Page 80 of Love is Grand
Shaking my head again, I muttered, “You sound like Rylan. She’s been calling around the clock and making up excuses about why she needs syrup. Then she adds how I’m not thinking clearly, and Weezie loves Cal, and Cal loves us, blah, blah, blah.”
Teddi gave me an understanding look. “Shell, my parents are divorced. My dad is an asshole, a grade A asshole. He’s a proud member of the girlfriend-of-the-month club, even while he was married. My mom stayed for a while because she thought it was better for me, but it wasn’t. Eventually, she met Fred after she and my dad separated. Fred is such a nice guy. He’s sweet and generous with his time and affection. I loved Fred growing up, and he didn’t even have a pool. He’d help me with homework and answer all my questions without hesitation. My mom couldn’t have any more kids, but Fred took me on like his own, and I never looked back.”
“Did your dad show up drunk swinging a baseball bat, threatening everyone’s safety?” I took a swig of my tea as my stomach rolled.
“No, but being embarrassed and ashamed was part of living with my dad. It’s why I came here. To be happy. Of course, I love my mom, Fred, and my grandma, but not my dad. Please stop beating yourself up,” she said, running her hand over my foot.
I knew Cal was still on the island. He had a train of people running through here to check on me, including Jack, who offered to pick up groceries. My dad was upset with me for not telling Ricky to shove it and planting a big kiss on Cal right afterward for protecting us. Weezie told my mom we were gonna get married until her dad ruined it all.
I huffed out a frustrated breath. “I can’t subject Cal to that guy. What if he does something to hurt Cal’s career?”
Teddi frowned at me. “Cal is smart. He won’t let that happen. Remember, he deals with jerks for a living. Rich ones. I’m sure he can handle Ricky.”
“Ted, I’m meant to be alone.”
“You’re not, and Weezie definitely isn’t. She’s in her room thinking she did something wrong. Get your head out of your ass and sort this out, or I’ll send Tony over. And when Cal gets a whiff of that, he’ll be over here faster than Rylan can run a mile.”
My eyes got huge. “No, no. Please don’t. I’ll deal with this, I promise. Go back to whatever cheery place you came from,” I told her, and I meant it.
After she left, I decided I was going to get up and deal with this ... after a short nap.
Teddi had left Weezie busy coloring upstairs, and that meant I had fifteen minutes to close my eyes. By the time I rested, there would be a new masterpiece for me to hang on the fridge.
When I woke up a short time later, feeling groggy and disoriented, I grabbed my phone. I’d slept much longer than I anticipated, and I shouted for Weezie, terrified she wasn’t here.
She came running in from the front porch. “Mom, I’m right here.”
“What were you doing out there by yourself? You’re not allowed to go outside without telling me.”
She had the nerve to stick her hand on her hip and jut it out, staring me down. Just like I would. “I wasn’t alone.”
“I was here,” Cal said, walking through the door.
“Caleb.” His name came out like my mouth, dry and fuzzy. “Why?”
He walked toward me and sat where Teddi had been sitting earlier.
“I’m going to play with my American Girl dolls.” My daughter ran off before I could grill her any more, leaving behind a small jab.
“I’m supposed to say I just showed up,” he said, “but she called me.”
“Who? Teddi?”
He shook his head.
“I don’t know what you mean. I’m sorry, I must’ve slept harder than I expected.”
“You need rest. You’re doing too much. Taking on too much worry.”
Cal smoothed his hand down my leg, and I wasn’t going to lie, it felt amazing. Chills ran up my spine, and my heart rate spiked at feeling something familiar and good.
“I’m fine,” I told him. “I need to work. I quit the restaurant, so I have to do my stuff. My dad spoke to a lawyer about Ricky, and they’re working on finalizing the divorce and having him sign away his rights. Once that’s done, I’ll be less worried.”
I closed my eyes and let the emotions take over for a moment.
“I know,” Cal said, causing me to sit up and stare. “I’m that lawyer, Shell. Well, not on record. I’m working with someone here, but you can’t be surprised that your dad called me.”
My temper flared. “What? And who called you today? Is everyone conspiring against me? No one will let me be.”