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“Now, you’re dreaming. Callie and I are nothing to one another anymore. That was entirely her choice,” I respond, and if my voice is a little harsh, I figure I’m allowed.
“Just watch her for me, please? Tell me if you’re convinced that there’s something wrong and if you have any insights to what it might be.”
“We’ll see,” I hedge. “The truth is, I won’t be there long. I’m only coming in to check on my mother. I have to be back in town Monday to kick off my radio tour.”
“Radio tour?”
“Yeah, to promote my first single. I’m going to be on the radio, Katie.”
“Oh my God!” she squeals. “Reed, that’s awesome! I’m so happy for you. I expect front row tickets and backstage passes at your first concert,” she demands, making me laugh.
“You got it. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Talk to you soon,” she says, hanging up.
I look at my packed suitcase lying on my bed and wish for the hundredth time that I didn’t have to go back. I don’t have good memories of my father and maybe I should feel bad that he’s dead, but I don’t. I just feel numb. I look at the clock on my bedside table. It’s still early. I can’t imagine that Callie goes to bed before nine—especially on a day like today.
I dial her cell figuring there’s a very big chance Mitch will see the number and pick up. I prepare myself for it—as much as I’d prefer never to hear his voice again.
The phone rings repeatedly, but she doesn’t pick up. Maybe she doesn’t want to talk to me. I let it ring out until I get her voicemail. I don’t leave a message. I decide to call Mom’s house instead.
“Hello?”
“Mrs. Johnson?” I ask, recognizing the voice at once.
“Reed, it seems like forever since I’ve heard your voice. I hate it’s under these circumstances.”
“Me too, Mrs. Johnson. Why are you at Mom’s, though?”
“Oh, Mitch called. Poor Callie got a real bad migraine. He thought it best I stay with her. He didn’t want his mother to wake up to an empty house and panic because she is alone.”
“That must be why I couldn’t get Callie on the phone,” I mumble, not sure how to feel.
“Probably so, dear.”
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Johnson. I know you’re not able to get out a lot. I’m coming down, but it will be sometime tomorrow. I didn’t realize Callie was sick.”
“Oh, it’s fine, Reed. Please don’t worry. I don’t mind a bit. Earl came over here and ate a bite with me and your mother. You know how my husband is, he hates to eat alone. He brought us some chicken from that new restaurant downtown. I was happy to be able to help. When you get my age, it seems your usefulness to people is limited at best. To be honest, I’m glad Callie is resting. That young lady just doesn’t look good. Earl and I have been worried about her.”
“That’s what Katie was saying.”
“Maybe when you get back you can get to the bottom of it. You and Callie always did have a special connection. Earl and I kind of hoped you two would find your way together. We sure didn’t see her marrying your brother. Oh well, love is funny sometimes, I reckon.”
“I reckon,” I agree. As much as I love Mrs. Johnson, this is definitely not something I want to talk about. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Okay, sweetheart,” she says. “Take care of yourself and don’t worry. Earl and I will see to your mama. I’m real sorry about your father. He was a cantankerous old man, but he was still your daddy.”
“Yeah. I better go. My flight is really early in the morning.”
“You go and get some shut eye,” she says, and I hang up.
I hold my phone in my hand and frown. Is Callie that sick? It’s not like her to bail on mom at a time like this. The Callie I know would get up from her death bed to try and be there for my mom. Katie’s words replay in my head, but this time Mrs. Johnson’s merge with them. Worry settles inside of me. I can’t do anything about it here in Cali, but apparently one of the things I need to do while in Macon is make sure Callie is okay.
I’d be lying if I said I was looking forward to it. I’m not. Hell, right now I’m thinking about calling the whole trip off.
CHAPTER 22
Reed
I drive straight to Mom’s. I figure if nothing else, Mrs. Johnson would like to go home. With any luck, Callie and Mitch are there and I can leave quickly. I swear the minute my rental crosses the Macon County line I’m filled with stress, and I feel itchy all over. I just want out of here.
