Page 73 of Holiday Hopefuls
“About eight years old,” she declares proudly. Setting him back on the counter, she moves to grab a bag sitting on the floor by the bedroom door.
Palming the back of my neck, I blow out a breath. “Wow. Mine usually last about two weeks. Then they run for the hills.” Taking the bag from her, I place it by the front door.
Callie frowns, watching me.
Panic seizes my chest. “What? Were you not done with this one?”
“I didn’t see any plants in your apartment on Thanksgiving,” she says, words laced with suspicion. “Not gonna lie, your place could use all the plants you can handle. ”
“Which is none, if I’m the one caring for them.”
“But then your place wouldn’t be so cold,” she grins, “with the exception of Nacho being there, of course.”
“Of course. Maybe I just need you to come and redo my house.” I shrug, looking around her chaotic and warm home.Other than Nacho’s presence, the only reason mine is a home is because I’m there every day.
But Callie’s home is full of life, of love.
Something mine could desperately use.
Callie laughs, producing another smaller bag from right inside her bedroom door. “Just say the word. I’ll happily redo my fake boyfriend’s house. It would definitely help us sell things even more.” She pauses, considering something. “Not that we’ll need to for much longer, though, I guess.”
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I actively fight the urge to ask her to reconsider as she turns out every light except for a small lamp in the living room.
“Remind me,” Callie shakes her head, “Nacho really will be okay while we’re gone?”
My heart warms at her concern, resulting in a smile trying to take over my face. “She’ll be fine. My neighbor, Cory, will take good care of her while we’re away.”
Callie nods. “Okay, only if you’re sure. Are you ready?” she asks, reaching where I stand by the door with her large bag in hand. “You know, you really don’t have to do this. It’s … a lot.”
Pasting a smile on my face, I scoop the second luggage piece from her grip. “I’ve always heard Aspen Point is some kind of swanky place. When am I gonna get another chance to see it?” Winking, I’m rewarded with one of her sweet giggles.
While Callie locks up and waves to a spying Mrs. Martinez, I tote both of her bags to the car. By the time she makes it down the walkway, I have the door open and waiting for her.
Callie beams up at me as she slides into my passenger seat.
Making my way to the drivers side, I give Mrs. Martinez one more wave before joining my girlfriend.
“What’s in the tumbler?” Callie points to the two travel mugs waiting in the cup holders.
I shrug. “In case we get thirsty along the way.” Pulling out onto the road, I add, “Don’t drink from the one in the back spot. It’s coffee, so you won’t like it.”
“And the other one? The one in the prime cup holder, the princess parking of all cup holders? The one covered in pictures of plants?” A perfect ruby brow lifts, taking the corners of her lips with it.
Pressing my mouth into a line, I shrug, never taking my eyes off the road. “Not coffee.”
“Oliver, did you buy me a plant tumbler?”
“Do you like it?” My words are cautious as I glance at the captivating woman in my front seat.
Callie holds up the travel mug, turning it this way and that way. “I’m surprised you picked plants instead of glitter or puppies or something.”
A smile tugs at my lips. “Your favorite color is green. Two of your favorite hobbies involve plants.” Heat rises in my cheeks. Clearing my throat, I regrip the steering wheel. “And Blythe likes online shopping, so I put it to good use.” Chancing a peek at my girlfriend, I ask, “How does one accumulate so many green things, anyway? Your apartment’s like a jungle.”
Callie, who is currently taking a swig of the Williams Sonoma hot chocolate Blythe helped me pick out, smiles. Looking down at the mug, unshed tears glisten.
Alarms go off in every corner of my body, horror clinching my heart. Gripping the steering wheel as hard as I can, I silently curse such a stupid idea. “Callie, sweetheart, I’m so sorry. I really didn’t mean to?—”
She laughs.
