Chapter 13 - Callie #2
We stand like that for several long seconds, and it feels just like those first few minutes before a thunderstorm hits, when the clouds roll in and the sky is rumbling, and you can practically feel the electricity in the air. I half-expect lightning to start streaking across the sky.
“I applied for that job you told me about,” I blurt out, needing to fill the silence with something . “The one at the elementary school? I actually had an interview with them yesterday, and it went really well. So, uh, thank you for that.”
Jensen lifts a shoulder and lets it drop. “Glad I could help.” His words are formal, but less clipped than usual.
The conversation between us dies as I quickly scan my brain for something else to mention. Peaches saves me by trotting over to Jensen and flopping down at his feet .
“Oh, so now you’re happy to see me,” he murmurs, squatting down to give Peaches belly rubs. “You ready to go home?” His hands move as he gives her the sign that I assume means home, and she jumps up, tail-wagging and yipping a little bark.
“Let’s go then,” he tells her, standing back up. He walks over to the truck and opens the door. “Come on, girl.” He gives her another sign, and she happily jumps into the cab.
“Here you go, honey,” Ms. Dorothy has returned, another saran-wrapped package in her hands. “There’s a regular slice and a chocolate one for you.”
“Thank you.” Jensen reaches for the cake and offers another small smile. “Well, I’ll let you ladies get back to it. Ms. Dorothy,” he gives her a little nod and then turns to me, “Callie.”
A tiny shiver cascades down my spine at the sound of my name. I manage to lift a hand and give a little wave. “Jensen.”
I watch as he backs the truck up and coasts down the lane toward his farmhouse. Ms. Dorothy clears her throat, drawing my attention back to her very amused face.
“What?” I ask, although from the look she’s giving me, it’s pretty obvious what she’s implying.
“What was that you were just saying? Something about no feelings for that boy?”
“I don’t have feelings for him. ”
“Mmmhmm.” Ms. Dorothy purses her lips, clearly not buying it. “Girl, the only one you’re fooling is yourself.”
“It’s . . . complicated.” It’s undoubtedly the lamest excuse I can possibly give, but I don’t know how else to explain it.
“Matters of the heart usually are,” Dorothy replies, sagely.
“Tell me about it,” I sigh just as my cell phone rings. I scoop it up and see my cousin’s name flash across the screen.
I swipe to answer the call. “Hey, what are you—”
Mabel’s excited voice cuts me off.
“Okay, don’t move,” I tell her when she’s finished. “I’ll be right there.”
—
Mabel pounces the second I cross the threshold, and I barely have time to close the bungalow’s front door before she barrels into me. “Oh my God, Callie! You’re never going to believe what happened.”
“Well, don’t keep me in suspense,” I say, laughing. I have no idea what’s got my cousin acting like she just won front row seats to an NSYNC reunion tour, but whatever it is, I’m here for it.
“A producer from Good Day, Alabama called!” The pitch of her voice gets higher with each word. “They saw my post about you and Jensen’s photoshoot and they want to interview me! Can you believe it?”
“Wait, seriously?” I reach for her hands and squeeze. “Mabel, that’s amazing!”
“I know, right?” she squeals, returning my squeeze with one of her own. “I’ve already gotten a ton of new inquiries for photoshoots, but I never imagined this kind of publicity.”
“It’s about time the rest of the world realized how amazing you are.” I wink. “You better let the diner know you’ll need less shifts in the coming weeks because I predict you’ll be very busy.”
Mabel’s features droop a little, some of her energy waning. “You really think so?”
“I know so. It’s Good Day, Alabama, Mabs! This is huge!”
“It is,” she agrees, though her degree of excitement is still low. “But there’s one more thing.”
“Oh?”
“They don’t just want to interview me. They want to interview you and Jensen as well.”
“Oh.” Definitely wasn’t expecting that.
“Please say you’ll do it.” Mabel’s concerned eyes narrow. “I’m not sure they’ll want to talk to just me, and—”
“Of course, I’ll do it,” I break in, smiling to reassure her. “Anything for you, you know that.”
Relief washes over her features, and she throws her arms around my neck. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
I laugh, squeezing her back. “You’re welcome.”
“And you’ll ask Jensen, won’t you? I would, but I think he’ll be more inclined to say yes if you’re the one who asks him.”
“Um, sure.” My voice is calm, but my stomach flips over. Talking to Jensen makes me all kinds of nervous—though I’m not sure whether that’s a good or a bad thing. Just listen to your head, I remind myself. Listen to your head and you’ll be fine.
“Thank you, Callie!” Mabel beams. “You’re the best cousin ever, do you know that?”
I’m still reeling a little from her request, but I don’t want to steal her sunshine, so I pivot. “You know, I think news like this calls for a little something, don’t you?” I give her a pointed look.
Mabel instantly brightens. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
“I don’t know,” I play along. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
She begins to bounce up and down on her toes, her eyes bright. “We say it on the count of three.” She holds up her hand and begins to count. “1 . . . 2 . . . 3!”
“Thirsty Horse!” We shout together and then immediately erupt into laughter.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than dollar drinks and two-stepping at our favorite dance hall,” I declare, doing a little shimmy .
“Friday?” Mabel beams as she does her own silly dance move.
“Friday,” I confirm. “Can’t wait.”