5. Callan
Chapter Five
CALLAN
Today has been intense.
Clearing up after the storm is hard work. We have to saw up fallen trees to stop them damaging our fir tree fields, restore the flow of the irrigation system without flooding the field and carry out many tasks that have been made harder because of the sodden ground. At least it’s stopped raining.
I’ve been distracted, my mind on one person.
Paige. Being with her was better than I ever imagined.
I wanted to tell her how much she meant to me, but in the morning after more spectacular sex, she had to jump in her car to go see her editor.
I’m not an anxious guy, but I keep worrying that something will happen to her.
Or she’ll get back to the city and realize that she and I won’t work; I’m a rough and ready mountain man and she’s far too sophisticated for me.
All day I’m thinking about her and it takes all my effort not to throw down what I’m doing and go check if she’s back yet. When the light starts to fade, Ace and I walk over to her cabin. Her car isn’t there, but I still check around the front and back, peering in the window. I don’t know why.
I can’t sleep and the next morning Finn stares at me. “You ill, bro? You look like shit.”
“I’m fine.” I stand up and head out, although for the first time in my life, the idea of a full day outside makes me feel exhausted.
By lunch time, I want to be alone, so I go up to my room and lie on my bed.
Ace comes clattering up the stairs, pushes the door open with his snout and puts his head by mine. He knows something is wrong.
I stroke his ears. “I’m an idiot, Ace. I can’t even call her to find out where she is. Maybe she’s not coming back?”
Ace looks at me quizzically. His ears perk up at the sound of the business phone ringing downstairs.
I head downstairs to answer it, since my Dad’s taking a nap and Finn’s in town.
“Callan?” It’s a male voice that sounds vaguely familiar to me.
“Speaking. Can I help you?”
“This is Paul. Paige’s friend Paul. From school. Long time no speak.” There’s a sound of a glass smashing in the background and a woman’s voice cursing.
“Hi Paul.” I’m defensive. I remember they used to always be together at school. Is there something between them?
“Paige asked me to call you. Her bag was stolen when she went back to the city yesterday, with her cell and her purse in it. She stayed with her cousin Alfie last night, but wanted me to let you know she’s okay.
She’s coming back on the train today at five.
She doesn’t have her car keys, they were in the bag too.
I can pick her up, but maybe you want to?
” There’s a chopping noise in the background.
“Can I ask you a weird question?” I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I have to step out of my comfort zone where Paige is concerned.
“Sure. I quite enjoy them.” The chopping sound stops.
“Do you like Paige? You guys were always together in high school.” I squeeze my eyes together at how awkward this is.
Paul laughs. “I love Paige like a sister. She was the first person I told I was gay and she helped me tell my husband I had feelings for him. So she was like a fairy godmother. I’d love to do the same for her. So please pick her up from the train station or I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”
I exhale. All of the lack of sleep and tension of the day drifts away. “I’ll be there. Thanks, Paul.”
Suddenly, I can’t wait for my working day to be over. I finish early, jump in the shower, put a clean shirt on and hop in my truck with Ace in the back. We drive down to the train station and watch the train pull in. I spot Paige in the distance and I jump out and walk as fast as I can towards her.
She runs towards me and leaps up as I pick her up, kissing her lips and wrapping my arms around her.
“I have to tell you something, Paige. I’m in love with you. I should have said it last night. I want to be with you. Even if I have to live in the city. I’ll do anything to make you happy.” I gaze down into her beautiful eyes.
She laughs. “No way are we living in the city. I’ve had enough of it, Callan. I love you too. I’m going to live in my uncle’s cabin and you’re welcome to come live with me. And Ace. Ace has to be part of the deal.”
A rush of happiness overwhelms me as the leaves around our feet dance in the wind.
Paige and I together at last. The only ones for each other. The coming winter will be warmer with her there.
Starting a new life, up in the mountains with my love.