She rubs her hands roughly down her face. “He said he’s ‘kept an eye on me’ since. With Stefan… That can mean a lot of things.” She shudders at the possibilities.
I slip an arm around her shoulders and slowly pull her into an embrace. Without a second of hesitation, Calypso places her head on my chest. Rubbing her back, I try to stomp down my own anger to be present with her.
“He somehow always gets worse,” she admits in a raw whisper. “Stefan has done some heinous, manipulative shit—usually with the help of his mother. But this… God, this is a whole new level, even for him.”
I shake my head and kiss her temple. “This isn’t going to be your life forever. I won’t let it.”
She doesn’t say anything else, but her arms tighten around me, using me as her strength for a few more minutes. With Calypso, I’ll take that as cautious affirmation that she believes my promise to her.
As she pulls away, my mind slides to my cousin.
Their mutual love for Pippa, and Calypso’s divorce, has bonded the two of them in ways I don’t understand. Mia and her aren’t close enough to call friends, but there’s a deep level of respect I’ve picked up from each of them.
I think Mia would want to know and help.
“I know it has been a long day,” I slowly start. “So there aren’t any decisions you need to make today, but will you consider calling Mia?”
She’s rounding the island, sliding her hand along the granite countertops. “I will call. Not today, probably not even tomorrow. But I will.”
She raises her brows in a challenge, but it’s a compromise I’m happy to accept.
“Whenever you’re ready, honey.”
With a quick nod, she points toward the stairs. “I’m going to go take a shower. It might be longer than usual…”
She squeezes her eyes shut, trying to peel Stefan’s violation off her soul. It’ll take more than a hot shower, but I’m not going anywhere, especially not now.
“Take your time. I’ll order us dinner.”
Pulling out my phone, I glance up in time to catch her pausing next to Rosie’s bed, petting behind her ear. It’s endearing as fuck to see the two of them bond. I knew Rosie would win her over in the end, but I didn’t expect it to be sooner than I could, or under these conditions. It’s a small win in this clusterfuck of a day.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Calypso
A couple days have passed since Stefan and Jo’s unexpected visits.
One was much more of an appreciated surprise than the other. Stefan’s been quiet since Monday, though. When I saw Ruby at the grocery store last night, she was alone. She waved but we didn’t approach each other.
She’s been on my mind a lot.
Instead of focusing on Stefan, or trying to overthink my relationship with Liam, my worries have been placed on Ruby. There’s not much I can do, no matter how badly I wish there was. If what Stefan said is true, I’m hoping his disinterest in her is a better alternative to his obsession. Calling Martha and her vicious claws the “better option” when it comes toanythingfeels unlikely.
Either way, they both have a twisted, archaic sense of ownership over us, and leaving Ruby to fend for herself feels cruel. Overstepping will most likely cause more problems for her, so being a friendly acquaintance seems like the best option for now.
Ruby is also the one who has given me the most courage to call Mia. Her contact number is pulled up already, and I have the entire kitchen to myself for once. Chuck andJuanita will be back from lunch soon, so my time is dwindling.
I press the call button and drop my phone on the worktable like a hot potato. Shaking out my arms, I wait for Mia to answer, only slightly hoping that she doesn’t.
It rings… and rings… and when I think I caught her voicemail, the line clicks.
“Hello?” When I don’t answer immediately, Mia sharply cuts in, “Calypso, are you there?”
I nod, immediately feeling foolish, then clear my throat. “Hey, yeah. I’m here. How are you?”
“I’m fine,” she slowly draws out. “How are you? How’s my cousin?” I can practically hear the shit-eating grin slide into place.
“We’re fine. I’ll let him know to check in soon.”
