Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 98487 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98487 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
“Yeah, there are tons of pictures of her in a leotard in their house.”
Why don’t I remember that? “What’s her last name?”
“Merryweather, I assume? I think he adopted her. Aviva’s and her dad is a drunk or something.”
“Huh. I don’t know any Calliope Merryweather, and if I did, I would definitely remember that name.”
“I figured you would. I don’t know. I actually forgot she existed until he said he was coming here for her meet tomorrow.”
“That’s so weird,” I say, trying really hard to place her. “Everyone knows I played for the IceCats. Wouldn’t she—”
Wait. It couldn’t be Callie, could it?
Owen looks at me funny. “What?”
“Callie?”
He thinks that over. “I feel like I’ve heard her called that, but Aviva always calls her Calliope around me.”
Surely not. Surely I didn’t sleep with Nico Merryweather’s wife’s sister.
But…her dad is a drunk, and Nico adopted her.
Dad-guy.
She works in an autism center and wants to work with kids with autism.
Nico has autism.
“Oh, fuck me,” I mutter, and Owen’s face scrunches up.
“What?”
“I think I slept with Calliope.”
Owen just gawks at me. “No fucking way.”
But as he laughs, hard, I ignore him because the doorbell rings. We both look toward it, baffled. It’s almost nine. Why would anyone be coming over?
Mom comes out in her robe and looks at us. “Oh, don’t worry. Your elderly mother will get it.”
Owen snorts. “We say that, and we get decked in the throats.”
She only nods as she answers the door. Owen and I get up, going to the entry to see who it is—only to find the very topic of our discussion in my mom’s doorway.
Oh. Fuck.
Mom smiles sweetly. “Can I help you?”
“Hi, I know this is super unannounced and it’s late. I’m so sorry, but it took me an hour to get here because I got a flat tire and then I almost ran out of gas and then I got lost because my sister gave me the wrong address. It’s not 1353, like she said, but 1453, as you know, so it’s been a thing. But, um, sorry, none of that matters. I’m sorry, though.”
Damn, she’s cute when she’s nervous. I want to wrap her in my arms and hold her, but I can’t move.
She’s at my house.
Callie is at my house.
She’s Nico’s daughter-person-thing.
I swallow hard. I might die.
Callie’s hands move wildly in front of her. “Um, sorry. But, um, does Evan Adler live here?”
Mom looks back at me, perplexed, while Callie’s eyes follow Mom’s gaze and land on me.
She lets out a long sigh as relief fills her features.
Beside me, Owen screeches like a fucking hyena. “Oh my God, you totally slept with Nico’s kid.”
I look from Callie to my brother then back to her.
Is it too early to take another dose of my meds?
seventeen
Callie
Wait, what did Owen say?
I didn’t catch it once my eyes fell on Evan, and honestly, I don’t care about anything or anyone but Evan. While the trip to Evan’s family’s house was an absolute shitshow, being here, seeing him, I know it was more than worth it. I wasn’t sure how to approach whoever opened the door and how to ask for Evan since I’m basically nothing to him or his family, but Mrs. Adler was so open and friendly, despite my impromptu visit. My attention moves from Evan to Owen to their mom, before going back to Evan as my heart pounds in my chest. I knew I was worried, but seeing him upright and looking good, I’m so relieved I want to cry.
Evan looks tired and his eyes aren’t so bright, but in my head, he was going to be wearing fuzzy socks and in a straitjacket. I’ve never had to deal with panic attacks and neither has Aviva, so I’m unfamiliar, and I’m surprised by how scared out of my mind I am. I always knew I was attracted to him, and even harbored a small crush, as do most girls, but I care for him. His well-being, his heart, his soul, everything—I’m concerned for all of him.
No one says anything or even moves. Owen is laughing and Mrs. Adler is confused, but Evan, he just stands there. Does he not want to see me? Maybe I give off crazy, stalkerish vibes to him. I did have Aviva call Angie to get me the address. I look back at Mrs. Adler and give her a nervous smile. “I’m so sorry. My name is Callie Pearce.”
Mrs. Adler smiles. “I’m Elli Adler. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Likewise. Am I able to come in?”
“Of course,” she says, moving out of the way, and I walk past her to go straight for Evan.
Our eyes are locked, but when we embrace, I squeeze my eyes shut just as hard as I squeeze him. I was unsure if he would want my affection, but within seconds, he’s holding me tightly as he buries his face in my neck. I feel his heart pounding in his chest, and I know the rhythm of mine matches his cadence.