Page 71 of Love You Already

Her shoulders straighten as her eyes turn to steel. “The version of me you knew died a long time ago. I can mix drinks with the best of them now. As for needing the job, I'm sure you're aware of the situation I’m in.”

I shake my head. “I only know the little that's made it out to us. Most people don't mention you to us, but Beckett did overhear a conversation between Verle and Old Man Jenkins at the hardware store with my boyfriend Lachlan.”

Callie's entire body jolts at the mention of Beckett. I watch her closely, curious if she'll give away any more of her feelings about my brother.

Something here isn't adding up. Something big. I can feel it in my gut. The same way I could tell a bull was going to be especially mean or that I need to prep extra for a night at the bar. That feeling inside me tells me that Callie needs this job more than she's letting on.

“The short version of things is that I've got two mouths to feed on my own now. The divorce papers made sure of that.”

Divorce? Interesting indeed.

“I probably shouldn't ask this, but it's me and you. Do you have childcare in place for them for nighttime? I won't have you in a tough spot because this job is mostly nights and evenings.”

She nods tightly. “I have a neighbor who actually used to babysit me as a kid. She's volunteered to help however I need it, including nights.”

“Good. That's my biggest concern. When would you be able to start?” I go over the schedule in my head to see where I could work her in. If she's as big a help as I think she could be, I'll be able to have someone on the floor and two people at the bar on the busiest nights. And Mel could have some extra time off like she's been wanting.

“Anytime. Right now. Tomorrow. Whichever works for you.”

“Where are the kids now? I didn't even ask if they're boys or girls. I'm sorry for that.” I run my palms down my jean clad thighs.

She smiles then, a bit of the old Callie coming to life then. “One boy and one girl. Twins actually. Didn't plan it that way, but here we are. And they're with the neighbor, Ms. Vine.”

I know the woman she's talking about. She is older, but not old enough that I'd worry about anything happening to her while she's watching the children.

“Ok, then. Let's get you some paperwork done. That way, I can get you on payroll. We're going to do a ninety-day trial. If all goes well from there, we'll figure out the rest like healthcare and such.”

Callie bursts into tears, her hand covering the sob before it can break free. I rush around my desk to comfort her, snatching a few tissues on the way.

“Here. Here. Don't cry. Oh god. I'm not prepared for this, Callie. What did I do wrong? I thought this is what you wanted.”

She nods as she takes the tissues to try to get ahold of herself. “I do. Oh god, I really do. Nothing is wrong. I just… well, this was my last stop in town to try to find work. I was going to have to check in the city next if this didn't pan out. And you're talking like you don't hate me when you have every right to. Plus, the healthcare thing. You have no idea how nervous I've been about that aspect. Ken gave up all parental rights. Now the kids don't have any insurance right now. It's stressful when you've got two daredevils eager to break a bone or get a gash tumbling off a table.”

Her words come to a halt when she blows her nose. I step back as I take in the situation as a whole. Despite the things that went down with my brother ages ago, I feel it's only right to give Callie a chance at this. If not for her, then for her kids. They deserve not having to wait the extra two hours a day to see their mama because of stupid commuting.

“That sounds like a lot to handle. I'm sorry you've had to deal with it all alone. You won't have to again now that you're back in town though. These folks are going to be all up in your business the moment you start working here. It'll be nice to have them not worried about me anymore.”

She laughs and shakes her head. “Nothing quite like small town gossip. I don't mind them knowing all that much. It's fine as long as I can provide for my children and keep the roof over our heads.”

I take the risk of upsetting her again to mention the one other elephant in the room. “We do have to discuss one more thing before I let you go today. You can come back for your shift tomorrow.”

Her eyes light up at the mention of starting tomorrow. “Yes. Anything!”

“Beck. My brother doesn't come to the bar often, and usually I get a heads up when he does. But if he finds out you're here, he might decide to show up on his own. I know he's avoided town since you got back. Don't tell him I told you that.”

“I wouldn't. I doubt he'd even speak to me after how I left things,” she admits sullenly.

I shrug as I lean back against my desk. “You'd be surprised what he's like these days. Beckett from back then changed when you left. He's still the fun-loving brother I know, but there's another part of him there too. A part that I wish would come back. I want my brother happy. Like genuinely happy, Callie. If for some reason you two decide to talk, please make sure he knows you're good with him moving on. Because I don't think he ever really has. And you might just be the key for him to do so.”

“I don't... I can't... “ Her words jumble before she closes her eyes tightly. Her fists sit firmly against her knees.

I take in her outfit while she figures out what she wants to say next. The sundress is something she probably would have worn on a date night ages ago, though something about the way she holds herself tells me she's not used to wearing it. Her figure is curvier now than it was before. She looks like a pinup model, and I'm more than a little jealous. I'll need to ask her where she got it since I'm going to need one for my next date with my husband.

“Beckett can move on however he pleases. I'm not the person in charge of his happiness, nor do I think him and I talking will be productive in any way. If he comes in, then he comes in. There's nothing that says he and I have to even acknowledge each other.” The conviction in her tone is almost believable. Too bad for her, I remember a bit about her from when I was younger, and I can sense she's lying now.

I let it go. “Your life then. Just wanted to put it out there. Let's get you squared away. This is the start of your new life.”

“Amen to that,” she whispers.