Every Kiss(87)

“Yes, and I left a voicemail. But what if her health is what’s keeping her away? I have a hard time believing she’d purposely hurt him. She wanted this more than anything.”

She exhales a short huff. “Well, I was going to say that we can’t think the worst, but either way, it’s bad. Wesley has told himself all these years that she turned her back on him, and now it appears to him that she’s done it again. He doesn’t need this.”

“I know.” I feel nauseated. I’m the one who practically forced him into this, so I feel responsible for everything. I had my doubts about all of it, but I never would’ve guessed it would turn out this way. “I feel awful about it.”

“It’s not your fault, sweetie. I’ll talk to Robert and see if we can track some of her family down. I know she doesn’t have any other children, but I’m pretty sure she has some cousins in the area. Just to be sure, we’ll also start checking local hospitals to see if she’s been admitted. While we’re trying to figure all of it out, why don’t you go to Wes’ house and hang out with him? I’m sure he could use the company right now to get his mind off of it.”

Yeah, that’ll go over like a lead balloon. “He doesn’t want me there. You know that.”

Eve chuckles softly. “You’re a smart girl, Callie. You and I both know that isn’t true. But if he gives you any trouble, you just tell him that it was my orders. He knows better than to cross me. Keep your phone close, and we’ll talk soon.”

“Yes, ma’am.” When she gets that tone of authority in her voice, even I don’t want to cross her.

I send a quick text to Wes, letting him know that I’m on my way before he decides to leave.



Me: ‘Your mom asked me to go to your house, so I’ll see you in about twenty minutes.’

Wes: ‘I’m fine. No babysitter needed.’

Me: ‘Too bad. Already hired. Don’t make me call your mom.’

Wes: ‘I’m really not in the mood for this. Do NOT come over here.’



Oh, forget it. This argument could go on for hours with him. And I know this because I’m just as stubborn as he is. Instead of wasting precious time, I jump in my car and head that way. I really don’t care if he wants me there or not. I think Eve is right. Maybe if more people would show him that they care, instead of folding when he says “no,” he might actually believe that he can rely on people. He might see that some people can be trusted to be there for you anytime you need them, whether you know you need them or not. My goal today is to prove that to him.

The twenty minute trip seems infinite, especially since I don’t even have the radio on. I want to be sure that I hear Eve’s call, and every minute that my phone doesn’t ring adds another layer of panic and disappointment to the ever-growing pile. Of course, it also doesn’t help that every slow driver in the state gets in front of you when you’re in a hurry. It never freaking fails.

Finally, though, I pull into his drive, relieved to see his jeep still sitting here. And I’m going to make sure it continues to do so. Pulling up as close as I can without actually touching my bumper to his, I park right behind him, effectively pinning him in. And he knows it. As he steps into the doorway and leans in the jamb with his arms crossed, I can easily see that my least favorite of his personalities is back again. But I can’t honestly say that Mr. Moody didn’t warrant a comeback this time.

I want to reassure him that everything is going to work out. I want to let him know that he didn’t make a mistake by agreeing to see her. More than anything, I want him to know, without even a shadow of doubt, that I’m here for him.

So I do the only thing I can think of. I walk up the porch steps, and before he can grumble about me coming here after he told me not to, I wrap my arms around his waist and hold him tight, hugging him with every ounce of strength I can muster. He resists it at first, but finally, I feel the weight of his hands at my hips and his cheek pressed against the top of my head. God, it feels good to be here with him. The warmth of his body radiating into mine. The familiar scent of soap and a hint of cologne. It’s nothing short of blissful. I’m home again.

“Thanks for coming, Cal,” he says softly into my hair. “But I’m okay. I don’t need you here to console me. Nothing has changed.”

I look up into his crystal blue eyes. He looks haggard, disappointment shows on his hardened scowl. Regardless of her reasons, he can’t let his mother’s actions dictate his entire life. The same way he shouldn’t let his ex-wife’s stupidity continue to shape his future relationships. Before, I thought that he needed to wake up and take a hold of his life before it passes him by, but now, I think Eve may be right. And with today’s disappointments weighing on him, now is the time for me to show him that he’s worth fighting for. I’m not going to leave just because he’s afraid I might eventually walk away. No, I’m staying to prove to him that people who truly care about him won’t run, no matter what.