Page 87 of Call It Home

I loved how her lower lip stuck out just a little when she frowned. “What do you mean?” she asked. “Nothing has changed. I just received the schedule and wanted to go over it so that you knew about it upfront, rather than to have it sprung on you.” She said it with a bite, and I knew she was referring to not being upfront about my plan from the beginning.

“You mean like being signed up for a show without your knowledge?” I fired back. She had to know she wasn’t the only one in pain, right?

“It’s not the same at all. No one was leaving the other. Feelings weren’t involved.”

“So, it’s okay to use someone when you don’t care?”

“You know that’s not what I mean,” she shouted, coming out of her seat and leaning over her desk toward me. “It’s about being open and honest. It’s about being loyal.”

“Yeah. It is,” I responded quietly.

The wind dropped out of her sails. She collapsed back into her chair, closing her eyes and dropping her head to her chest. Her shoulders heaved, then she stuck out her bottom lip and blew out a long breath that teased her bangs. “I’m sorry. That wasn’t called for. I understand your need to help your brother.”

“It’s okay.” Anything she wanted to throw at me was no less than I deserved. I’d take it all from her if it helped her feel better.

“No, it isn’t. Look. I didn’t ask you here to rehash everything. I’m still angry that you kept so much from me, but I’ve had some time to think about it, as well. Even if you’d told me earlier, I’m not sure it would change where we are now. You’d still be leaving, and I’d still have feelings for you. But you’re right. You need to help Trey. He deserves it. It just sucks you can’t do it from here.”

“Cam, I’m so sorry. I wish things were different. I wish it didn’t take so much time or effort to get things set up and settled so he has a better chance at getting out. He didn’t deserve what happened to him.”

She held up her hand. “Stop. ‘If wishes were horses, beggars would ride,’ my grandpa used to say. Both of you deserved better in life. We can’t change things. But I wanted you to know that I understand something about honoring commitments. It’s why I’m so intent on continuing my family’s legacy here at Sterling Construction.”

She got up and walked around her desk to the large bookshelf. “It seemed like Gramps always had the answers. Sometimes I wonder what he’d make of some of the things I’ve tried to do here. Maybe he’d shake his head. Maybe he’d be proud. But at least he knew I tried and that I keep my word.” She turned to me. “You have to do the same. You have family you need to take care of. You’re a man of integrity, Mackenzie Caldwell. I admire that about you.”

It wasn’t what I expected her to say. I stood, wanting to go to her and hug her tight, but she saw my intention and held up a hand. “Too soon, big guy. I’m not there yet.”

I bowed my head. “I understand.” Feeling awkward, I sat in the chair again. “So, what do you want to do for the final episode?”

She listed out the timeline and how the process would work. “I figure you should come over about an hour early. They said they’d do makeup for filming this time since it’s a more casual set.”

“I’ll be there.” Then I reluctantly handed her the envelope.

“What’s this?” She pulled out the paper inside, and her face paled. “Oh. I see.”

“I, uh, found out last night I need to try to make things happen faster if I really want to be able to help Trey. His lawyer said it would go a long way if we could prove I’m able to support him, both with a house and a job. I don’t even have a business yet. But I figured if I go early, maybe his lawyer can help me get things started in a way that would look good for him.”

“When is Trey’s hearing?”

“Just less than a month.”

“Oh. Wow. That’s not a lot of time.”

I shook my head. “Maybe I can get things set up for him, then come back to visit. The reverse of what I do now.”

She shook her head, her eyes filled with pain and remorse. “Take care of your brother, Mac. I don’t want to be the girl waiting in the wings. In fact, why don’t you take the time until your resignation goes into effect as leave. Paid, of course. Trey deserves this chance, and you need to do everything you can to try to make it happen. It will be easier if you’re there.”

Her logic was sound. The offer was incredibly generous. In another world, I’d be happy. But a world without Cameron felt emptier, even if I would get Trey back. I cleared my throat. “Thanks.” It was all I could get out. “I’ll see you in a couple of weeks.”

Chapter35

Cam

“Ms. Allen? Mr. Dunham is here.”

I glanced at the picture of my grandfather. “Here goes nothing,” I whispered. “Or maybe I should sayeverything.” I knew it was a trick of the lighting, but I swore it looked like his eyes sparkled back at me.

I walked to the door of my office and looked out to where I saw a man in a suit that looked like he’d been born to wear it. He was studying the pictures hanging on the wall of the lobby of various places Sterling Construction had built over the years, far enough back that some were black and white.

“Mr. Dunham. Welcome to Sterling Mill. I’m Cameron Allen.”

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