Page 94 of Let Me Be the One

“When is she due back from her trip?”

Her mother glanced at her father. “Currently undecided.”

Meaning Glory would be kept away indefinitely with whatever nonsense her mother had cooked up?

Callie was gearing up for an explosion when yet another knock sounded on her door. Later, she decided, she’d get hold of Glory and find out what was going on. Until then…

Popping to her feet, her mother smiled in relief. “That must be Sutter.” She grabbed Callie’s hand and pulled her up from her seat. “For heaven’s sake, smooth your hair.” Her mother did that for her until Callie brushed her hands away.

“Stop it.”

Not in the least bothered, her mother smiled. “Try to benice.”

To the man who had cheated on her? Unbelievable. Callie was just cross enough to say, “Ha!” right before she swung the door open.

And there was Sutter, hands in his pants pockets, expression sheepish. “Callie,” he said softly. “God, it’s good to see you again.”

Before she could snort, her mother interceded. “Sutter, hello. Since you’re here, would you do me a favor? We brought Callie a gift, but it’s in the back of the car.” Sotto voce, she added, “I didn’t want Frank to strain himself. His age, you know.”

“Ah.” Sutter nodded. “We don’t want him to have any undue stress.”

The two of them conspired to make it sound like her dad was old and frail. Callie made a point of staring at him and caught his grin. Her dad was healthy as a horse, in shape from golfing and tennis, and he was as handsome as ever. “Dad,” she warned.

He winked at her. “It’s a giant plant, Callie. Massive. Might need a forklift to get the thing in here. Sutter can handle it though, I’m sure.”

Sutter balked. “It’s that big?”

“Already in a heavy clay pot. The dirt alone must weight fifty pounds.”

Callie almost laughed at her dad’s shenanigans. Sutter, though in shape, was not a physical man. He didn’t lift heavy things.

He didn’t use chain saws.

Or play with dogs.

He had no interest in helping at-risk kids…or rescuing a neighbor when she got herself stuck in a tree.

Folding her arms, Callie waited. It’d be interesting to see what Sutter might do. Would he go along with her mother’s scheme to make him look manly, or would he balk as she expected?

Before she could find out, Liam stuck his head in the door. “Wow, you have a full house. Should I come back another time?”

“No!” Callie said, thrilled to see him.

Her mother, however, was not as welcoming. “Who are you?”

Country charm personified, Liam said, “I’m just the hired help, ma’am.”

“And a friend,” Callie corrected. She could use an ally who didn’t want to sacrifice her to Sutter.

Sutter, forever an ass, got out his wallet and handed Liam a twenty. “Get the plant out of the car, okay?” He looked to Callie. “Where did you want it, sweetheart?”

“Not your sweetheart,” she corrected smoothly as she stepped past him to join Liam. “Let’s see the plant and then I can decide.”

“Sure.” Liam handed the money back to Sutter with a smile. “I work for her, but thanks.”

As the two of them stepped away, Callie said under her breath, “Well done.”

Liam nodded at the car. “Sweet ride.”

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