Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 86751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
“I agree,” Marissa says. “Guilt is a hundred dollar coffee shop gift card, not a daily delivery.”
CHAPTER 62
CALLIE
The next day at Big Daddy’s, a familiar person comes into the shop. If I were only seeing her face, I might not remember who she is, but her spiky rose gold hair and vibrant clothing tip me off immediately. It feels like forever ago that I met her the first time I went to Max and Miles’s beach house. I also saw her briefly during a couple of our pre-wedding study sessions.
I give her a wave. “Hi, Ms. Collins. Do you remember me? Callie Baker.”
“I surely do, dear, but I didn’t know you worked here.”
I nod as she steps up to the counter. “I haven’t seen you in here before.”
“I don’t typically get food out, but one of my bridge friends has been raving about the sandwiches here. Something about a Big Texan Daddy?”
I can’t help but giggle at the face she makes as she names the sandwich. “That’s right. Brisket with barbecue sauce, white cheddar, pickles and onions.”
“Sounds good. Sign me up for one of those.”
As I take her payment, she says, “I haven’t seen you at the house lately.”
“Oh. Umm … are Max and Miles still living there?”
“Yes, they sure are, dear. They extended their lease, actually.” As she focuses on counting out change from a coin purse, she says, “They haven’t been themselves, lately, though. Very mopey now, those boys, even Max.” Looking up at me, she adds, “I miss that boy’s grin.”
As soon as she says it, it hits me hard. I miss Max’s grin, too. And Miles’s grumpy face.
I miss them.
After I thank Ms. Collins and tell her that her sandwich will be ready soon, she gives me a wave and moves down the counter. “Hope to see you around, Callie.”
They extended their lease? Maybe there’s more to investigate in the area?
Much as I try not to think about them, they fill my thoughts for the rest of the day.
I’m off the next day, and I sleep in. Dreams of Max and Miles wake me a couple of times, but I put on my podcast, roll over, and fall back asleep until well into the morning.
When I finally come out of my room, I find Ana and Marissa standing at the front window, peeking through the blinds.
“What’s going on?”
There are odd grins on both of their faces when they turn to look at me. “Your car is being washed.”
I frown at them, wondering if I’m still sleepier than I realize as I go to the window.
Max and Miles are out front, sudsing up the side of my car. They’re not wearing shirts.
“How long have you been watching them?” I ask.
“Umm, the whole time.” Ana says this as though it should be obvious.
“They came to the door and asked if it was okay if they used the hose,” Marissa explains.
“I mean, we can’t not watch.” Ana’s eyes are already aimed back out front. “Half the neighborhood is probably watching.”
Ana’s not wrong. The scene is quite compelling, and I get caught up for a moment watching their back muscles shift with every movement. The sun highlights the golden strands in their brown hair, and there are spots of soap bubbles on their bodies that my hands ache to wipe away.
I go back to my room to get dressed, then I head outside. As soon as one of them sees me, he gestures for his brother to look my way.
At first, I have trouble telling them apart, because both of their faces are as lean as Miles’s was when I last saw them. As I get closer, I can somehow tell who is who from something in their expressions, even before I find the birthmark on Max’s neck.
“Callie,” Miles says.
“Hi, Callie.” There’s a hint of Max’s usual grin, but it's nowhere near its usual radiance.
“What are you doing?” I’m not accusatory, just curious.
Max shrugs. “Just trying to be helpful.”
“I didn’t even think my car was dirty.”
He cocks his head, looking surprised. “Really? It looked like you got involved in a battle with a flock of birds who had it out for you.”
“It was not that bad!”
“Okay, but there were a few spots on the hood. Maybe it was just one angry bird who’d had a lot to eat.”
“Now you’re just being gross.”
“It was gross.” Max shudders playfully. “But no need to worry. It’s all been cleaned off.”
Miles, who’s been watching the conversation with his usual bemusement, shakes his head as he turns on the hose to spray off the car.
“We’re almost done,” Max says. “Are you going somewhere?”
“No. I just came out to tell you that you don’t need to do this. You can stop the deliveries, too.”
Max watches his brother rinse the car, and waits until the hose is off to ask, “Why?”