Page 77 of Until He Confesses

My eyes widened as something suddenly occurred to me. Gary.

For a few seconds, I was lost in thought as a very possible but chilling explanation occurred to me. This briefly took my attention out of the room, but the women were sure to quickly bring me back to the present.

“You should head back to rest,” her mother said. “We don't want to keep you here too long.”

This was my cue to leave. However, I was certain that the request had come from Callie more than her mom. It didn't matter anyway because given my current realization, I was eager to head back to the hotel in order to work some things out. Though the problem remained that Callie refused to talk about it, so I had very little information to work off of. Regardless, I was willing to try, so I rose to my feet and planted a kiss on her mother's cheek.

I wanted to personally send her my contact information so that she could reach me whenever she wanted. However, I wanted to keep my emotional distance from both of them, so as not to seem too eager to establish contact.

“Please feel free to contact me at any time, Madelyn. Callie has my phone number.” I told her.

Her smile was wide as I said that. Then I was on my way.

35

CALLIE

“Ican't believe we're going to share a room again,” Anna said excitedly as she brought a pile of heavy blankets into my bedroom. I watched her, still very sure that the next few weeks were going to be very uncomfortable, but I couldn't complain. My mom was here and had taken over her room, and we were going to try to give her the best experience possible.

“Don't worry, I know you're already contemplating how you're going to survive with me,” she said as she plopped down on the bed and then spread out like a starfish. “You know how scarce I can be, especially during the weekends.”

“Yeah, but isn't he traveling this weekend?”

“Yes, he is, and I'm very glad because now you're just making me want to trouble you even further. Learn how to share.”

I gazed at her feet at her non-matching socks and shook my head. Then I headed out of the room and met my mom in the kitchen.

“This iced tea is great,” she said. I frowned at her.

“That's not healthy. We have green tea.”

“This is tea,” she said as she took a sip.

“Yes, infused with honey. Mom!”

I tried to seize the glass away from her, but she swatted my hand until I was forced to give up. Shaking my head, I headed over to the freezer, and just then, Anna emerged as well.

“To celebrate Mom's time in New York, we're going out to dinner.”

At her words, I turned and slightly frowned.

“She has to be careful about what she eats. I'll make her dinner. It'll be delicious. We can celebrate here.”

I didn't need to turn to see my mother's exhausted look and that of Anna's disgust, however, I didn't care. My job was to keep her alive for as long as possible, and I was hoping to do it with all my heart.

“I'm making reservations,” Anna said and put her phone to her ear.

"We're not going," I said, but my mom's response was simple.

"Shut up Callie," she said and went over to take a seat with Anna.

Later that evening, I was forced to succumb and accompany them when I found them dressing excitedly for the night out. My mom looked sensible enough, but I especially loved the light in her eyes when Anna tried a pink lipstick across her lips.

"I never wear colors this bright," she said, and Anna beamed excitedly.

"I know, but it looks wonderful on you… perfect for our night out."

And just like that, I could no longer be the buzzkill. So, I quickly got dressed, and soon enough, we were in the back of a taxi heading downtown.