Page 26 of Score on You

“Have you been back to visit?”

Callie pulls herself from wherever her mind had wandered. “No, it’s not allowed. I’m considered an outcast. Banished. It doesn’t bother me except that I can’t talk to my mom.”

“Does she know where you are?”

“I think so.” She worries her inner cheek to suggest the opposite. “I’ve called but she only answered once. She told me not to contact her again. It’s too risky. If my father were to find out…” Her voice trails off, but the words left unsaid might as well be shouted.

“Does she stay there by choice?”

“Maybe by circumstance and out of habit. Some warped loyalty to my father. I tried getting her to leave with me. She refused.” A glassy sheen glosses over her eyes. There’s a noticeable weight slouching her shoulders as well.

I read the mood for what it’s become. “Thanks for sharing all that with me, sweetness. The trust you’ve placed in me won’t be taken for granted.”

She blinks in rapid succession to chase away unshed tears and haunting memories. “I appreciate you listening. It’s not the most glamorous tale.”

“Anything you have to say is what I want to hear.” I smile, but the expression probably resembles a rusty gear. “Should we change the subject?”

Relief expels from her. “Yes, please.”

I push away from the table. “How about I take care of these dishes first? It’s your turn to stay put.”

Callie emits a strangled shout that would startle most wildfire. “No.”

The refusal halts my motion and I remain seated. “No?”

Her wide stare is locked on me. “It’s not allowed.”

“I beg to differ.”

“There’s only so much change I can manage in such a short period of time. This”—she motions between us while red splotches spread across her cheeks—"is an inappropriate practice where I came from. Unwed couples don’t socialize unless there are chaperones present.”

“Is this uncomfortable for you?” And then I recall how close we were in the kitchen earlier. I crashed into her personal space without consideration. “Have I pushed your boundaries? If you’d prefer to invite others to join us—”

The flash in her eyes cuts me off. “I’m comfortable with you, Ridge. Very much so. But your concern is very considerate. Admirable even.”

“Real glad to hear it, sweetness. Puts me at ease.” I wipe fake sweat off my forehead.

A brief rest follows where her thoughts fill the room. I watch as indecision plays out across her features. A fresh blush colors her face and it takes heroic effort I didn’t know I possessed to remain on this side of the table. After what feels like a painfullylong delay where gratification dangles just out of reach, she rises from her chair.

“Would you do me a favor?”

“Yes,” I answer without hesitation. “Whatever you need or want.”

Her responding grin is small but bright. She could request anything, and I’ll agree for the sole purpose of keeping that happiness aimed at me. “Can we take a picture together for my scrapbook?”

My brain misfires and screeches to a standstill. That is… not what I expected. I might blackout momentarily from the sweetness overload. This fucking girl. Always keeps me guessing. She’s innocent and adorable, but there’s a bold spark suppressed under the surface. That flicker is desperate to expand. I plan to coax that flare from hiding and nurture the flames as they grow wild. There isn’t a better way to spend the rest of my days.

Others in her position would crumble and sacrifice their identity. She fought for herself, leaving everyone and everything behind. Talk about admirable. She’s my sweetest reward. One that I didn’t earn. At least not yet.

“I’d love nothing more than to capture this moment with you,” I eventually croak. “It’s an honor to be featured as a worthy memory.”

That plump bottom lip is trapped between her teeth again. “You don’t think it’s silly?

“Absolutely not. I’m all for documenting our progress. Maybe you’ll show me what you’re making.”

“Maybe. It’s very personal for me.”

After dropping that declaration, Callie disappears down the hallway and returns a minute later. A Polaroid camera that looks like the original model is clutched protectively in her grip.

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