“You could get a job,” I shoot back at her.
She scoffs. “Yeah, like that’s going to happen. I don’t have time for that between my book club and brunches with the ladies, Callum.”
That always-brewing anger rises to the surface. My voice gets low as I step closer to her. “Yeah. We couldn’t have you missing fucking book club, could we?”
“You’ve never understood this family, Callum.” She shakes her head.
I push past her, wishing I could fucking hate her, wishing that I could take my grandma and give her the care she deserves and needs. I bump into her shoulder, and I don’t slow a step when she stumbles back.
She shouts at me from behind, but I learned long ago to block that out. Because whatever she is saying is not worth my time.
I have never envied my friends more than I do in this moment. And I have never felt more helpless. I don’t have an endless bank account to do whatever I please. I can’t even help my Gran. She deserves to be living in absolute comfort with no worries in the world.
I twist the handle of Gran’s closed door and walk through, accidentally slamming it behind me.
Gran looks up from the phone. “Are you okay, my boy?”
I lift my lips up without an ounce of happiness. “Everything is perfect.”
“Mmhmm,” she hums sarcastically.
My laugh that follows is pure because she never ceases to make me laugh or smile. It’s just who she is. Doing absolutely nothing, she can find the small drop of happiness that floats through my rage-filled black veins and pull it to the surface.
My legs find my chair next to her bed, and I turn my attention to the phone, where Stella is just looking into the camera.
“Stella, are you planning anything for your mom’s birthday?” I ask her.
She smiles. “Exactly two weeks from today. And, yeah, I’m planning a little surprise get-together with James for her. You have to come though. I’ll keep you updated when I know more.” She turns her attention to Gran. “I’ve got to get going. Cade is taking me out to dinner. I love you both so much. If you need anything at all, have Cal call me, okay?”
Gran waves her hand, declining her offer. “Yeah, yeah. I won’t need anything. Thanks though, dear.”
“You’re always welcome. I’ll see you soon! Good-bye, guys!”
Stella hangs up the phone, and Gran’s smile shrinks a little.
Stella has that effect on people. You can’t help but smile around her. She is the most selfless person I know.
I grab my phone and check the time.Shit.I need to get back so I can get some sleep tonight for tomorrow’s early practice.
I lean over Gran and squeeze her softly, desperately wishing I could bring her with me and far away from my fucking parents. “I love you. I have to go.”
She pats my arm. “I love you. Go kick some ass, Callum. I’ll see you soon.”
She leans her head back and closes her eyes, pulling her blanket up and under her chin. I shut the light off and quietly close the door behind me.
I don’t bother saying good-bye to my parents. I have no desire to give them one more word. I swing my keys in my hand and slam the door behind me as I walk to my Charger. The fire in my chest that I tamped down earlier is roaring again.
At least Stella is coming soon. That is definitely something to look forward to. But right now, she’s not here.
TEN
Becca
Ihave spent the last few days doing my best to get Callum Jones out of my mind. But it seems like every corner I turn, every room I walk into, he’s there, and we find each other’s gaze immediately.
Sophie has been with me almost every minute of the day, which has saved me from a few Callum conversations. I’m more than surprised by the fact that I actually enjoy her company.
I’m not a heartless person, okay? I’m just very particular with who I spend my time with.
