Page 17 of The Consequence of You
“I’m not coming with them, I wasn’t invited. Just Mother and Father. And maybe Sebastian and Jemima.” I decided earlier I wouldn’t beg when it was clear theydidn’t want me there, but if Aurelia is terribly disappointed, then I will insist on going. But instead of the disappointment I’m expecting, she looks almost relieved.
“It’s fine. Don’t worry. I’ll make a trip back in the spring and we can catch up then.” Sounds like it’s not only our parents who don’t want my company. So much for her making me feel better.
Later that night, I try to sleep but my mind keeps running over all the ways I’ve been made to feel unwanted today.
I expect it from my parents. Not so much Aurelia, but I know my sister. She has something on her mind, so I cling to the hope that it wasn’t actually about me.
However, the look of disgust on Callie’s face will be forever etched in my mind.
Who does she think she is walking out on me like that?
I will make her pay for how she treated me today.
The next morning my parents give me the perfect opportunity when they remind me about an upcoming charity event and tell me to find a suitable date. With no specification on ‘suitable’, my plan is made.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CALLIE
Carlo insists on driving me home. I feel fine to drive but I think he’s worried about losing sight of me again. And who can blame him? If I’d been in my right mind when I came out of the nursing home, I’d have realised the implication of arriving home late. I certainly wouldn’t have sat in this carpark for almost an hour while he frantically searched for me. I’d have remembered I don’t live the kind of life where I can disappear without anyone noticing. The thought of him getting into trouble over it makes me feel awful.
We pull into the garage under the house and head upstairs. Rossi is waiting in the hallway, a look of worry etched on his face. He looks me over.
I stand there feeling like a small child and wait for him to say something. When he’s satisfied, I’m physically unharmed, I expect to be reprimanded, but it doesn’tcome. Instead, he strides over and hugs me tightly before whispering into my hair.
“I was worried.” He’s a man of few words, but his gruff voice, combined with the embrace, brings tears to my eyes. If I didn’t feel bad enough already, I do now.
“I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.” He lets me go and lightly touches my cheek.
“Your father would like to us to video call him after you’ve had something to eat.” I’d rather speak to him now and get it over with, but I'm in no position to make demands, so I nod and follow Carlo and Rossi into the kitchen.
There’s an array of takeout containers on the table, as well as plates and cutlery. Just by the scent alone I can tell it’s from my favourite Thai restaurant. I sit down and fill my plate. After a few minutes, I see Rossi studying me instead of eating anything himself.
“Aren’t you eating?” I push the container of noodles I know he likes over to him. Carlo is already scoffing down his green curry. Rossi picks up a fork, but before he eats anything, he fixes me with a look.
“Are you okay? I mean, really, okay? This isn’t like you.” I chew the food in my mouth slowly and deliberately while I decide how to answer. I certainly won't tell him what happened with Asher, but I don’t want to lie to him. Before I reply, Rossi continues. “Your father pays me for your physical protection, but it doesn’t mean I can’t look out for you in other ways, too. You can talk to me, you know?”
Silence stretches between us. Carlo stands up.
“I’ll eat this in the dining room.”
Rossi offers him a grateful smile as the younger manpicks up his plate and glass of water and exits the room, leaving us alone. I put down my fork.
“I needed some space, and I just lost track of time.” It’s the truth, but it isn’t a proper explanation, and I hope it’s enough to appease my bodyguard. He stays silent, waiting for me to expand on what I said. I try again.
“It was thoughtless of me to not let you know what I was doing. I’m sorry.”
“You don’t need to keep apologising, Miss Callie. I’m just concerned about your wellbeing.”
“I just needed to clear my head.”
Rossi looks at me with concern.
“And did you?”
“Not really,” I laugh, humourlessly and pick up a prawn cracker.
“If it’s the volunteering, you know you don’t have to do it anymore if it’s too much with university studies?”
