Page 33 of Chasing Callie

Nodding, I sniff, swiping at my face. “He didn’t do it.”

“No he didn’t.” Mom wraps her arms around me, and I crumple in her embrace. “Oh sweetheart, it’s okay,” she soothes, stroking my hair as tears stream down my face. “Let it out.”

And I do. Ten years of hurt, betrayal, and confusion pour out of me in heaving sobs against her shoulder. But beneath it all is something worse: the tiny, dangerous hope that maybe, just maybe, Knox didn’t betray me after all.

The afternoon heat settles around us like a warm blanket as Mom pours another round of lemonade for the ladies gathered on our wraparound porch. She invited everyone over after we were done for the day because that’s what she does. She takes people in and makes them feel loved. I take a sip, enjoying the perfect balance of sweet and tart while half-listening to Alice prattle on about her daughter’s wedding plans.

Some of these ladies I barely remember, but it’s clear they remember me. They don’t do much to hide their curiosity, sneaking glances my way when they think I’m not looking. Nosy bitches. I get it though. The wild child who fled Big Ridge has finally come home. I can practically hear their thoughts buzzing around me like blood thirsty mosquitoes.

“Callie, can you grab the cobbler from the kitchen?” Mom asks when she notices how I’m clutching my lemonade.

Oh thank fuck. The thing I hate most about small towns is the gossip mill. It’s vicious and catches like wildfire. “I’m on it.” I slide out of my rocking chair, grateful for the escape. My bare feet pad across the worn wooden floor, and for a second, I’m seventeen again, rushing through this same house, late for some adventure with⁠—

No. Not going there. I don’t think I can handle a walk down memory lane after the bombshell Knox dropped on me today.

When I return with the cobbler and a spatula, a flash of bright red hair catches my attention. My heart does a little flip as I recognize the petite figure walking up our driveway.

“Lily?” I call out, nearly dropping the pan in my hurry to set it down.

She looks up, those familiar green eyes narrowing before her freckled face splits into a grin. “Callie Mae Harrison! Get your ass down here!”

The ladies on the porch exchange scandalized looks at her language, but Mom laughs.

I race down the steps, colliding with Lily in a hug that nearly knocks us both over. She smells like coconut shampoo and sunscreen, exactly the same as she did in high school when we’d go swimming at the lake.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were back in town?” She pulls away, punching my arm lightly. “I had to hear it from Aspen!” Her tone is light, but I see touches of hurt in her gaze. She never admitted it out loud, but I always sensed that she felt a bit like a third wheel when the three of us would hang out. She never was, but she moved to Big Ridge in sixth grade, missing pieces of my and Aspen’s early friendship.

Guilt carves through me. Dammit. I keep screwing up. “I’m sorry.” I tuck my hair behind my ear. “It’s been an adjustment.”

Exhaling dramatically, she says, “Well, I guess I forgive you.” Her face lights up. “We’re having a bonfire tonight at Ridge Lake. You’re coming.”

It’s not a question. A demand. My punishment for not calling her. My stomach flutters. Ridge Lake. That’s where everyone goes.

“I don’t know, Lil,” I start, rubbing my arm.

“Who’s going to be there?” Mom asks, appearing beside us with such convenient timing. If there was a world championship for eavesdropping, she’d be the winner.

“The usual crowd.” Lily waves her hand dismissively. “Me, Aspen, some people from town. Nothing crazy.”

Yeah, right. The usual crowd could mean anything—or anyone, and bonfires at Ridge Lake always get out of hand. My chest tightens with years of memories, quickly soured by one that’s haunted me the most.

“What if Penelope’s there?” I whisper, hating how vulnerable I sound.

Lily rolls her eyes. “So what if she is? We can take her.”

“Lily, no fighting,” Mom chastises.

My friend smiles sweetly. “Oh, I’d never.”

Mom squints at her, not believing one word she says, but something softens her features. “You should go, honey.” Mom squeezes my shoulder. “You can’t hide from the past forever.”

“I’m not hiding,” I protest, but even I know that’s a lie.

Lily links her arm through mine. “Aspen’s going too. We’ll pick you up.”

The mention of Aspen tips the scales. With the two of them by my side, at least I’ll have safety in numbers. “Fine,” I say, ignoring the flutter of anxiety in my chest. “But I’m not promising to stay if things get weird.”

“Hell yes!” Lily bounces on her toes. “We’ll pick you up at eight. Wear something cute and bring your suit. You know how the lake gets.”