Page 110 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

Nate had warned her that tracking down information was bound to take time, even with the ball officially rolling—days or weeks before they got any answers. And the not knowing was almost more than she could bear. She’d been waiting twenty-two years to find out who she was. Now it felt like she couldn’t wait a second longer.

Molly bent forward and started on the next row of cookies. “So, you canceled your meeting with Leah and Mini but you can stay and help me?”

Callie shrugged. “My head’s not in a creative place today. I emailed them my ideas and promised I would make time to answer any questions they might have tomorrow.”

Molly stood straight again and looked at her. “What’s up?”

Callie jerked her shoulders a second time.

“Is your agent giving you crap about your next show?”

Currently, her career was the least of her worries. Callie shook her head. “No. Marion and I are talking again next week. We’re going to figure out a plan then.”

“Well, something’s going on. You’ve been in la-la land all day.”

“I just—Can we—I don’t want to talk about it. Or at least, not yet.”

“Okay.”

She pulled long pieces of plastic wrap from the box and covered the finished platter, recognizing that she was doing what she always did—pushing people away and keeping an emotional distance. “I need a couple of days.”

“You don’t have to tell me anything at all. If you want to talk, we can.”

She nodded. “Thank you.”

The bell rang as the door opened. “I’ll go,” Callie said as she put the tray in the refrigerator. She stepped out into the front and met Nate’s gaze, growing instantly ill as he held her stare. He said nothing, but the apology in his eyes told her everything she needed to know. She moved around the counter and hurried into his arms.

He gripped her tight and pressed a kiss to the top of her head the way he always did.

Molly walked out, glancing from Callie to her brother. “Guys, you’re freaking me out. What’s going on?”

Callie pressed her face into his chest, fighting to keep her composure. “It’s a really long story.”

“Just tell me everything’s okay—that no one’s dying or anything.”

Nate slid his hand up and down Callie’s back. “No one’s dying. Callie’s dealing with some family stuff, but everything’s going to be fine. We’re heading home.”

“Call me if you need anything.”

Callie looked at Molly, struggling to smile. “We’ll talk soon. I promise.”

Molly nodded.

They walked out to the Tahoe and Callie got in. “I’m the girl in the picture,” she said as Nate took his seat.

He closed the door and looked at her. “Yeah, you’re her.”

She stared at her lap, not quite sure what to think or say. Currently, it was impossible to feel anything more than a floating numbness.

“Let’s get out of here.” Nate started the vehicle and took off, the silence stretching as he drove out of town and passed their turn for the dirt road. He moved beyond the sharp curve at The Point and eventually pulled to the side when he approached the lookout at Mary’s Bluff.

She stared out as the sun sank closer to the horizon. The sky was a canvas of oranges, pinks, and purples, yet she couldn’t see the beauty. “Your friend is sure it’s me?”

“Yeah.” Nate shut off the engine. “They’re as positive as they can be without DNA.”

She nodded, gripping her hands on her thighs.

“Paul emailed me the information the Missing Children’s Division and Biometric Center of Excellence put together.” He reached in the back seat, grabbed a file folder, and pulled out a sheet of paper. “I think if you look this over, it might make it a little easier to accept the unbelievable.”