Chapter 24
TWENTY-FOUR
Later that day, all thoughts and worries about Calla and myself were pushed aside, courtesy of all the shit that had landed on my desk. With many television shows on break for the summer, there were always a lot of movements. Still, lately, it felt like every one of my remaining clients was up for a contract renewal, all seeking more money or producer credit, things that the studios were always reluctant to give.
Sending off one last email to the studio, I leaned back in my chair, needing a break to clear my mind. It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy my career—for the most part, I did—but I’d be lying if I said that was why I did it. When I first graduated, I took the job in the mailroom to get by, needing something to keep me occupied while I searched for a full-time gig. But watching how the senior agents garnered so much power and respect, not to mention the outrageous paycheck, I was sucked into this world.
And for ten years, I never thought about it.
I stared out toward the rest of the office, and it was another cold reminder of how much of my life I’d wasted trapped behind this desk, helping my clients achieve their goals while holding none of my own.
The only thing I wanted now was Calla.
The more I thought about Jack’s idea, the more it made sense. Even though it was still technically against the rules, it was a much less flagrant violation. And we’d get to see each other every day, even if it wasn’t like before.
Before I could make up my mind, I had to talk to Calla. The shift would impact her more than me, and I refused to choose on her behalf. I’d tried to bring it up when she arrived this morning, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Every time the thought of her leaving came up, the pressure in my chest increased, and the words refused to leave my mouth.
As my mind wandered, a knock came on my door, pulling me back into the present. Calla smiled at me, her pale pink legal pad clutched in her hands. “Do you have a few minutes to go over some details of the partners’ trip?”
“Of course, come on in.”
She settled into the seat across from me, nervously toying with her pen. I stared back at her, trying to read her mood. She must have noticed, because she gave me a half-hearted smile. “It’s nothing, just ignore me.”
My jaw instantly tightened; I hated that she was trying to hide from me again. A knot formed in my gut. Had Jack already talked to her? I’d kill him if he did. I did not doubt he would try to poach her if she left my desk, but I explicitly told him I needed more time. “What’s going on?”
Calla shook her head. “It’s fine, just some family stuff. You have enough to worry about. I can handle this on my own.”
It was so tempting to pull her into my lap and hold her until she felt better. Instead, I leaned forward, lowering my voice. “Talk to me, Calla.”
She inhaled as if trying to keep her emotions at bay. “Devyn called. My mother is coming into town next month for some business dinner with my stepfather. We’re expected to attend.” She rolled her eyes. “The woman hasn’t even bothered to call me since she kicked me out, and now she’s demanding my attendance at some bullshit family dinner?” She shook her head. “Never going to happen.”
I nodded, not wanting to show my annoyance. My hands clenched under my desk. While I’d never understand how she could have treated her daughter so poorly, a selfish part of me was glad for it. Because of her mother’s actions, Calla was here with me now, and I would never make the same mistake. The darkest part of her life had led to the best part of mine, and all I wanted was to return the favor.
She brushed her hair away from her face, shaking her shoulders as if pushing away the negative feelings. “It’s fine, I’m fine. Like I said, it's nothing for you to worry about. We have a visit to get ready for, and that deserves all my attention. I’ve got several reservations lined up–”
“Calla.” I stood up to approach her before thinking better of it. “You don’t have to put on an act in front of me. I want to see you, all sides of you, even when you’re upset.”
“Fine, you want to know how I feel?” She let out a half-hearted laugh. “I’m so fucking pissed , Theo. I’m finally doing something with my life, something that I actually enjoy, and then, with one phone call, my mother brings me right back down.” She scoffed as she stood, walking over to the window. “My entire life, I’ve never been enough for her. But there was a small, probably naive part of me that thought she still cared about me and wanted me to be happy.” Calla turned to lean against the ledge, crossing her arms around herself. “When she kicked me out, it was like the dam broke, and all the insecurities and pain she’d caused over the years came rushing out. The mask was off, and I finally saw the real her. And the worst part? I still want her approval. I want my mom to be proud of me. Does that make me pathetic?”
“No, baby, it makes you human. If you’re not ready to see her, don’t.” I reached out to place my hand over hers. “But if you decide to go, I can go with you.”
“I’d never ask that of you.”
“I’m offering, Calla. Think about it. No matter what you decide, I’ll be there with you.”
Calla smiled back at me. “You have no idea how good that sounds. But I’m not sure if I’m willing to subject you to my family. Devyn is the friendly one.”
“You know I don’t scare that easily, beautiful. Besides, if it's a night that ends with you at my side, it’ll be a good one, no matter what happens.”
Calla smirked as if she didn’t quite believe me, but I was telling the absolute truth. I’d walk through fire for this girl. Hopefully, dining with her family wouldn’t be as painful.
But with the look Calla was giving me, it was probably going to be worse.
She wiped her hands over her eyes. “Sorry. This was supposed to be about work, and I’ve unloaded all my crap on you again. Oh, and I forgot. Jack said you have something to run by me?” She leaned back in her chair, hurt lurking in her light brown eyes, but at least it was less than before. “Everything okay?”
My stomach churned, trying to find the words to explain this plan without hurting her more. After everything with her mother, could I honestly push her away, even if it was what was best for the both of us ?
I cleared my throat, unable to force the words out. I’d tell her later. In the grand scheme of things, would a couple more days together make a difference? Maybe it made me selfish, but I wanted all of her. I wanted Calla in my home and bed at night and by my side during the day. Not only because she was good at her job, but because it made me the best version of myself.
“Yeah.” I rubbed the back of my neck. “Just wanted to check in on the dinner reservations. Did you set up the ones Allen requested?”
“Of course.” She smiled. “You know I’ve got your back, Theo. We’re a team.”
At her words, I knew I couldn’t tell her, not yet.