Page 5 of Coming Home for Fall 5
This got the smallest smile from the girl, which helped Callie feel a bit more at ease.
“I actually want to make a difference, which is why I wasn’t planning on ever asking you to leave.”
Sasha’s eyes widened. “W–what? You mean, like,everever?”
“You heard me,” Callie said. “Unless something happened that made it impossible to live with each other, I was going to let you stay for as long as you wanted, or as long as you needed. You don’t have to leave until you’re ready, basically. That’s what I’m trying to say.”
“Really?”
“Well, sure.” Callie beamed. “It’s been so nice having you around. And you know I adore Dot, so I don’t see any reason why you would need to clear out any time soon. I’m sure David would agree with me. I’m not positive what the rules are with this sponsorship program, but if they have some kind of time limit, I’m not going to enforce it. As far as I’m concerned, you always have a place with us.”
“Wow.” Sasha sat back in her chair and sighed with relief. “This is… not how I expected this conversation to go. Then again, nothing with you and David has been what I expected. You two are very different than I thought you’d be.”
“How’s that?” Callie’s chest constricted as she recalled the last time they had a conversation about her and her husband. She was still uncomfortably aware of the fact that Sasha had once assumed she was a cheater, and she really wanted to avoid steering the conversation in that direction again.
“Oh—nothing really. I guess, I just thought you’d be less welcoming or something.”
“Why?”
“I–uh–It’s not important.” Sasha took a big swig from her coffee cup and smacked her lips together. “I think that’s probably just my general lack of faith in humanity talking. But in case I haven’t mentioned it recently, I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done for Dot and I. It means more than you’ll ever know.”
Callie’s shoulders relaxed and her eyes ignited with joy. “We’re happy to have you. Really.”
“Can you say the same for your kids?” Sasha snorted. “Because I’m not sure any of them like me very much. Well… Ariel likes Dot, so, in a way, I guess she likes me okay.”
“That’s not true,” Callie said defensively, even though she didn’t have a right to act so aghast. She knew the animosity Sasha was picking up on was very real. “Ariel likes youfor sure, and not just because of Dot. As for Taylor and Mallory…” She sighed. “They just—they aren’t entirely sure how to feel about this whole arrangement. They have a lot of questions.”
“I’ve noticed...”
Callie arched a brow. “Does that mean they’ve been bothering you? I told them not to interrogate you, but of course, they were never going to listen to me. I’m sorry if they’ve done anything to make you feel uncomfortable or unwelcome.”
“No, it’s okay,” Sasha said. “They really haven’t been bad and I’m sure I’d feel very similar if I was in their shoes.”
“See now,” Callie said with a smile. “You think you don’t handle things in a mature way, but this is very mature of you. That said, if they ever start to bother you, please don’t hesitate to tell me. I’ll set them straight.”
Sasha made a face. “No offense, but I’m not sure that’s such a good idea. I don’t wanna come between you and your kids. I’ve already gotten off on the wrong foot with them and tattling on them woulddefinitelymake things worse.”
Callie cocked her head to the side. “Hmm. I hadn’t thought about it that way.”
“Plus, I don’t wanna make things more complicated before the holiday. Things seem tense enough as it is.”
“Tense?” Callie laughed nervously. “I don’t think things have been tense.”
“Really?” Sasha’s eyes widened, searching her expression.
Even though Callie knew what Sasha was talking about, she played dumb. Maybe if she kept pretending that everything was fine, it eventually would be. “There’s been an adjustment period,” she admitted. “But I really think my kids are getting used to having you around with each passing day. However, if they do continue to act strangely, I want you to know that it’s nothing personal. My kids can just be a little protective. They want what's best for their father and I, but sometimes they overreact to stuff. But we’re going to have a wonderful holiday, so I don’t want you to worry about that in the slightest.”
Sasha shrugged. “Easier said than done.”
“No really,” Callie insisted. “I’m going to make sure everything goes smoothly. This Thanksgiving is important to me, and I’m determined to do whatever I can so all of you get along.”
Glancing down, Sasha nodded and clenched her jaw, seeming to hold back tears. Callie’s heart broke for this scared, sad young woman. She moved her cup and plate out of the way, leaning her elbows on the table. “Tell me, what are you really worried about? What are you afraid is going to happen?”
Sasha paused before meeting her gaze again. “I guess… If I had to put into words what I’m most afraid of… It would be that I’m going to say or do something that would make your kids upset. Or make David upset. Or you. And then I reallywouldmake it impossible for us to live together.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know. Anything. I already feel like I’ve said the wrong thing a couple times. I’ve crossed lines I didn’t mean to and potentially exposed family secrets I didn’t know existed.”
