Page 40 of Loving Callie
“What is it, Callista, are you here to review the media schedule? We shall need to coordinate our outfits. We must take full advantage of all of this good press for your father.”
Callie pictured Jake in her head. She instantly felt warm all over, as she imagined how wonderful it would feel to be back in his arms, free of the oppressive need to constantly try and please her parents.
With a sense of calm that she found deep within herself, Callie asked, “Tell me something, did either of you spare a moment to actually be concerned that I was held hostage at gunpoint last night? That I could have been killed? Or would that have been even better news for you. You’d cash in on more sympathy votes, I’m sure.” She could hear the anger and pain in her voice and wondered if her parents could also sense it.
Her mother at least had the decency to attempt to look shocked at Callie’s outburst.
“Callista, whatever are you saying? Of course we are glad you were not harmed. We just think that we should use this perfect opportunity to gather more support for your father. He could propose a new gang task force as a part of his platform. We can use these events for good.”
Callie looked closely at her mother, and observed the detached, scheming glint in her mother’s eyes. There was still no sign of concern for Callie and what she had experienced. No compassion, only a cool, calculating look that Laura barely concealed. How could Callie have lived her entire life and not accepted that her mother was a cold-hearted bitch, incapable of loving anyone, least of all her own daughter. Seeing the lack of caring in her mother’s eyes only served to strengthen Callie’s resolve.
With a deep breath, Callie steeled herself and said her final words. “You both are just unbelievable. You call yourself parents, yet instead of worrying about your daughter’s well-being and happiness, you’re concerned only for yourselves. Well guess what. I am not a commodity you can barter for your own benefit. I won’t be sold to the highest bidder in order to garner support for your political campaign. And I certainly won’t be any part of you using the trauma I experienced yesterday, as a tool for you to manipulate people into believing we’re a perfect family. I have spent my entire life trying to earn your respect, wanting desperately to meet your expectations and make you happy. But you know something, I’ve finally realized that no matter what I do, you’ll never be satisfied. You don’t want a daughter you want an accessory.”
She paused, and took in a deep breath, before continuing. This was it, the moment she would choose her own happiness over theirs.
“So, I guess this is goodbye. Father, I wish you luck with your campaign. But unless you’re calling to apologize for how you’ve treated me for my entire life, unless you’re ready to try and behave like decent parents, I don’t have any interest in hearing from you again.”
Callie turned on her heel and with her heart pounding in her chest she hurried through the house that held nothing but cold, distant memories. She knew she had to leave before her parents formulated a response. The risk of being destroyed by their words was too great in her current vulnerable state.
It was only after she was in her car and driving away that her tears started to fall, and Callie released the pain she had felt for so many years. By the time she arrived home, Callie felt a million times lighter in spirit, and more at peace than she had ever felt before. Now, her next step was to find Jake and ask for one more chance to show her love to him.
Chapter 19
A hot shower and two of Reagan’s brownies helped Callie to regain control of her emotions. So, only a couple of hours after leaving her parents house, she found herself sitting in her car parked outside the Lucky Strike. She still burned with desire to see Jake, but now her nerves were settling in. Would he really want to still be with her? Maybe he had only come to the hospital last night out of a sense of honor. What if the sweet note he’d left for her had been written out of fear, not out of genuine love. Perhaps he thought the baggage Callie carried, and all the drama surrounding her family and her relationship with her parents, was too much for him to handle. All these worries swirled around in her head as she sat in her car, trying to work up her courage to face Jake, no matter what his reaction to her might be.
Get a grip Callie.She shook her head to dispel her fears. She climbed out of the car and headed for the heavy wooden door of the Lucky Strike. Walking inside felt familiar and comforting. This was where she belonged. It had been little more than a week since she and Jake had last been together at the bar, and she eagerly scanned the room, taking in the sights and sounds that filled her with happiness. The pub was infused with Jake’s heart and soul. Just walking in the door made her feel like she was one step closer to his embrace. But nothing beat the real thing, so Callie made her way over to the bar. She spotted Ryan working at one end, pouring a beer for the customer seated in front of him, but there was no sign of Jake.
