Page 9 of We Thought We Knew It All
I wasn’t the only one his disappearance had hurt.
Jay’s wife, Amber, walked in, eyeing the stranger curiously. They’d been married for four years now, meaning she’d neverhavemet his brother.
I watched the introductions, envious as Amber’s pale face brightened. I wish I could feel anything but dread. I knew what being around that boy did to me, and I wasn’t sure I could take it.
“Callie,” Amber called, oblivious to the tension in the room. “Have you met Jay’s brother? Oh, wait. I keep forgetting, you must have grown up with him too. This is such a surprise.” She turned back to Jamie. “Jay didn’t tell me you were coming. I’m so glad you could make it. Your father was always so good to me at family dinners. I’m sure this is very difficult for you and here I am blabbering away.”
Jay leaned in and said something to her. Her smile faltered, but didn’t drop. I’d grown to like Amber over the years, but right now I wanted her to shut up and go away.
Jamie’s eyes locked on mine and I couldn’t breathe. I gripped the counter for support, my knuckles going white with the pressure.
“We’re going to find those kids of yours,” Jay said. “I could use some nephew time right now.” I flinched when he said it, hoping no one noticed. He’d never said he suspected anything about Jackson, but it would be an easy leap to make.
Amber squeezed my arm as she passed and slipped out of the room.
“I’m going to bring a few of these dishes out to the dining room.” Colby grabbed casserole dishes with each hand and darted from the room with the subtlety of a battering ram.
I broke eye contact, refusing to look at him any longer. Moving to the fridge, I opened it, enjoying the cool blast. “I have to finish preparing the food. I promised Jay I’d help today, and I was so rudely interrupted before.” Finding what I was looking for, I slammed the door and threw the plate of deviled eggs on the counter. “If you’re just going to be in my way, I suggest you go.”
A low chuckle rumbled in his chest. “Still the same Callie, I see.”
I finally allowed myself to stop and look at him, taking note of the differences to the boy I’d known. He was bigger, more muscular. The army had been good for him it seemed. His uniform fit him well. He was all clean lines and perfect posture. It was a far cry from the relaxed surfer he’d been. His shaggy blond hair was buzzed, giving his face a more defined look.
But those eyes and the mischief they held - well, those would never change.
I cleared my throat, running a hand through my semi-short dark hair and knowing I must look different to him as well. My eyes flashed as I finally responded. “That girl is gone.”
He stepped closer. “Callie.”
“The name is California.”
A look of hurt crossed his features before he had time to cover it up. I caught the slight twitch of his hand against his thigh and sighed.
“It’s been ten years, Jamie. What did you expect?”
With that, I lifted the plate of deviled eggs and pushed through the door, setting them near the rest of the food.
Jay met me near the buffet line. “You okay?”
“I’m not sure.” I looked up at him. “You?”
“No. He shouldn’t have come.”
“Jay.” Amber joined us. “Can you take Declan? His little cousin in here is making me feel nauseous.” She handed Dec over and put a hand on her belly.
“My little niecy.” I put my hand over hers.
“Or nephew,” Jay chimed in.
“Please no. I’m drowning in boys. We need another girl in this family.”
Even with Jamie in the other room, I no longer second guessed my decision to move back. I missed dad and grandma, but the rest of my family was here. We weren’t all related by blood, but we were family all the same.
“Just wait.” Colby appeared. “We’ll see what that kid says when they find out their father and aunt used to make out. A lot.”
Amber slugged him in the shoulder before I got the chance. Jay and I were forever ago. He was married. I used to be married. Things change.
I caught a glimpse of Jamie when he exited the kitchen, my lips tingling in remembrance.
