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Chapter 24
Flower bouquets bloomed throughout the Sugar Joy Bakery, and colorful helium balloons danced up to the ceiling. The tables were draped in white linen, and a huge banner proclaimingCongratulations, Professor Callie!hung over the front counter. Dozens of townspeople meandered in and out of the open front doors, helping themselves to a vast array of appetizers and hors d’oeuvres.
“You really didn’t have to do all of this, Mom.” Callie stopped beside Eleanor, who was at the counter slicing the massive chocolate sheet cake she’d baked and decorated.
“I wouldn’t have missed throwing you a celebration for anything.” Her mother began cutting the cake into squares. “It’s not every day that one’s daughter is promoted to full professorandgets a substantial book deal. A town party was the least I could do. Is Sam here yet?”
“No.” Callie smiled and set more paper plates on the counter. “You want to coerce him into hosting a signing for me at Title Wave when my book is published, don’t you?”
“I just thought I’d suggest it.” Eleanor placed cake slices onto the plates and shrugged innocently.
“Sam would never host anything resembling an actual social event.”
“True, but that doesn’t mean I can’t try.” Eleanor cut into the cake again and glanced at her daughter. “By the way, you look phenomenal. When did you get that dress?”
“A couple of days ago.” Callie ran her hands over the front of the figure-hugging red sheath and extended her foot encased in a strappy red sandal. “Heels to match, too. I’ve never owned a red dress or red shoes, and I figured it’s about time I did.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Eleanor placed another slice of cake on a plate. “Even with all your success this week, I know it’s been hard dealing with the Jake situation. But I have to tell you you’ve handled it beautifully. You’re so young and have so much to offer…I would have hated seeing you shut the world out.”
“I’ll be fine.” Callie picked up two plates and forks and kissed her mother’s cheek. “Thank you for this party.”
She wove her way through the crowd, thanking people who stopped to congratulate her. She’d told her mother the truth—shewouldbe fine, even if parts of her still weren’t. Though she was exceedingly proud of both her tenure and book contract, she hadn’t yet filled the hollow ache that had started the instant Jake walked out of her life.
She didn’t know how long it would take for her heartache to heal entirely, but by surrounding herself with her family and friends—and wearing bright colors—she could start to look forward again. Andupwardtoward the sky.
Henry was sitting at a table by the window, writing carefully on a paper napkin. Callie set the cake and forks on the table and pulled out the opposite chair.
“Ah, here you go.” He capped his pen with a flourish and pushed the napkin toward her as she sat across from him. “I was going to organize it by genre, but that might invite too much comparison. So I went with chronological order, starting withIt Happened One Night. 1934. The first and greatest rom-com.”
“Wonderful, thank you.” Callie studied the list, then folded the napkin carefully and tucked it into her purse. She’d had dinner with her mother and Henry a few nights ago, and she’d discovered that not only was he a kind, caring man, he was also a film buff. They’d taken to exchanging emails about various movies, with Callie appreciating both his recommendations and expertise.
“You’ll find the dialogue of classic films much snappier and quicker than in today’s movies.” Henry cut into the slice of cake, his forehead furrowing. “I should add some of the Marx Brothers movies to the list, too.”
“I watchedDuck Souplast weekend.”
“Did you? What did you think?”
“It felt really good to laugh.” As she ate a bite of cake, Callie caught sight of her mother watching her and Henry. Instead of the exasperation or worry Eleanor had exhibited so often recently, now she radiated nothing but happiness.
That made Callie happy, too. Turned out it also felt good to let go a little and trust that things would be fine.
She polished off the cake and promised that she’d email Henry with her thoughts as soon as she watchedIt Happened One Night. As darkness fell outside, the crowd began to disperse. Callie started to help the bakery staff clean up the empty plates and cups.
“No, no.” Eleanor waved her away. “You’re not to clean up anything at your own party. It’s not even eight yet. The night is still young and you look smoking hot, so why don’t you call a friend and go get a drink at the Mousehole? Rory had to leave early to work on some coding, but stop at her place and see if she’s available.”
“Maybe I will.” Callie hugged her mother. “Thanks for everything, Mom.”
“Love you, Professor Prescott.”
After saying goodbye to the lingering guests as well as Aria and Hunter, Callie retrieved her cashmere sweater from the back and headed out to her car. Though she didn’t really feel like going out, she refused to go home and sit around by herself on a Saturday night.
She paused on her way to the Mousehole to text Rory and see if she wanted to get a drink. A text alert from the Vitaphone movie theater appeared.
“A Rich and Beautiful Masterpiece.”
“Best Film of the Year.”
“Mesmerizing, Gorgeous, Thought-Provoking.”
