When We Found Home

by Susan Mallery

  “You couldn’t be a horrible person.”

  “But I am.” Her mouth trembled. “I want him punished. I’m so angry at him. All these years I stood by him. What else has he done? Where’s the money from all the stuff he stole? There has to be thousands of dollars. Where is it?”

  A good question, Santiago thought, and one that hadn’t been answered. The forensic accountants had barely started with Paulo’s accounts. Hanna had given permission for them to go over everything, but based on the lack of excess cash in any of their accounts, Paulo must have stashed it somewhere else. Or spent it, but on what?

  “He lied,” she said, her voice shaking. “I can’t get over that. I’ve worked my ass off and he’s done this to our family. I don’t think I can stay with him.”

  “Don’t make any rash decisions,” he told her, aware of the ironic nature of his advice. Right now he was the king of rash decisions. “Think things through.”

  “I have. I’ve thought about it a lot even before this happened. He’s different now. He used to be determined and driven. Now he’s angry all the time. Bitter. He blames you for being successful, as if because of that, he couldn’t be successful, too. He won’t try. What he doesn’t see is that you worked hard for everything you had. He was never willing to put in the effort.”

  Santiago wondered how much of that was his fault. Had he given his brother too much, not made him work for things? Was the problem a character flaw, circumstances or both?

  “Whatever you need, I’ll be here for you and the kids,” he told her. “Mom will, too. You’re family.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate that.” She sucked in a breath. “Okay, I’ve kept you way too long. You need to get back to work. Thanks for stopping by.”

  “You’re welcome. And if you want me to take the kids this weekend, just say the word.”

  “You should run that by Callie,” she chided. “It’s her weekend, too.”

  “She’d be okay with it,” he said, telling himself it wasn’t exactly a lie. At this point he didn’t think she gave a damn about him. Not that he blamed her. “Let me know what you’d like to do.”

  “I will.”

  He walked to his car and got inside. Halfway down the street, he pulled over, mostly because he didn’t know where to go or what to do. A case could be made it was a weekday—he should be at the office. But he hadn’t gone to the office since Paulo was arrested. He hadn’t wanted to see anyone—mostly Malcolm.

  Humiliation burned hot and bright. His brother, he thought grimly. His own brother had been the thief. Paulo had set up an innocent man, blackmailed another employee into helping, and Santiago had no idea how long it had all been going on. Weeks? Months? Longer?

  He still couldn’t wrap his mind around what he’d learned, mostly because every time he got close to accepting it, he had to deal with what he’d said and done to Callie.

  He’d rejected her for being used by his brother. She hadn’t done anything wrong, but he’d totally gone off on her. He didn’t know why or what it meant beyond the fact that he was a total asshole. Him! The guy who was always the hero.

  His phone buzzed. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen.

  Warehouse. Now.

  The text came from Malcolm’s phone. Santiago thought about ignoring it, then told himself he might as well face whatever it was. He would deal and then figure out his next move.

  He drove to the warehouse and parked, then walked inside. Malcolm was waiting for him. His friend raised his eyebrows when he saw Santiago’s jeans and T-shirt.

  “Casual Friday?”

  Santiago flipped him off. “What do you want?”

  “Later we’ll talk about your attitude but for now, you need to see something.”

  Santiago followed him through the warehouse. “Why aren’t you pissed at me about Callie?”

  “Trust me, I am. I’m trying to decide if I want to beat you up with a two-by-four or just fire you.”

  Malcolm spoke so casually it took Santiago a second to realize his friend wasn’t kidding.

  “About time you stood up for her,” he grumbled.

  “Why wouldn’t I? She’s my sister.”

  “You didn’t think that before.”

  “Now I know better.” Malcolm looked at him. His blue eyes were cold and determined. “When this is over, you and I are having a talk.”

  “Anytime, anywhere.”

  They walked into the large lunchroom. Santiago stumbled to a stop when he saw Callie at the front of the room with about thirty employees gathered around to listen. Pain and longing and feelings he didn’t dare define twisted together inside of him. She was so beautiful, he thought sadly. So funny and smart and easy to be with. She was...perfect and he was just the jerk who’d blown it all. Not just with her but with his brother and who knew where else. He wasn’t a hero—he was a disaster. He’d ruined everything.

  Callie began to speak. “Thank you for coming to the department meeting,” she said, her voice strong, her gaze steady. “I know it was mandatory, but I appreciate it all the same. There have been a lot of rumors going around and I thought it would be better for everyone to clear them up.”

  She hesitated. “Let me start with a few facts. First, I am Malcolm Carlesso’s half sister. I found that out a few months ago and moved to Seattle. The decision not to tell anyone was mine.”

  He heard a few gasps and some murmurs. Callie ignored the interruptions and kept talking.

  “Some of you have also been talking about my past, wondering if I really am a convicted felon. The answer to that question is also yes.”

  The gasps were louder this time. She ignored them and went on to briefly outline her past.

  “I didn’t want people judging me based on a few facts they might or might not understand. But that was a mistake. I got trapped in the lies and they weakened me. They allowed Paulo to try to use me. Hiding from who you are never works.”

