Page 28 of Cautious

“Nonsense, you don’t have to worry about that, although I never say no to wine and cheesecake,” she tells me with a smile as her husband walks up behind her and plants a kiss on her cheek.

“Hey, Callie. Ooh, cheesecake.” He whips the plate out of my hands before I can even answer, making Olivia laugh.

“Cheesecake just happens to be Wade’s favorite. If you eat too much of it, honey, I’m not stitching your pants again,” she calls over to him, making him turn and glare at her.

“I feel like I’m missing something.” I laugh, sitting on the barstool beside Olivia.

“Yesterday, hot stuff over here, came home early because he ripped open the ass of his pants when he bent over.” She snorts, making me giggle along with her.

“They were old pants, Livvy. Besides, I don’t hear you complaining about my ass,” he remarks, acting affronted.

“I’m just reminding you that you’re not as young as you once were. Maybe you should lay off the sweet stuff for a while.” She winks at me to let me know she’s joking.

He turns his back to us and shakes his ass like a stripper working for tips, making me laugh so hard I almost slip off the stool.

“See, you couldn’t take your eyes off it. My ass is hypnotic, and don’t you forget it,” he yells, heading out of the kitchen. Olivia and I stare at each other in silence for a beat before roaring with laughter again.

“Okay, Callie, I have to come clean,” Olivia says when we finally get control of ourselves. “I got stuck with a client at work, and Wade has been on shift all day. Mia is having a sleepover at her uncle’s place, so I’m going to be a lazy host and order pizza. I hope that’s okay.”

“Who the heck says no to pizza? But you could have called and rescheduled. I wouldn’t have minded,” I admonish her.

“I know, but we’ve already had to reschedule twice. I was worried you were going to think we were avoiding you.”

I wave her off. “Don’t be silly. The thought never crossed my mind. I’m awesome if I do say so myself. Everyone likes me,” I say to her straight-faced as she smiles at me.

“Well, what’s not to like? Come on, I’ll show you to the living room, and you can tell Wade what pizza you like while I run upstairs and get changed.”

“Sounds good to me. Seriously though, don’t stress about the rest. Wade mentioned in passing that your law firm is down two lawyers and that things are crazy right now. If you ever need a hand with Mia or anything, just let me know. My job means I can be super flexible with my hours.”

“You’re a godsend. I’ll keep that in mind.” She squeezes my arm before leaving me in the sitting room while she goes to get changed.

Left alone, I wander around, checking out the large collection of photo frames lining the bookcase on the far side of the room.

There are pictures of Olivia standing outside what looks like a culinary school, and the law offices in town, scattered amongst wedding photos, and pictures of their gorgeous little girl Mia with all her curly hair blowing in the wind. So many photos are filled with laughter and smiles where everyone looks so happy that it makes my chest pang with envy.That’s what I want, I think wistfully. A family filled with love and laughter.

“My wife gets camera happy. I swear, every time I turn around, she’s taking a photo.”

I turn at the sound of Wade’s voice and offer him a soft smile. “She’s capturing memories. Tiny snapshots in time when you were your happiest. I can see the love in every photo here,” I tell him honestly.

He looks at the photos. “You’re right. I never looked at it like that before. You have a big family to take photos of?” he asks, his shrewd cop eyes making me squirm.

Nope, not going there, big guy. After the day I’ve had, I’m already feeling emotionally bruised.

“No, it’s just me now. Did you order dinner yet? Olivia said to let you know what I like.”

He knows I’m changing the subject, but he doesn’t call me on it, thankfully, which is just as well. I would feel like an utter headcase if I dissolved into tears in front of him.

“Nope, that’s what I’m about to do. Anything you don’t like?”

“I’m easy. Anything but anchovies, and I’ll be a happy bunny.”

“I’m on it. Sit, make yourself at home. I’ll go order and pour you a glass of wine.”

Now he’s speaking my language. He disappears just as Olivia walks around the corner, now wearing a pair of black yoga pants and a white T-shirt sayingfuck tha police.I burst out laughing at the irony.

“Nice shirt,” I tease.

“It’s the one item of clothing I own that both turns my husband on and makes him cringe. What can I say? I have a warped sense of humor,” she laughs.

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