Page 68 of Chasing Forever

“I agree. How about telling me about you?” Callie said, smiling sweetly at Miranda.

For the next ten minutes, Chase listened to his sister rehash her life, telling stories that were mostly familiar to him. He zoned out a few times and gazed at Callie over his beer glass.

She looked much happier than when he’d left that night and at the pool. What he hadn’t admitted yet was that he’d known she was there all along.

He’d spotted her immediately, but he could tell she hadn’t wanted to be seen, so he’d pretended not to see her. It had been hard as hell to keep from going to her straight away and apologizing. But then Sara had called him over, and he’d had to endure being formally introduced to her new beau, which was the last thing he’d cared about.

Plus, he hadn’t wanted Miranda to go bonkers when she met Callie for the first time. He’d wanted to ease her into it, but he should have realized there was no easing Miranda into anything. She was either all in or all out. She was born with only two speeds, but he loved her anyway.

“It’s interesting that you and my brother have become friends,” Miranda said, suddenly shifting gears.

Oh no. Where is she going with this?

“Miranda…”

“Why’s that?” Callie asked, leaning forward with interest.

“Well, a divorce attorney and a romance writer—talk about opposites!” Miranda laughed and then rose from the table. “I have to visit the ladies’ room. Be right back.”

Nothing like dropping a bomb and then leaving. Chase watched her go and then slowly turned to face the music. But Callie didn’t look the least bit surprised.

“I already knew,” she said warily. “I looked you up on Google.”

The irony of it struck a funny bone, and he busted out laughing. Once he started, he couldn’t stop, and he realized he was causing a scene.

Callie glanced over at the people at the neighboring table and shrugged. But when she turned back to him, she was smiling. “You’re not mad?”

“How could I be? I did the same thing to you.”

“You told me you’re an attorney, but you left out the divorce part. Why?”

“I don’t know. I guess I didn’t want you to think I was some asshole lawyer out to make a profit on other peoples’ misery. And what my sister said about us being opposites—it’s kind of true, isn’t it?”

To his surprise, Callie shook her head. “I don’t think we’re so different. Not in the ways that count.”

He didn’t have time to absorb her comment because Miranda returned to the table, looking proud of herself and wearing fresh lipstick. He knew without a doubt she’d purposely stayed away long enough so they could talk, and he was grateful. There was still so much more he had to say, though.

They spent another hour at the restaurant, indulging in more drinks and dessert. The atmosphere had shifted again, and he felt better than he had in days. Between the food, the drinks, and the company, he felt satisfied and content.

Well, mostly, anyway. What he’d really like was to spend the rest of the evening with Callie alone. But that wasn’t going to happen. He couldn’t ditch his sister on her first night there, and she’d be staying with him for the next few days.

He was quiet on the drive back to the resort, while Miranda and Callie continued to talk books. When they got out of the car, he went around back to get Miranda’s bags.

“It was really nice meeting you, Callie. I hope we’ll get a chance to talk some more while I’m here,” Miranda said. She gave Callie a hug and then turned to Chase and said, “Hand me the keys, and I’ll let myself in.”

“What about your bags?”

“You’re the one with the muscles. You can bring them in.”

He tossed her the keys and gave her an eye roll because he knew what she was doing. She was giving him another chance to be alone with Callie, and he’d take it.

“Your sister’s so sweet,” Callie said as he hefted her third bag from the car.

“Geez. Do all women pack this much for only a few days?”

She laughed. “You don’t want to know how much I packed for this trip.”

Yes, I do. I want to know everything about you. “Callie…”