  She gave a slight smile. “Some of you are going to think worse of me now and some of you are going to think better of me. Either way, I’m the same person.” She seemed to search the audience. “To my friends, I’m sorry I lied. I was afraid. I should have trusted you more.”

  One woman broke free and ran toward Callie. Santiago recognized Frankie as she hugged Callie.

  “I’m sorry, too. I was upset with some stuff with Levi. You were so good to me.” Frankie put her arm around Callie and turned to the audience. “She’s the one who got the leave policy changed. She made it possible for me to be with my boy when he’s having treatments.”

  Callie ducked her head. “Anyone would have done that for you.”

  “It wasn’t anyone. It was you.”

  Santiago turned and walked away. He felt sick and angry and sad and confused, all at the same time. He had to do something—he just didn’t know what.

  He heard footsteps behind him, then Malcolm caught up and grabbed his arm.

  “Where are you going?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Malcolm stared at him. “You were wrong. You hurt her and I can’t let that go. Neither should you.” He shook him. “You don’t always get to be the hero, Santiago. You don’t always get to save the day. Sometimes you just have to let life happen and then pick up the pieces. That doesn’t make you wrong or bad—it makes you human. Paulo made his own choices and he has to live with them. You’re going to have to do the same. You want to have to deal with everything with or without Callie?”

  “I hurt her.”

  “Yes, you were a total idiot. So what? You just going to walk away because you made a mistake? You’re one of the hardest-working people I know. Why would you give up so easily now?”

  Santiago looked away. “She was my princess and I let her down.”

  Malcolm swore. “Get over yourself. What the hell is that? Callie’s not a pri
ncess—she’s a woman. Love her or don’t love her, but don’t be some dramatic shit who doesn’t take responsibility. Jesus, Santiago. I expected a whole lot better of you.”

  chapter thirty-one

  “I can’t believe Callie stood up to everyone she worked with. And went undercover!” Delaney picked up her glass of wine, then put it down. “I haven’t talked to her in maybe five days. How could all this have happened?”

  “It’s been a busy week.”

  Delaney sensed there were parts of the story Malcolm wasn’t telling and wondered what else had happened. She would text Callie in the morning to see if she wanted to get together and talk.

  “What a scary experience. She’s impressive in so many ways. You’re lucky to have her in your life.”

  “I am.”

  They were in her small dining room, eating the takeout he’d brought over. For the first time in a long time, she felt comfortable in her skin. It had taken facing some demons from her past, but she was making changes.

  Callie’s comments about her being responsible for her own happiness had resonated. Delaney was starting to see she’d allowed herself to get caught between two worlds, never truly committing to one. She hadn’t completely decided what she wanted to do next, but she’d talked to a few former work friends and was networking to find out about finance jobs that might interest her.

  “You’ll have to check out the sponge painting in the bedroom,” she said, her voice teasing. “I think it came out really great. I’m going to tackle the bathroom next.”

  “More sponge painting?”

  “No, just a different color. I can’t believe how long I lived here without doing anything to fix up the place. I guess I was never sure how things were going to turn out. Tim and I had always talked about using this place as a rental after we got married.”

  A plan she hadn’t been comfortable with, she realized now. While she didn’t plan on living in her condo forever, she hadn’t wanted to move back to the old neighborhood.

  “You’d have no trouble finding someone to rent this,” he said. “Great location, good floor plan and there’s parking.”

  She smiled. “Parking is always a plus.”

  “Callie and I were talking about our family home.” He put down his fork.

  Delaney thought about the beautiful house. “Oh, no. You’re not going to sell it, are you? I know it’s big and it’s probably expensive to maintain, but it’s a wonderful house. Plus, Keira needs to know she has roots.” She winced. “I’m sorry. I’m doing all the talking. What did you two decide?”

  “That it’s probably time for me to move out. Callie wants to live there with Keira, but I’m thinking I’m ready to be on my own again.”

  She laughed. “It’s not like you’re living in the basement. You’ve stayed to be with your grandfather.”

  “And because of Rachel.”

  Yes, that, she thought, remembering what he’d told her. Those memories would have been an open wound for a long time. Whatever her problems with Tim, neither of them had cheated on the other.

  He leaned toward her. “I’ve always been a cautious person. Keira would tell you I have a stick up my ass.”

  She tried not to smile. “She does have a way with words.”

  “She does and I love that about her. I want to do the right thing, whether it’s with business or the people in my life. Rachel’s betrayal has made it difficult for me to trust.”

  “Rachel’s but not your father’s?”

  “His actions surprised me less. I’ve dated some, but you’re the first person I’ve been involved with in a long time.”

  “I can say the same about you. We’ve had a pretty drama-free relationship,” she told him. “That’s nice.”

  “It is. So back to me moving out on my own, I’ve been looking at a couple of houses.”

  “Want a woman’s opinion?” she asked, her voice teasing.

  “I would because I’ve found something I really like. It’s an older place, built in the early 1900s. There’s a view of Lake Washington and a big backyard. Most of it has been remodeled and a big master suite was added on.” His gaze intensified.

