

She wiped her hands over her eyes. “Sorry. This was supposed to be about work, and I’ve unloaded all my crap on you again. Oh, and I forgot. Jack said you have something to run by me?” She leaned back in her chair, hurt lurking in her light brown eyes, but at least it was less than before. “Everything okay?”

My stomach churned, trying to find the words to explain this plan without hurting her more. After everything with her mother, could I honestly push her away, even if it was what was best for the both of us?

I cleared my throat, unable to force the words out. I’d tell her later. In the grand scheme of things, would a couple more days together make a difference? Maybe it made me selfish, but I wanted all of her. I wanted Calla in my home and bed at night and by my side during the day. Not only because she was good at her job, but because it made me the best version of myself.

“Yeah.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “Just wanted to check in on the dinner reservations. Did you set up the ones Allen requested?”

“Of course.” She smiled. “You know I’ve got your back, Theo. We’re a team.”

At her words, I knew I couldn’t tell her, not yet.

TWENTY-FIVE

“Oh my God!” I screamed as I glanced down at my phone. A gorgeous diamond ring filled up the whole screen. I jumped up and down, happy that I was alone in my bedroom so no one else could witness my freak out.

Although, honestly, I didn’t really care. My best friend was about to get engaged to the love of her life, so some celebration wasabsolutelynecessary. I resisted the urge to call her, to revel in the secret only I knew. I chewed on my lower lip, holding my finger over her contact. I dropped the phone. There was no way I’d be able to play it cool right now. I was pretty sure if I ruined the surprise, Cole would hate me forever.

Speaking of Cole—now that my heart rate was back to normal, I texted him back.

COLE

What do you think?

ME

ARE YOU KIDDING? ITS PERFECT. SHE’S GOING TO CRY

COLE

You think so?

ME

Yes, trust me. Alex is going to be a MESS. I’m so happy for you guys!!!

COLE

I’m doing it during the soft opening next weekend. Alex doesn’t know you’re coming, right?

ME

---