But hey, there’s the cannister of hot chocolate. I set milk to simmer on the stove and reach behind Callie for two mugs. Her shampoo smells fresh and faintly floral.
“At home we dip toast in our hot chocolate,” she says.
“Strange.”
“Don’t knock it before you try it.”
“If I do, will you open the Irn Bru?”
She wrinkles her nose. “That orange soda that looks like it should be illegal?”
“Aye.”
“Fine. We can have it with…lunch tomorrow.”
“Deal.” I start a few slices of toast while Callie pulls out two plates and the butter. We work well together, I’ve noticed.
“How long have you known Rory?”
“My entire life.”
“Is he married?”
I almost drop the milk before I can pour it into the mug. “No.”
“Single?” she asks.
“Why? Are you going to try to kiss him, too?”
Callie scoffs. “Of course not!”
I lift one eyebrow, and she scowls at me.
“Fine.” She sighs. “My track record isn’t great. But that’s none of your business, is it?”
“Reckon it’ll be my business when you break his heart and leave.”
“First, he’s an adult. Second, glad to know you think so low of me. Third, I’m not planning on kissing anyone.”
I finish putting together the hot cocoa and carry our mugs to the table. Guilt pecks at me. Think so low of her? Impossible. I don’t even know her. Not well, at least.
When she carries the toast over, I wait for her to put the plates down, then stop her. “I don’t think low of you. It was a daft joke.”
Her eyes dance all over my face, like she’s trying desperately to read my expression. She must believe me, because the tightness leaves her eyes. “Okay.”
But when I dip the toast in the hot cocoa and take a bite, I have to admit it isn’t the worst thing I’ve ever had.
Not the best, either, but I don’t have to admit that out loud.
Instead, I listen to Callie tell me all about her best friend Bekah and the restaurant they work at together and the professor Bekah’s dating who makes really good chocolate chip cookies. She’s animated as she talks, and I find that I could probably sit and listen to her stories all day.
“So, tell me about Rhona. How are you going to get her to accept help?”
“Show up in the morning and do the chores before she can,” I say around a bite.
Callie nods to herself. “I figured as much.”
“Why?”
