Page 51 of Both Sides Now

“Damn straight. I need to know we’re on the same page, and you’re not going to screw with my friend. She’s vulnerable, no matter what line of crap she feeds you. She’s not nearly as strong as you think.”

How can Shawn and I see such different versions of the same woman?

I lean forward, resting my arms on the desk. “That’s where you’re wrong. She’s remarkably resilient. Callista went through the true definition of hell on earth, but she didn’t quit, even when quitting seemed the optimal choice. Now, she’s pushing forward, forging a new life for herself. I respect the hell out of that woman. Trust me, I’ll kill anyone who hurts her. You have my word.”

My statements hit their target, and Shawn stands, extending his hand. “Thank you. I appreciate your candor. Take care of her on Long Island. I’m glad she’s getting back to her old self again. I think you play a big part in that, whether she admits it or not.”

He leaves my office, but his words hang in the air. I’m not sure what this weekend holds for Calli and me, but I guarantee one thing.

If she brings that lacy lingerie along, there’s no way in hell I won’t make good on my promise.

Many,manytimes over.

I glance over at Callista,her hands knotted in her lap. She’s been tense as a board since we started the drive, and I worry she’s having second thoughts about the entire weekend. Maybe Shawn had a pep talk with her, too.

“You want to talk about it?”

A tremulous smile crosses her gorgeous mouth. “I’m nervous.”

It’s the first time a woman has ever offered up that honest of an explanation. Hell, it’s the first time a woman has cared enough to worry about … me.

Squeezing her hand, I offer a smile. “Relax. My family is going to love you.”

Calli releases a huffed sigh, the tension sliding from her face. “It’s so silly because this isn’t real, but I worry they won’t approve of us together. That they’ll think you can—and should—do better. Proof positive I need to get out more.”

Is she crazy? She’s one of the classiest women I know. No way my family won’t like her. They’ll likely trade me in and hold onto her.

Can’t say I blame them.

But I need to lighten the moment. Make her laugh. Doesn’t hurt she has the best laugh on the planet.

“Nothing like a family wedding to test the waters. If it helps, there will be tons of free alcohol,” I reply with a smirk.

“I don’t think me getting snookered is the best way to impress your folks.”

“It’s just my mom.”

Calli pivots in her seat, her gray eyes regarding me intently. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize your father had passed.”

My grip tightens on the steering wheel. “He might still be alive. I wouldn’t know.”

“Has he ever been lucky enough to know you?”

I grunt out a mirthless laugh. “Know me? Not hardly. He left when I was four. Found a new life that suited him better.”

She tucks her legs under her, and I realize she isn’t going to let the matter drop.

A matter I don’t discuss with anyone. Not even my mother.

“Now I get it,” Calli murmurs, resting her chin in her hand.

“What’s that?”

“Your aversion to love and romance. I assumed some silly girl had broken your heart, but your truth is far worse. The man who was supposed to put you above all else … didn’t. I’m sorry that was your experience.”

Tension creases my brow, and I run my hand over my forehead, desperate to release the pressure.

But another part of me, those last remaining remnants ofmy inner child, need to get it out. Speak the words aloud instead of holding them hostage in my brain.

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