Page 9 of Someday

FAMILY AFFAIR

THEO

“I can’t believe you talked me into going out tonight,” Callum grumbles as we walk into The Pink Ski.

“Oh, take off your grump for one night. You’ve spent too much time with your cows and that bitchy goat.”

“Delphine is not bitchy, she just gives no fucks,” he says under his breath.

“Oh, kinda like you then, minus your bitchiness.”

He mutters nonsense until Sally, the owner, notices us and starts beaming.

“I can’t believe what I’m seeing,” she says. “What’s the special occasion that would bring the two of you here tonight?”

“I thought Callum needed human interaction and I’m the only one that’ll put up with him.”

She laughs like I’m joking, her eyes sizing Callum up. “Oh, I know you’re not the only one who’d put up with him. Scarlett seems pretty fond of him too,” she teases.

“You wound me, Sally,” Callum says in that way of his that no one can ever tell whether he’s serious or joking or angry.

“Just the two of you then?” she asks, laughing.

“Wyatt will be joining us, just maybe a little late.”

“What a treat. Okay, right this way. I have the perfect table for you.”

We walk back, greeting the friendly faces that we know. It’s offseason and the middle of the week, so there aren’t many tourists, which is why we were able to get right in. Come ski season, the restaurants around here are busier than I’d like. But business is always hopping at The Pink Ski.

As soon as we’re seated, a pitcher of water and a bread basket are brought out.

“Don’t know why we had to come here. It’s so crowded.”

I snort. “Just shows you’ve been in your ranch cave too long. This is nothing.”

“There’s a reason I—” he pauses, his eyes fixed somewhere behind me.

I turn and see her.

She looks beautiful. Her cheeks are rosy, and she looks like a beautiful fairy who has stepped out of the forest and wandered into the restaurant. Her hair is vibrant and mesmerizing, and her long, pale legs are bare, something that has always knocked me sideways since she usually covers them up.

Or she used to. I have no idea what she does now.

She’s with her Aunt Hilary and Abby. I’ve met Hilary in the past and heard about her wife, Abby, but I haven’t met her yet. I’ve seen them around town once or twice in the past few months, but I usually go the opposite way even though I’ve always liked Hilary. I felt bad for not saying hello to her at the funeral, but she was surrounded by people most of the time.

Sofie looks happier than the last time I saw her, more rested, and she’s laughing at something Abby is saying. Pain, longing, and bitterness fight for dominance inside my chest.

“Do you wanna leave?” Callum asks.

“No. I’m fine. It’s fine,” I say.

And then my eyes lock with Sofie’s and I wish I could change my answer.

“Like hell you’re fine,” Callum says. “Come on. You’ve been in a funk since you went over to her place to check out her horse, and that’s been how long now? Let’s pick up a pizza and go eat it with Fred. And you can spill.”

I shake my head slightly, still staring at Sofie. “Since when do you want to talk?”

“I don’t want to talk. I want you to talk. You’re the talker in the family.”

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