The little getaway presented a ritual—the confirmation that this was all about them now. Callie saw through the lies Nicole tried to make her believe about herself, that everyone would eventually leave her. Rebecca had struggled with questions of her own, but who cared what label she gave herself in the end? She didn’t need permission or approval—not even from her parents, right?
In her mind, Rebecca went over the schedule once again. David and Dina would arrive in the late afternoon. Another little surprise she’d kept from Callie was that they’d meet in town, not leave together.
There had been so much guilt, responsibilities, and drama to deal with in the recent past, they deserved some sort of celebration to mark the fact that they’d made it through, and also bring a more playful element into their relationship. Rebecca was beyond excited to see how her idea would work out.
Callie worked on her story, humming to a song she listened to through the headphones. Chances were she’d be at it a while longer.
Rebecca went into the hallway, picking up the phone on the way. She hoped her mother wouldn’t think she was making a drunken joke. Yes, she’d talk to her mother first. See how she’d handle the news that was really old news at this point. Like Fiona had said, maybe they knew something was up. Moving in with a neighbor after separating from your husband was not the first impulse for most people.
Maybe they’d gone to bed already, and this was not such a good idea. She dialed the number anyway, waiting anxiously. After two rings, her mother picked up.
“Becca, it’s late. Is everything all right?”
“How did you know it was me?” Rebecca blurted out.
“Well, for one, your dad figured out how to activate caller ID. It’s not like we get that many calls, but we get to avoid the salespeople.”
“That’s good, Mom. How…how are you and Dad?”
“We’re good, but I think I should ask you that question.” Now, she definitely knew that something was up. Rebecca refrained from the impulse to disconnect the call instantly. “Rebecca, what is it? Are you and David back together? That’s not the worst that could happen, you know.”
“No. David and I aren’t back together.”
“You’re still living with that friend of yours, right? Are you sure she’s okay with that? Do you even have enough room?”
Rebecca was painfully aware of how many more questions the truth would open up. She didn’t want to discuss her cheating on David with her mother, or anyone at this point.
“The space is fine. You know Dina is living with David. That was her choice.”
“Becca, are you sure you did the right thing?”
“I am. Mom, about my friend, Callie…” Rebecca thought of Sara, whose conversation with her mother had ended with the teenage girl being kicked out on the street. “I’m with her.”
Silence.
Rebecca wondered if her wording was too vague, or if her mother was as shaken by the reality as Rebecca was at the first realization. So much for Fiona’s theory they had already guessed.
“I don’t understand. How can that be?” Probably, she was looking back, trying to find any hint in the past, as Rebecca had countless times. Coming up empty.
“I love her.” She said it without defiance or any attempt at justifying. “The girls are okay with it…and I hoped you’d be too.”
“Well, that’s a surprise. Why didn’t you tell us earlier? It’s been some time now.”
All of a sudden, Rebecca understood why she had spent the past few Monday evenings in Marin County, other than for deep and intense conversation with women she didn’t have much in common with, when you looked closely.
“I don’t know. Back home, the church was pretty clear on the subject.”
“That was twenty years ago,” her mother said with a hint of impatience. “I thought your Father Langdon had more progressive views. That’s what you always said.”
“He has…had. He left earlier this year. I thought you and Dad…it doesn’t matter,” Rebecca interrupted herself. “I just wanted you to know, that’s all. Thanks for listening. Good night.”
“Are you happy?”
The question cut all the way through her defenses and preparation for worst-case scenario. Rebecca hadn’t prepared for this. She had expected some sort of interrogation—from Fiona, her own parents—and imagined what she’d tell them. Not this simple question that was so easy to answer.
“Yes. I am.” I wasn’t sure you’d think it matters. She hadn’t expected this moment to become so emotional either. Maybe she had been naïve in her approach after all.
“I suppose you know what you’re doing. I’m glad you found someone, though I never thought…does she have children too?”
“No, but she’s good with Maggie. The girls like her very much.”
