Page 14 of Loving Callie
“Hey, hold on, you know I have never, and would never, go near anyone you’re with, so what’s with the asshole attitude?”
Jake sighed, knowing his friend was right and he needed to get himself under control, and fast, so it was with an apologetic tone that he said, “Sorry, Ry. You’re right, it’s just this woman, she’s something else. I’ve never felt anything like this.” Jake took a chance, hoping his playboy of a best friend wouldn’t tease him for sharing his emotions so openly as he continued, “When I’m around her, hell even if I’m just thinking about her, I can see a future so clearly. She’s absolutely incredible.”
Ryan looked silently at his best friend, sobered by the serious and almost reverent tone in his voice. “Wow. I’ve never heard you talk like that. I mean, seriously bro, you know how I feel about relationships, but if she makes you happy, then I’m happy for you.”
Ryan was a serial dater, never settling down. He always made sure anyone he was with knew the deal, that nothing serious could ever happen.
But for Jake, who had grown up surrounded by a loving family, commitment was something he had always assumed would be in his future, the only question was when.
Jake paused, looking closely at his best friend, noticing in his facial expression the slight hint of longing that he doubted Ryan even knew he was projecting. He knew that Ryan’s childhood had left him jaded about relationships, and the injury that resulted in the loss of his future as a pro soccer player had turned Ryan dark for a while. Opening the bar had been good for both men, helping them find their purpose and reach a level of success and personal pride that was deeply satisfying. But Jake couldn’t shake the sense that the day would come when Ryan would wake up alone, and realize that by shutting himself off from any true relationships he had set himself up for a lifetime of loneliness. Jake could only hope that someday his friend would realize the power of love and connection.
* * *
The monthly Evans family dinner was later that evening and as he stepped in the front door of his childhood home, everything felt familiar and comfortable. He could hear his sister Monica laughing with his mother in the kitchen, and he knew his dad would be in the family room with Monica’s husband Chris, watching the football game. His niece Sarah was most likely playing on the floor of the family room. At least he suspected she had been until she heard him come in and came running down the hall as fast as her little legs could carry her.
“Uncle Jakey!” She squealed in delight as Jake swung her up for a hug. Her adorable giggle never failed to bring a grin to his face.
“Hey, squirt! You miss me?”
Sarah’s pudgy little hands came up to touch his face as she looked at Jake with a smile. “Uh huh, can you come and play ponies with me?”
Jake was powerless to say no to the adorable little girl who owned a big piece of his heart. Playing ponies with Sarah might not be the manliest thing to do, but he couldn’t care less about that when he saw how happy it made her.
“You bet, squirt. Let me just say hi to Grandma and your mom, okay?”
Jake took off his coat and headed into the kitchen. Pressing a kiss to his mom’s head and squeezing Monica around the shoulders, he leaned over and breathed in the tantalizing aromas coming from oven. Elena’s cooking was legendary, and tonight was no exception.
“Mmmmm, did you make pot pie, Mom?”
Elena swatted away Jake’s hands good naturedly as he reached for a spoon to sneak a taste.
“Of course I did honey, you only asked me for it three times last month! How are you baby. Is everything going well at the pub?”
Jake leaned back against the kitchen counter, basking in the warmth of his mother’s kitchen. He took it in for a moment before he replied, “Yeah Mom, it’s going really great. I’m thinking of having live music once a week, and Ryan has this idea for regular themed trivia nights. We need to make sure we keep things new and exciting to bring in more people. But we’re building a pretty solid base of repeat customers. I think Pop would be proud.”
“Oh, honey I know your grandfather is so proud of you. The two of you were always talking about this plan of yours to open a bar, and now you’ve done it.” Elena gazed lovingly at her son, pride shining in her eyes.
Just then Sarah came bounding into the kitchen. “Uncle Jakey, come on! You promised me! Ponies!”
“Uncle duty calls,” Jake laughed. Then he walked into the family room and said hello to his father and brother in law, who sure enough were watching the football game. Positioning himself so he could catch some of the game, Jake settled down on the floor and picked up a rainbow-colored plastic pony and began to play with his niece.
Over dinner, conversation flowed from updates about Sarah, who had recently started pre-kindergarten classes, to Chris talking about his latest promotion. As an engineer, he was in high demand by many consulting firms but was hesitant to take on more projects that would take him away from Monica and Sarah. Jake looked happily at the two of them, knowing his sister had found her one in a million guy, who would always put her first.
Putting down her fork, Elena looked expectantly at her son. “Well Jake, when are you going to be bringing a special lady to one of these dinners? Your father and I aren’t getting any younger, and you know I want more grandkids.”
His mother’s comment was one frequently heard at family dinners. Elena never shied away from telling her children that she wanted a house full of grandkids running around.
As Jake opened his mouth, ready to tell his mom about Callie, His sister gave a little ‘ahem’ of a cough, stealing the attention away.
Monica cast a loving gaze towards her husband, who wrapped his arm around her shoulders and placed his other hand on her stomach.
“Well, Mom, not to take the attention off Jake, because we ALL want to know when he’s going to settle down, but… Chris and I can help with your grandchildren goal. We’re pregnant again!”
Jake and his parents erupted with joy, cheering and hugging Monica and Chris. Jake scooped up Sarah and whispered in her ear, “You’re going to be the best big sister ever.”
Sarah smiled up at her uncle in response. “I know. I’m going to save my favorite pony for the baby.”
Jake’s heart warmed to see the love surrounding his family. He hoped that someday, he would be the one with the big announcement. And he was starting to think that Callie might just be the woman by his side.