  “Delaney, I know it’s probably too soon, but I would very much like you to come see the house and let me know what you think. I want to know if it’s someplace you see yourself living.” One corner of his mouth turned up. “What I’m trying to say is I’m falling in love with you and I’m hoping we have a future together.”

  They were words to warm any woman’s heart—any woman who wasn’t her, she thought as the walls seemed to close in on her. Yes, he was a terrific guy and he made her happy, but a house? Love? What was next—a proposal?

  She wasn’t ready. She’d barely figured out she didn’t want to be a naturopath. She hadn’t made peace with the past enough to let it go, she didn’t know what she wanted to do, career wise. What if she found a great job in Atlanta or New York? Malcolm was tied to Seattle—he always would be. She didn’t know enough about herself to be able to decide if he was the right man to marry.

  Her whole body went cold, as if she’d been plunged in icy water. Her chest tightened and she felt a pounding behind her eyes.

  “No,” she said, coming to her feet. “No! I won’t be trapped again, not by anyone. I don’t know what I want. I don’t know my next step. I can’t, Malcolm. I just can’t. Not a house, not marriage, not any of it. I’m not ready to love anyone. I don’t even know what that is anymore. Did I love Tim? I was going to marry him and I just don’t know. Not who I am or where I belong or what I want. I don’t want to be trapped. I have to decide for myself and I just can’t do this now. I’m sorry.”

  She pointed to the door. “I need you to go.”

  For a second she saw the shock in his eyes, and the hurt, but then it was gone. Instead she stared at the polite expression of a stranger.

  “Of course. I hope you’re feeling better soon. Good night.”

  With that, he left. She stood where she was, her arms wrapped around her chest, her heart thundering so hard, she thought it might break against a rib.

  Horror swept over her, causing her to sink back into her chair. What had she done? What had she lost by rejecting him? She held in a sob, telling herself she needed to be sure. This time she was going to be completely sure about who she was and what she wanted, no matter what. If she didn’t do that, she wouldn’t have learned anything at all.

  * * *

  Callie sat in the kitchen with Grandfather Alberto. Dinner was done and Keira had gone upstairs to start on her homework. For reasons that were totally confusing to Callie, the thirteen-year-old had asked to go to a math and science camp for the summer. Not just that, but there was homework and tests. When Callie had teased her about it, Keira had pointed out Callie was taking summer school at the community college, so they weren’t that different.

  “Your granddaughters are strange,” she said as she smiled at her grandfather. “We’re both in school over the summer.”

  “You make me proud.”

  “Thank you. I’m excited to get my degree, then join the company. I think Malcolm and I will be a good team.” He would always have more experience than her, but she thought maybe she would bring a gut instinct to the job. Besides, thinking about that was way better than missing Santiago, which she still did. Every. Single. Day.

  He hadn’t called, hadn’t texted. She’d thought she’d seen him at the warehouse yesterday when she’d confessed all to her coworkers, but by the time she’d finished, he’d been gone, so maybe she’d imagined the whole thing.

  Love sucked, she thought, wishing she could forget him, or at least not miss him so much. She didn’t want to wish she’d never met him because being with him had been so much more than she’d ever imagined a relationship could be. She wanted to tell him that he was punishing her for something that wasn’t her fa
ult, but what was the point? He already knew that. She could love him but she couldn’t make him love her back.

  She looked at her grandfather. He was still healthy and vital but he didn’t have a lot of years left.

  “Are you in love with Carmen?”

  Grandfather Alberto sipped his brandy. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Okay, but Keira says you two are an item. If that’s true, then you should marry her. Or at least tell us so you can stop sneaking around. No one is going to disapprove. We all love her and we love you. Actually you make a cute couple. You’ve been alone a long time. Having someone to love is pretty wonderful, Grandfather. Don’t miss out on a chance to experience that one last time.”

  “I’m too old for her.”

  “Oh, please. If that were the case, she wouldn’t still be with you.” She stood and kissed his cheek. “Just think about it.”

  She passed Carmen as she walked out of the kitchen. With a little luck, at least someone would be happy in love, she thought wistfully.

  She was halfway up the stairs when she heard the garage door open, then close. She turned and saw Malcolm crossing the foyer. She knew he’d been out with Delaney and it was barely eight. Why was he home—

  She took one look at his drawn face and groaned. “No,” she said sympathetically. “What happened? Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.” He gave her a tight smile. “Seriously, I’m okay.”

  “Did you two have a fight?”

  “Why would you ask that?”

  “You were on a date and now you’re home early. Something happened.” She briefly hoped that it had been something as simple as a headache or unexpected rescheduling, but the tightness in her chest told her otherwise.

  For a second she thought Malcolm was going to blow her off and tell her everything was fine. She sensed the battle within him, then the all-is-well facade shattered and she saw the anguish in his eyes.

  “I told her I was falling in love with her and she said she didn’t want to be trapped.” One shoulder rose and lowered. “So much for a happily-ever-after ending.” He cleared his throat. “I was so sure she was the one. I started looking at houses.” He shook his head. “No. Not looking. I found one. A great house on the lake. It was perfect and now it will be perfect for someone else.”