Page 86 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

Callie cringed as she looked at the door she’d just walked in through, ready to head back out into the crowd. This was clearly a private conversation.

“Jackass,” Molly repeated as she stormed into the main kitchen, stopping dead when she met Callie’s gaze.

“I’m so sorry,” Callie said in a rush. “I was just leaving.”

“Don’t bother.” Molly pushed through the door and hurried into the dining room.

Callie looked to her right, realizing Brad stood in the doorway. He was gorgeous despite his miserable brown eyes. He had short black hair, olive skin darker with a tan, and a strong jaw. A solid build filled out his white button-down, and he’d rolled the sleeves halfway up his muscled forearms.

He made his lips curve. “This is awkward.”

She looked to the door then back at Brad. “Uh, I should probably—I’m just going to—Molly…” She rushed out, following the path toward the stairs, where she caught sight of Molly’s tailored white dress shirt and black slacks disappearing down the hall. “Excuse me.” Callie snagged a waitress by the arm. “Can you refill the carafe for the coffee station and make sure that gentleman waiting gets a cup?”

“Sure.”

“Thanks.”

“Callie,” someone called.

She turned, frowning when she saw Leah Sanderson starting her way through the group of guests. “Great,” she whispered before she slapped on a huge smile and met Brad’s mother halfway.

“Callie,” Leah said again, taking her hands. “Sweetie, it’s so good to see you.”

Callie kissed Leah’s cheek. “You too.”

“You know, the Sanderson Women’s Society can’t stop talking about your class.”

“I’m glad everyone enjoyed themselves.”

“A bunch of us girls were hoping you might be willing to do something like that again—maybe we can host another party and you could help us with a new project. Some of the teachers over at the school are wanting to get in on it too if you’re interested.”

Callie loved the idea. “I could certainly put something together—maybe a suncatcher this time.”

“Yes! You’ll make everyone’s day when I tell them.” Leah grinned as she looked around. “Just look at this place. You and Molly really pulled it off. It’s beautiful and I can’t thank you enough for giving me a hand.”

“We were happy to help.”

“I shouldn’t be here. I’m doing a little party crashing because I know my son’s around here somewhere—Evan and Lily too. I wanted to catch Brad and give him a hug before I head over to the mainland to spend a couple of days with my sister. Doesn’t it figure he finally comes home and I need to go?”

Callie made a sound in her throat as she nodded.

Leah’s phone dinged in her purse. “Ugh, it just never stops.” She stepped closer. “Callie, I’m afraid I’m going to ask another favor.”

Callie could easily read the distress in Leah’s eyes and gave her fingers a gentle squeeze of support. “What can I do?”

“The person who was supposed to help with the décor and flowers for Grandpa Morris’s retirement party next weekend was unexpectedly called away last night. Her grandmother’s quite ill.”

Callie frowned. “That’s terrible.”

Leah nodded. “I’m wondering if you might be able to fill in. I’d ask Mini, but that woman just doesn’t have a creative bone in her body, and you’ve done such a spectacular job.”

“Of course.”

“Molly’s making the cake, so you can check with her for the color scheme. It’s a daytime party—five or six tables of ten, plus the buffet station. We’ll keep it simple but nice for a man who deserves a lovely send-off for all he’s done for Sanderson.”

Callie nodded. “That sounds easy enough.”

“You’re a godsend.” Leah hugged her. “I hate that I’ve put you on the spot and hardly given you any notice.”