Page 53 of Both Sides Now

Home. It’s been too long.

Calli offers a shrug as she flips down the visor mirror to apply some lip balm. “Now I really want to meet your mother.”

“Because she has a sob story?”

She smacks my arm, shaking her head. “No, because her past pain is a testament to her strength. It’s not easy being a single mom. Or, so I’ve heard.”

I grit my teeth at her words. No, it’s not, and I had a front row seat to that life.

The same path Calli is currently considering.

That right there should send me hurtling for the nearest exit.

Callista isn’t mine. Not long term, anyway.

She wants a life I can’t give her.

Maybe you can.

Who knows? Maybe she’s fine with us being friends. Or, perhaps she’s looking for some fun this weekend. Maybe some added benefits to the friendship.

That’s enough, right?

Not by a long shot.

Truth is, I’m terrified of what I feel for her.

And more so, what she may not feel back.

Christ, but life was easier before this woman marched into my office. Far less colorful and interesting, but much safer.

My life made sense. Now, nothing does.

And it’s all Calli’s fault.

“You and your mom are buddies, aren’t you?” Seems Calli is still determined to discuss my family.

At least we’re off the topic of dear old dad.

“Absolutely. I’m an only child, so it was just her and me against the world.”

“It must be hard living so far from her.”

I sigh, pulling a hand through my hair. “It is. Especially since she’s gotten older. Her sister is on the island, along with my cousins, but I hate that should she need me, I’m a few hours away. I’ve considered moving back to Long Island, but it’s a tough decision, what with my practice and all. I spentyears building it, and now, the concept of starting over from scratch is overwhelming.”

Not to mention that the Hudson Valley has never been so appealing as it is now, with Callista in my life.

But I’ve spent enough time on the hot seat. It’s her turn.

“Speaking of relocations, what made you leave England?”

“I wondered when you would shift the conversation back to me,” Calli replies with a lilting laugh. “Charlie got a job here in America. I never considered leaving Britain, but it was either leave England or leave Charlie. It was an easy choice.”

An emotion flashes through me. It’s just an inkling, there but a moment, but I envy the man who holds her heart. “Do you like it here?”

“Yes, and no. Like you, I miss my family. It’s very lonely since Charlie …” She doesn’t finish the statement. She doesn’t have to. The pain creases her face and the depth of her anguish is evident. “But this weekend is not about me, and certainly not about my tale of woe. You’ve heard that story enough times. It’s your turn. Tell me everything about your family and don’t leave out the juicy parts. I need to make a good impression.”

With a chuckle, I begin filling her in on the stories of my childhood. Most women would nod and appear interested. Not Callista. She wants every detail, even the most mundane, and isn’t afraid to demand more information.

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