“Do you want more children? You always talked about a big family. That’s got to be somewhat complicated now?”
“Not at the moment. I don’t think so.”
“Becca, you’re not that young anymore,” her mother chided, though her tone was affectionate, making Rebecca laugh.
“Believe me, I’m aware.” She had to admit, though, that she hadn’t thought of asking Callie that question. She’d just assumed Callie hadn’t planned to have children on her own.
“Did you plan anything for your birthday? I thought maybe we should come. After I got Dad to fix the phone, I think I might be able to make him go on that plane too.”
“You’d come?” Rebecca asked. She realized she was clutching the phone tightly—an indication of how startled she was by the question and how much the answer meant to her.
“Why not? We haven’t seen Maggie and Dina in a while either.”
“I’d love to see you.” If her voice sounded small and brittle, it was a valid reflection of her emotional state. Rebecca had come to expect that most people thought she owed them some detailed explanation. She cleared her throat, adding, “I wasn’t sure you’d want to see me. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you earlier.”
“It’s your life, Rebecca. We’re not going to tell you how to live it.”
That sounded more like what she was used to…a longtime pattern that had led her to believe that whatever their opinion was on what she did, Rebecca had no way of knowing. Only this time, she did, and it mattered. “No. You never did.”
“I always thought you got married early, but you got a couple of great kids, nothing to complain about that. We didn’t want to interfere all the time, but rather have you make your own choices. That doesn’t mean we don’t care.”
“I didn’t mean to say that,” Rebecca protested, feeling caught.
“We’ll have a lot to talk about. I’ll talk to Dad about your birthday. How’s David?”
“He’s okay.” She assumed that delving any deeper into the subject would be stretching it at the moment. “Thank you, Mom. I know the kids will be excited to see you…and Callie too.”
She looked up to see the subject of their conversation standing in the doorway.
“Definitely,” Callie whispered. “I’m so proud of you.”
The emotional moments were far from over, but somehow, that was okay, even more so than it had been minutes ago.
* * * *
“Tomorrow night, I’m supposed to dress up and then go to the address you’ll leave me. I wonder if there’s any way I could get more out of you about that,” Callie wondered out loud.
“You could try, but don’t get your hopes up too high.”
“Just wait. You haven’t seen all of my skills of persuasion.” With Rebecca in this relaxed, playful mood, the time ahead would be pleasant, even if Callie wasn’t able to yield any more information.
She and her parents had probably a lot more catching up to do on subjects other than her coming out, but Callie understood the need to set aside the heavy subjects for a while. Some conflicts wouldn’t vanish so easily. Father Reynolds or Andy wouldn’t go anywhere in the near future.
It was up to them to live an
d enjoy their lives, anyway. “Show me, then,” Rebecca suggested and Callie obliged, leaning down to kiss her and relishing the feel of warm, naked skin. She’d be happy to try all of her skills, even if in the end, she’d be none the wiser as to the weekend plans.
Chapter Eleven
In the morning, when the alarm went off, all Callie got from Rebecca was a non-committal sound from somewhere under the pillow. The night was too short, she thought, smiling to herself.
“I’ll make breakfast for Maggie,” she said, brushing her fingers over Rebecca’s shoulder, tempted but aware she had to stop there for the moment.
“I love you,” Rebecca said, her voice muffled as she was still shying away from the daylight.
Callie chuckled. “I know. I’ll be back as soon as possible.”
She put on underwear and the first PJs she could find in the drawer and headed for the kitchen, where she prepared Maggie’s breakfast first, filled Barney’s bowls with fresh water and food, and then brewed a pot of coffee. Maggie came bouncing in, all dressed and ready for school.
“Wow, you’re excited,” Callie remarked. After the many mornings they’d seen her pale and without appetite, the sight gave her a happy, hopeful feeling.
“Miss Romano will tell us about the new program today, and there’s a story contest.” Maggie made a face. “I don’t like that she’s leaving.”
