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Callen’s back. And in full force. His megawatt smile has me rolling my eyes as he not-to-subtly references my conundrum with Jace and Lennon.
“Your turn,” I state firmly, changing the subject as I bite into my hot dog.
“My fiancée cheated on me, got pregnant, and tried to trick me into thinking it was mine. I was a daddy for nine months. I was excited to start a family and prepared to give everything up to make sure my family was happy and safe. Then her daughter was born, and it was clear she wasn’t mine. One look at her and I knew what had happened. I’d thought something was going on with them, but they always denied it, and I couldn’t prove it. Until the baby was born and she came out looking exactly like my best friend, who happens to be black.”
Callen pauses, takes a sip of water, and then slams his hands on the table, startling me.
“She came clean about everything, and I wanted to forgive them, but I can’t seem to do it. I love both of them. They’re the two most important people in my life. I just can’t seem to move past the betrayal. I thought coming here would be a good idea because if nothing else, I would be able to have a little fun and not think about them for a little while.”
“And how’s that working out for you?” I already know the answer as I watch him clench his fists.
“You know, if there was someone here that had caught my attention, it may have worked.”
“I take offense to that,” I joke and am rewarded with a smile even though it’s forced.
“I’ll be the first to admit I’m picky. I can find a flaw in anyone if I look hard enough. So, when I got here, that’s what I did. I picked each of you apart and damned myself in the process. It’s not fair to you or any of them, but what’s done is done.”
“And what was my flaw? I’m just curious. I promise not to hold it against you.”
“The way you looked at Jace. I didn’t want to compete with anyone. I wanted it to be easy because I had complicated waiting for me back home.”
I can see his logic, but what he doesn’t see is his value.
“I’m only going to say this once, so listen closely,” I lean in with the hope that the cameraman who’s been standing to our left the entire time can’t hear what I’m about to say. “She’s an idiot. She threw away a damn good catch. We all make mistakes, Callen, but in my opinion, this is one that shouldn’t be forgiven. You may love both of them, but they don’t value you as much as you do them. If they did, they wouldn’t have done what they did. So, when you get home, keep that in mind. Let it go. Move on. Most importantly, forgive yourself because you’re not the one to blame. Then, call me.”
“Why? You gonna mend my broken heart? Without the cameras watching?”
“Yup, only it’s not my bed you’re going to fall in,” I say with a smirk, and thankfully, his matches mine.
