Every Kiss(86)

“I’ve told you all this time that I didn’t want to talk to you about my mother, but I did listen to what you said. It took me thinking about it a couple of days, but since you thought it was something I should do, I decided to contact her. I didn’t think it would hurt to at least listen to what she had to say. I grew up thinking the worst possible scenario, so whatever story she had to tell, it couldn’t be worse than what was already planted in my head, you know? So I took the card that you left on my desk, and before I could lose the nerve, I sent her an email, inviting her to come over here today to talk. Within fifteen minutes, she responded, saying she appreciated the opportunity, and she seemed excited about it.”

Something in his voice tells me that there’s more to the story. I’m so worried that it didn’t go well. “I’m proud that you gave her that chance, Wes. I know it’s something that she’s wanted to do her entire life, and I’m sure you’ve given her some peace that she hasn’t felt since the day you were born. How did it go?”

“That’s why I’m calling,” he says almost inaudibly. “Cal, she hasn’t shown up. I never thought I wanted to meet her until I was finally faced with it, but she’s now an hour late, and I’m not going to lie, I’m gutted. I’m pissed that she put me through all of this and didn’t even give me the courtesy of showing up. I mean, hell, nervous doesn’t even begin to describe what I’ve been feeling the last couple of days. I get it. But this is huge. I hope she doesn’t ever expect me to agree to this again. I’m done with her.”

No. This isn’t right; something is very off. I don’t know her all that well, but I have a hard time believing that she just wouldn’t show up. This is something that she wanted more than anything, something that she’s fought for. Meeting Wes is the one thing she wants to do before she dies. Oh, shit. Before she dies.

“Wes, I don’t think she just wouldn’t show up. This meant too much to her. There has to be a good reason she’s not there right now, and I’m scared that it’s because she’s physically unable. I’m pretty sure that’s the only thing that would keep her away today.” I hear the intake of breath on the line. He’s making that same realization.

“You think she’s . . .”

“Just wait a minute. Did you try calling her?” I ask, trying to think of what to do.

“No, and I’m not going to. What if she’s just decided she doesn’t want to do this?”

“I’ll call her, then, and I’ll call you back when I have some news, okay? Just keep an eye on your email, and let me know if you hear anything.”

As soon as he hangs up, I scroll through my phone to find Chesley’s number. I have a sick feeling deep in my gut that she’s not going to answer.

“What’s going on?” Makenna appears behind me.

“She didn’t show up, and Wes is freaking out.”

Shane groans. “Damn it. I was afraid of something like this. How could she do that to him?”

“There’s something you don’t know,” I explain, turning to face them. I know they’re both concerned about Wes, but they’re only wasting my time right now. I have to find her. “Don’t make any assumptions about her right now. Just wait until I have the facts, okay?”

Shane nods. “Yeah, okay. For now, I guess we’ll head back to my parents’ house, and I’ll let Mom know what’s going on. Call and let us know as soon as you find anything out.”

“Promise.” I kiss Makenna on the cheek. “Thanks for coming here today.”

As soon as the front door closes, I dial Chesley’s number, hoping and praying that she’ll answer. With every unanswered ring, the knot of dread tightens in my stomach even more. I just can’t make myself believe that she chickened out. There has to be a reasonable explanation, but the only one I can come up with is far worse than her being a coward. I’m scared that something is horribly wrong, and I don’t know how I’ll ever find out.

When the voicemail picks up, I leave a short message, asking her to call me, and then I call Eve. I can’t wait for Shane and Makenna to get there and explain. I need to know what I can do now.

“Wes just called me,” I blurt out as soon as I hear the beginning of her cheerful greeting. “Chesley never came.”

“Oh, no. As much as she’s hounded us to meet him, there must be a good reason. Maybe she’s just really nervous and is having a hard time taking that step. If she’s just toying with him, she better believe she’ll have me to deal with. Have you tried calling her?”