“At least she gave you some time to prepare.” Maggie needed to know that there were more adults in her life who actually cared rather than put up a pretense in order to serve their own purposes. “I’m sure she’ll miss you guys.”
“She said she’ll come to visit.”
“Then she will, eventually.”
“Would you like to read my story?” Maggie asked, her gaze hopeful.
“Of course. I promise I’ll get to it before you come back from your dad’s, but first, you need to catch the bus. You got your lunch money?”
Callie was certain Maggie had learned that eye-rolling from her older sister. “Everything else? Okay. Have fun.” She saw the girl off to the door, kissed her cheek, and stepped out on the porch in time to see the school bus arrive.
Maggie waved. Callie was about to go back inside when a familiar car pulled up on the side of the street.
“Hello, darling,” Asha called through the open driver window. “You have a minute?” She stepped out of her car and walked up the stairs to the porch—as usual, bright and dynamic at the morning hour. “Will I ever find you dressed at this time of the day?” she asked when Callie let her into the house. “Never mind. That’s some good stuff you sent me. I see you made coffee. Good.”
“Did Maggie tell you about…oh…hey, Asha.” Rebecca had put on a nightgown and robe, but even so, they weren’t fooling anyone.
“Wow,” Asha said as she accepted the mug Callie handed her. “Did I mention how much I hate people who can work from home? I hate you two a little less, though, because you’re so adorable.”
“I’m glad you think so.” Callie poured another mug for Rebecca, then for herself.
“Me too.” Rebecca’s voice was still heavy with sleep. “See you later,” she added, before heading for the bathroom, coffee still in hand.
“I’m not going to ask.” Asha sat down after stealing a grape from the bowl of fruit on the table. “I’m going to say this though—you look amazing. It’s not flattery. It’s fact. I’ve seen you eat your emotions with Nicole, and I’ve seen you forget about eating altogether, being all miserable about unrequited love. Not so unrequited after all, as it turns out. I’m happy for you.”
“Thank you. Don’t think I’ll forget, though. What’s this about stealing Maggie’s favorite teacher? I assume that’s what she meant when she said she’d come to visit, because you hang around a lot.”
“Gracie’s got a job offer, for which I’m grateful. I’m not like you. I feel claustrophobic after a couple of days in this town. What can you do when the women are this amazing? All right, let’s talk business. I know you’re not quite awake, but that’s what you get when you—” Asha stopped herself short of making an inappropriate joke, her expression softening. “You’ve come a long way, honey. With your writing and otherwise.”
Callie couldn’t argue with that.
* * * *
Rebecca left after lunch for some business talk of her own, with Betty’s friend Eve, and Roz after that, but she’d be back in time for David to pick up Maggie…and give Callie her last clue as to tonight’s event.
Callie listlessly shifted some paragraphs in her manuscript around, helped Maggie pick a few clothes for her weekend trip, but nothing could distract her for longer. She couldn’t wait to get ready herself. This evening was obviously special to Rebecca, as she had gone to such great lengths to prepare it. It was special for Callie too. Nicole had taken her to a few expensive restaurants in their time, but that was her way of showing off, demonstrating to Callie that she could do so much better. Best of luck to you.
With Asha, she’d always been careful to keep the professional relationship and friendship intact above all else. The rest of it had been rather casual.
When Maggie was satisfied with her wardrobe, Callie went to inspect her own. The dark blue dress seemed appropriate for an evening out in town. Maybe she should have gone shopping.
Maybe tonight, she should ask Rebecca the question that Vanessa and Sabine were about to approach. Callie sighed to her mirror image. It was too early. Tonight, she’d leave the pacing to Rebecca. With this particular question, she had to do it anyway, because it was Rebecca who had gone through the heartbreak of selling her home and the paperwork that came with ending a marriage. The time would be right, someday. Callie believed that. Until then, she could be patient.
The phone rang, and Callie went to pick it up, blushing at the sound of David’s voice, as if he could read her mind.
