Page 62 of Holiday Hopefuls
Quirking a brow, I give her my most serious look. “Does that happen often?”
Pressing pink lips together, Callie’s face darkens. “More than you’d like to know.” She gives me a look of pure terror before it morphs into giggles.
Laughing along with her, I can’t help but feel so comfortable. This—being in Callie’s class with her, or just laughing together—feels so natural.
Despite our strange predicament, everything has.
While Callie gives directions and her class prepares to walk toward the holding area, a little boy holds up a hand. “Yes, Alex? Do you need to use the bathroom before we go?”
Alex shakes his head, smartly holding onto his antlers during the moment of chaos.
Callie smiles. “Okay, then what is it?”
“Who’s that?” The boy points around her. Right to me.
My girlfriend blushes, twisting around to look my way before turning back to her kids. “That’s Dr. Rhodes. He’s a friend of mine.”
“He told Daddy you’re his girlfriend,” Cici shouts, leading the entire class in giggles.
Callie laughs, peeking at me over her shoulder. “Well, I guess that gives us all something to think about. But for now—” she claps “—we’ve got some reindeer who need to show their parents how awesome they are.”
The kids get lined up in some predetermined order while I watch Callie with nothing short of admiration. I do well to manage the kids in my sessions, but watching her work is something else entirely. It’s practically an artform. This woman balances tenderness and holding firm, always taking the timeto show each student that they have her entire attention when speaking with them.
She’ll be a great mother one day.
A weight gathers deep in my chest at the reminder that we have a timer—an expiration date on our ‘relationship’. I won’t get to watch her love her own family when that day comes.
And I hate that.
When all the little reindeer are lined up and ready to go, Callie shoots a smile my way, warming my entire being. “Help me wrangle this herd of deer toward the music room?” Tilting her head, those chocolate eyes pin me in place.
Unable to find my voice, I smile and nod while the little girls at the back of the line snicker mercilessly. Somewhere between the classroom and the main hallway, Cici sneaks to the back of the line, taking my hand. And since her teacher has taken up my entire attention since the day she walked into my practice, I need all the help I can get navigating this strange place.
Ushering the kids into the music room, Callie worries her bottom lip, giving me an apologetic look. “I need to stay here with them. Are you good to go find a seat?” Her beautiful eyes widen. “I didn’t mean you have to stay. Please don’t feel obligated to.”
Chuckling, I take her hand. “Of course I’m staying,” I whisper. “I’ll see you after?”
A breathtaking grin takes over her face, lighting up every feature. “After.”
“After,” I repeat, kissing her knuckles. Letting Callie get back to work, I take off toward the cafeteria, hoping that Rindy hasn’t given up my seat.
But who knew finding a seat would be the least of my worries, because walking into the crowded room, I run into none other than my sister. “Blythe?” Blinking, I squint at the woman in front of me to make sure I haven’t lost my mind. But no, mycomically short sister really is standing here. In Cici’s school. After hours. With a recital going on. “What’re you doing here?”
Blythe’s nose wrinkles, squinting right back. “Supporting Callie and her class. Duh. Mom and Dad are here too. Just over there.” She points somewhere off in the distance.
Alarms go off in my head. “But … why?”
She shrugs. “Callie’s my friend. She’s your girlfriend. She, Ian and Aaron are always talking about how her family isn’t very supportive. Plus, Cici’s in her class this year. When Ian mentioned the recital the other night, I told Mom and Dad about it and we all thought we’d come down to be here for her.” Blythe looks up at me like it’s the most obvious thing in the world, and I’m an idiot for not anticipating this.
I completely should have.
I should’ve known Mom and Dad would want to get to know any girl I brought home. I should’ve known Blythe would know all about this since she regularly hangs out with Callie and her best friends.
I should have known.
But Callie doesn’t know they’re here.
“Hey Oliver.” Ian walks up behind Blythe. “Callie told me she went to see you yesterday.” He sends me a look letting me know Callie clearly told him of the new arrangement.
