Page 91 of Call It Home

“But his lawyer said Trey has a good chance, right?”

“He thinks so. But it would be better if I already had contracts to prove that we have work. Everything is so rushed because I thought I had two more years, but well, you know the rest.”

“I’m sure everything will work out.”

“Not everything. Cam, I—”

“Mac, we need you. We’re going to get started soon.”

Cameron tipped her head. “You better go. Everyone else should be getting her soon.”

“Everyone else?” Shit. I’d completely forgotten that her family would be here. I wondered if Lucia would be any good at covering up the black eye I was sure to get.

As if on cue, there was a new commotion at the front door. Cameron greeted her siblings and their spouses while I sought refuge in the kitchen with Lucia.

Then there was another knock, and Beverly Seymour and Mayor Bowen walked in, the human mayor carrying a large birdcage.

“Squawk! Let me outta here. Someone has to run this town!”

Sterling immediately became the focus while Chelle assigned everyone a place to sit. Lucia finished dabbing something on my face that she said would keep me from looking washed out on camera. Lucia removed the paper collar protectors from my neck. “All done,” she said as I felt a presence next to me. I looked up to see Emalee.

Her face was neutral, but her voice was soft and sympathetic. “Hey, Mac.”

“Hey.”

“We just wanted to wish you well today.” She nudged Zach, who had joined her. His face wasn’t as neutral. “Don’t we?”

“Yeah.”

I sighed. I couldn’t blame him for being pissy. But I hated that someone I’d grown to like no longer liked me.

“Thanks. I appreciate you coming today.”

We were joined by Bristol and Reid. “Welcome back,” I said. “Thanks for coming.”

Reid nodded, his eyes more solemn than usual, but Bristol took her time responding. “Seems like a lot went down while we were gone.”

“And a lot happened before I ever met you, too,” I couldn’t help but fire back. I knew they thought I was the bad guy here, but I wasn’t skipping out on Cameron because I didn’t care. “I hope you know I never meant to deceive anyone, especially your sister. I didn’t anticipate anyone like Cameron coming into my life. After she did, I thought I had time to figure out something that would allow me to take care of my brotherandstay with Cameron. But life has a funny way of proving we aren’t in charge of everything. God, if I’ve learned anything in life, it’s that. I’m sorrier than I can say that your sister got caught up in my drama. I’d give anything for her not to hurt. But believe me, she isn’t the only one.”

Bristol’s face softened. “We both know a little about what it is to have things taken out of your hands. But you’re still our friend, Mac. It might seem a little weird at first, but I want you to know that. If there’s anything we can do to help with your brother, please, let us know.” She wrapped her arms around my waist and hugged me.

I always thought life had toughened me up, but this last month had proven that underneath it all, I still had a soft spot. I had to blink back my emotions. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”

I looked around to see the one face I was more than sure wanted to hit me. Sure enough, Chase was staring back, but I couldn’t read the expression on his face. It was…sympathetic maybe? He looked like he was about to walk over but was stopped by a loud voice.

“Helloooo!” Chelle dragged the word out. “Is this the Oprah show, or are we here to get to the finale?” She clapped her hands. “Come on, people. Places, please. The show starts in fifteen minutes, and I need our two stars ready for an interview.”

I settled onto Cameron’s couch, where I was immediately fitted with an earpiece that would allow me to hear Cash’s voice as he spoke to us. We’d also be able to hear cues from Chelle when he wasn’t talking. Our friends were stationed around us. Bristol sat beside Cameron, and Em sat next to me. Their husbands were on stools just behind them, and Mayor Bowen and Beverly Seymour were on stools behind us. Mayor Sterling had been allowed to sit on the back of the couch closest to Bristol, who had a close attachment to him.

“Oh, this is so exciting,” Beverly exclaimed. “I’ve never been on TV before. This will really get to Harriet.”

“Who?” I asked.

“Don’t ask,” Em whispered.

But Beverly had already heard. “Harriet Bergenstock. You don’t need to know her. She’s a thief.”

“She’s not,” Em muttered out of the corner of her mouth. “But Beverly is convinced Harriet stole some recipe from her and took credit for it in the town newspaper. It’s been a rival ever since.”

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