Page 10 of Operator
I was tired of everyone looking at me like I was going to break. Tired of everyone thinking I couldn’t handle the hand I’d been dealt. I was fine. I was never going to be the same, but I’d survive this and more for the child Ian and I had made together. I’d survive anything.
The bell rings again, and I frown in its direction. When I see the person coming through the door, however, a relieved smile replaces my frown. “William! What are you doing here?”
I round the counter as fast as my bulk will allow and return his hug with equal vigor. My chest expands as he pulls away to give me a long look. “It’s been a long time. You look wonderful.”
“And you’re as kind as ever. We both know I look like a beach ball. Come, sit down. What can I get you? Coffee? You like parfaits, right? We have a great berry parfait right now.”
“Both sound great. Thanks, Gwen.”
William takes a seat not two away from Callum, and I can’t help but notice how different they are from each other. Callum is in a ratty gray t-shirt and ancient shorts. I bet my next paycheck he’s wearing a pair of sandals or equally ancient sneakers. He never was the type to dress for anyone but himself. If Bunny hadn’t threatened him, he would have worn the same damn thing as the best man to my wedding.
It’s a stark contrast to William’s slacks and polo. William doesn’t have a hair out of place, whereas Callum hasn’t shaved in days, and I swear I see a grease stain on his collar. Which is absolutely none of my business.He was never a whiz at the household stuff.
As I’m shuffling back to the kitchen, a sharp, “Hey, Gwen,” stops me before I get there.
Begrudgingly, I stop, and after an eye at his still full coffee cup, I say, “Yes?”
Callum flicks a glance toward William. “Who’s that?”
I cross my arms over my generous belly and frown. “None of your business. Do you need anything else?”
He leans forward in my seat, and I instinctively move back. “Yeah, I need you to answer my question.”Gone is the playful tone and teasing grin from earlier.
“You may be my brother-in-law, but you’re not my big brother. I don’t have to answer to you.” With that parting shot, I submit William’s order to Johnny. Johnny gives me Callum’s trash plate, which I take reluctantly. Once I give him his food, hopefully he’ll eat and leave quickly. The sooner, the better as far as I’m concerned.
Those hopes are instantly dashed. When I turn around, I find Callum behind the counter, blocking my way. “You—you can’t be back here,” I stutter. Dammit. I hate showing him any sort of weakness.
Callum smirks, tilting his head. “My parents own the diner, Winnie.”
“Don’t call me that,” I say automatically to cover up the fact that hearing that name from his lips makes my breath hitch.
“Doesn’t anyone call you that anymore?”
Not since you, I don’t say. “No.” Not even Ian had called me Winnie. Only Callum. I move around his bulk and head for William.
“Everything okay?” William echoes Johnny and nods to Callum, who stares belligerently back. I roll my eyes. I swear macho alpha males will be the death of me.
I give William a quick smile that I hope hides my irritation. “Fine. That’s Ian’s brother, Callum.”
William gives him an appraising look, his eyes widening a little in shock. “Really? I guess I can see the resemblance. He’s visiting?” he asks.William had heard plenty about Cal from both Ian and me, so his interest isn’t surprising.
“I wish. Unfortunately, he’s here to stay.”
His brows lift. “Stay? Really? I thought you said he never comes around.”
“Apparently, pigs can fly,” I murmur. “And hell can freeze over. Crazy, right?”
He takes a sip of coffee before he answers. He’s never been the type to speak without careful consideration. That’s what I liked the most about him. Steady. Solid. A bit of a rock after Ian died. “I suppose I’m surprised. It’s an unusual move. He didn’t come to the funeral, if I remember correctly. Why show up now?”
My eyes go to Callum, who is returning to his seat at the counter where his plate is waiting, steam still coming off the top. “He says it’s because his parents need help, but who the hell knows with Cal.”
“He isn’t bothering you, is he?” William asks in that perceptive way of his.
“Callum always bothers me, but I can handle him.” Or I hope I can. “But let’s not talk about him. I’m so glad to see you. What have you been up to?”
I can tell by his frown, William doesn’t want to drop the subject, but he’s too well-mannered to push. “Keeping busy, for the most part. I’m here because I wanted to let you know in person. I’m leaving in a few months.”
Having been surrounded by military personnel my whole life, I’m not unused to their nomadic existence, but this news hits deep. It’s almost like losing Ian all over again. William has been such an integral part of Ian’s life for so long, and by extension, a part of mine. “I’m sad to hear that.” And I mean it. “I’m going to miss you. You’ve been such an enormous help over the past few months. I don’t know what we’ll do when you’re gone.”