“I’m sorry. Rebecca isn’t here yet. She’s got a couple of meetings. You’ll be able to catch her later though.” She hoped his call didn’t mean changes to her and Rebecca’s weekend plans.
“I think I have to ask you a favor,” David said. “I’m still at work, and I’m not sure how long this will take. Could you drive Maggie? I know it’s a bit of a trip, but I’d be extremely grateful.”
“Sure. She’s ready, anyway.”
“Great, thank you. I’ll tell Laurie to have some pie ready. Bye, Callie.”
Callie gave the phone a bemused look, wondering if she’d heard that correctly, and then if Rebecca’s former mother-in-law could be convinced to serve her baked goods. After sending Rebecca a text message to let her know about the adjustment of schedule, she went to get Maggie.
* * * *
“She gave me some odd looks, but Eve still wants me to do her flyers.” Rebecca shook her head. “Thanks, Andy. It seems like a little notoriety is good for business.”
Roz laughed. “Don’t forget your fingerprints are all over town. You’re that good. She can’t ignore that. Now, let’s talk about your fantasy date. I think it’s amazing you’re doing that. I want to know all about it.”
“Not going to happen,” Rebecca said quickly. She might be sharing the images on her mind with Callie later, in a darkened room, but no one else needed to know.
“We have caramel cream cupcakes fresh today. Does that help?”
No, Roz wasn’t helping at all, because her suggestion made Rebecca think of how Callie had tried to find out more about tonight’s plans. “Sorry, no. I don’t want to spoil my appetite. Besides, I still need to fit into that dress.”
Roz turned to the open wardrobe door, displaying Rebecca’s choice of outfit for the night. Rebecca had hidden it, with the matching shoes, at Roz’s—all part of the plan. She’d only stop by at home for David to come by and get Maggie, and then leave Callie with a business card of the restaurant. When she arrived, a waiter would point her to the bar.
“I’m nervous,” she confessed. “What if she thinks this is all silly? She’s lived in N
ew York.”
“Do you ever stop and notice the way she looks at you? All of us have dreamed of living in New York at some point, or anywhere more exciting than Autumn Leaves. Callie left all that to be here with you.”
“I know that.” Rebecca laughed self-consciously. “On top of not giving anything away, I’ll have to try not to be so obvious when David is around. It could be very awkward otherwise…not to mention unfair.”
“He made you take the dog—talk about unfair.”
“That’s fine. It’s a cute one, and Maggie adores him.”
“Besides, David is back with his girlfriend. That should be enough consolation for him,” Roz said bluntly. “If you want to have a sexy getaway with your girlfriend, that’s none of his business.”
Rebecca sat on the side of the bed, leaning forward to cover her face with her hands.
“Don’t look so shocked. We’re all grown-ups here.”
“It all seemed so perfect in my head. Now, I’m not so sure.”
“Hey.” Roz sat beside her, putting an arm around her shoulders. “It’ll be fine. I’m sure Callie appreciates a little fantasy. You earned it.”
“I think you might be right,” Rebecca agreed, getting up. “About brunch…”
“Don’t worry about it. I love you gals, but Jamie and I now have the breakfast crowd to consider. I’d have to cancel more often than not. Delia’s got the baby…Betty and Charles have big plans. Let’s see what the end of the month looks like.”
“Okay. I’ll be back later.”
“I can’t wait.” Roz grinned. “This will look gorgeous on you. I think I want to go out with you.”
Rebecca shook her head with a smile. Time to head home.
* * * *
“You should have a piece. It’s fresh out of the oven,” Laurie Lowman urged. Callie had thought David was joking about the pie, but she found out that it was not the case at all.
“No, thank you. I’m having an early dinner tonight.”
“Have a small piece anyway. There’s coffee too.”
Susan gave her an apologetic smile. So far, the communication in this house had been surprisingly pleasant and polite. Then again, neither Laurie nor Susan minded the fact that Rebecca and David weren’t together anymore. Laurie acted harsher at some point, but more to Rebecca.
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