When Ryan looked up and noticed her, she was flattered to see the look of relief, friendship and happiness that crossed his face. He wiped his hands and quickly came around the bar to give her a big hug.
“Callie, damn it’s good to see you in here again.” Holding her at arms length, Ryan looked her up and down, just like a worried big brother would do. “You look to be in one piece, thank god. You had us so freaked out last night. Are you alright? Do you need anything?”
Callie smiled at Ryan’s obvious care and concern. Why had she ever felt that by cutting her parents out of her life, it would mean losing her family? She had another family of her own choosing with Jake, Reagan, and their friends.
“I’m okay, thank you. I’ve missed you, and this place. It’s definitely been a crazy week, but I know I’m finally back where I belong.” After making that bold statement, Callie hesitated. Just because Ryan was so happy to see her, didn’t necessarily mean that Jake would be. “At least, I hope I still belong here. Is he around?”
Ryan smiled confidently down at Callie, oblivious to her unease in the way only a single man could be. “Hell yeah you belong here. Jake has been a monster without you, so believe me I’m happy you’re back. You can go on back, he’s in the office.”
With a nod, Callie headed behind the bar towards the door that led to the small office Jake had set up for himself. She tried to prepare her heart for whatever reaction she might receive, knowing that despite Ryan’s delight at seeing her, Jake might not feel the same way.
Knocking softly before opening the door, Callie felt her heart swell as she saw Jake sitting there, his hands pushed through his hair as he spoke on the phone. He hadn’t noticed her come in, so she took a moment to drink in the sight of him. She was overwhelmed by how much she had missed him, and how with every fiber of her being she felt connected to him.
As the door clicked softly behind her, Jake looked up at the sound. The play of emotion across his face was a beautiful sight for her to see, as it ranged from relief, to nerves, to love, to a fire that burned with lust. Callie felt each emotion run through her body and send shivers down her spine.
Muttering a quick goodbye to whomever he was talking to, Jake hung up the phone, stood up and swiftly came around to the front of the desk and crushed Callie into his chest.
“Oh my god, Callie. You’re here. You’re really here right? And you’re okay?” He released her and held her at arms length, looking her up and down, as if he needed to reassure himself that she was finally in his arms and safe.
Laughing, Callie reached up to caress his face, feeling the light stubble that told her he hadn’t shaved today. “Yes, Jake, I’m here, and I’m fine. Better than fine now that I’m with you.” Standing in the shelter of his arms, she finally felt safe again.
“Holy shit, I was so scared last night. And when I didn’t hear from you…” Pain was etched into Jake’s face as his voice cracked with emotion. “I’m not ashamed to admit I thought the worst; I thought you didn’t want me anymore. I am so sorry I walked away, I know I should have fought harder for you. I should have stayed by your side and helped you to figure things out with your parents. I was just so confused; I didn’t understand how you could possibly think that your parents deserved any more of your love and attention. I was hurt, I was jealous, and I was stupid. Because of that you were all alone last night, and I am so very sorry for that. Can you ever forgive me?”
Tears were streaming down Callie’s face, as she wrapped her arms around Jake’s strong body and folded herself into his warmth. The feel of his heartbeat against her cheek gave her the comfort she had been wanting.
“Jake, there’s nothing to forgive. I’m the one who needs to apologize, both for my parents’ horrific behavior, and for my own actions in not walking away from them sooner. You gave me the strength to realize I would be okay without them. When I read your note last night and found out that you had dropped everything to come to the hospital for me, that proved what I already knew. You love me more than anyone else ever has, and yours is the only love I’ll ever need.”
Joy and relief engulfed Jake and Callie as they stood, held in each others’ arms, with their love flowing between them. Jake cupped her face in his strong hands, before pressing a softly sweet kiss to her lips. Threading her hands into his hair, Callie pulled him closer, deepening their embrace.
When they broke apart at last, hearts pounding in unison, Jake’s low voice sent shivers down Callie’s spine when he said, “Let’s get out of here. Ryan can handle things out there. I need to get you home and in bed so I can tear your clothes off and feel all of you in my arms.” He paused to lovingly tuck her hair behind her ears. “So just one question. Your place or mine…”
