He took a deep breath. “I’m sorry for the way I reacted back there in the cafeteria. You have the right to date anyone you choose. If you want to go out with Marty, I’m okay with that.”
She turned a cool gaze on him, and he almost shivered at the frosty look in her eyes. “I must say that makes me feel a lot better, Detective Dawtry, to know that all my dates don’t have to apply to you for approval.”
His mouth dropped open, and his eyes grew wide. “What is that supposed to mean? I was trying to be nice.”
“Well, don’t do me any favors,” she snapped. “I will go out with whoever I want and whenever I want. And when I decide to do so, I won’t be asking your permission.”
Before he could voice a reply, she turned her head and stared out the car window. He exhaled deeply and directed his attention back to the afternoon traffic. Neither of them spoke as he drove toward the shelter.
When he pulled into the parking lot at the Midtown Mission, he wasn’t surprised to see several homeless people standing on the sidewalk in front of the building. Since there weren’t enough beds to supply the ones needing them, many had started showing up early in hopes of being lucky enough to get a place before they were all gone.
Seth pulled to a stop and turned the engine off. He curled his fingers around the steering wheel and tightened them before he turned to look toward Callie. She had her hands folded in her lap and stared down at them.
He swallowed and took a deep breath. “Callie, I’m sorry for the way I acted. Please forgive me if I made you feel uncomfortable in any way. All I want is for you to be happy.”
She glanced up, and tears sparkled in her eyes. “That’s all I want for you, too, Seth, but I’m afraid our being together so much isn’t working out very well. Maybe it would be better if I went to a hotel.”
He shook his head. “No, you can’t do that. We’re not sure the threat to your life is over, and I need to keep you close so I can protect you in case anyone comes after you again.”
“But Seth...”
He held up a hand to stop her. “No. We’re going to make this situation work. Last night we were determined to be friends for Dan’s sake so we could all enjoy spending time together when he recovers. Today we seem to have forgotten that.” He reached over and touched her arm. “I’m really trying to let go of what happened between us, but I have to admit it’s hard. I still don’t understand why you left, and I may never, but I’m sincere when I say I want to be your friend.”
She stared down at his hand before she covered it with hers and smiled. “I want to be your friend, too, Seth. I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you, but you need to understand that you can’t decide who I will go out with.”
“I understand that.”
“And I want you to feel free to date anyone you choose. So let’s not argue over things that we can’t control for each other. From now on let’s concentrate on finding out who Hope is and why someone is trying to kill Uncle Dan. If we can do that, then I’ll leave Memphis as soon as he’s well enough to travel, and you won’t be troubled with me anymore.”
He started to protest that she didn’t trouble him, but he decided against it. Instead, he nodded. “Let’s go see what we can find out inside.”
They got out of the car and walked toward the mission. As they approached the front door, several homeless men who’d been standing in front of the door moved out of their way and stared at them as they walked past. There was a stir among the people on the sidewalk as the smell of bread baking drifted outside. Seth held the door open for Callie and followed her inside.