The longer I go about my day, the worse it gets.
Chapter Twenty
Liam
Frustrated, I check my phone.Again.
Calypso didn’t text me when she got to work. I know she had to be there by ten, so I expected something by lunchtime. I’m taking a later break than I would have liked, but it’s half past one when I finally push through the doors to Brighter Daze.
She’s standing behind the counter, leaning over a cake she’s decorating while Lexi chatters behind her. Some of my agitation turns into concern the moment I see her.
Normally, she looks up when the bell rings, like she’s instantly aware of my presence. The same way I am with her.
Lexi notices me and gives me a look that screamsyikesand shrugs. Finishing up whatever she was saying, she gives Calypso a moment to respond but she doesn’t. Lexi walks off, not seeming annoyed with her business partner.
When I’m too close to ignore, she puts the icing down and stands straight.
Placing my hands on the glass counter, I stare at her for a moment. “What’s wrong?”
She scoffs. “Just because I didn’t text you doesn’t mean something is wrong.”
I think it does.
“Didn’t even mention you hadn’t texted me.”
She rolls her eyes. “It’s where this conversation was going.”
“Are you a mind reader?” I tease, trying to break through her walls even the slightest bit.
Yeah, I’m annoyed with her, but I don’t think her not texting has anything to do with me. Or the fact she doesn’t like to be told what to do. Calypso hasn’t shown any hesitation about using my phone number since I gave it to her over a month ago. I don’t know why she’d start now unless something happened.
“I might as well be,” she says but her voice is still too cool, too detached. “At least when it comes to you.”
I nod slowly then tilt my head. “Usually I’d say the same but I don’t have a clue what you’re thinking about today.”
“Figure it out.” She shrugs, then grimaces at her own petulance.
“I’m trying,” I mutter and lean closer to her. “You’re infuriating sometimes.”
“Then leave.” Her eyes widen, surprising even herself, but she doesn’t backtrack. She carries defiance like an armed soldier who only knows how to point the sword at herself.
I don’t miss a beat. “No.”
Her body loosens but she doesn’t say anything.
“We don’t have to talk about this now, but we’re going to later, at home.” I eye her, hoping she’ll give me something. Anything. “You’re okay?”
She lets out a sigh and her eyes soften the smallest amount. “Yes, Liam, I’m okay.”
Not fully convinced, I take her word for it. For now.
“Do you want a coffee?” The rough edge to her tone is still rubbing at me, but I accept her olive branch.
I nod but my phone starts vibrating.
My youngest sister’s name flashes across the screen. We talk regularly but she usually starts her bartending shift at this time.
Stepping away from the counter, I answer quickly. “Jo?”
