Chapter Thirty-Seven
Liam
Wiping off some of the condensation from the mirror, I listen to Calypso go over the order she’ll be working on today as she finishes showering. With Thanksgiving this week, it’s the busiest time of the year for the bakery, but she handles it with passion.
I love getting the extra time with her before work, since she’s waking up earlier on Mondays for the time being.
We’re coming to the end of the dance studio renovations as well.
Other than a few final touches and wrapping up the back offices, almost everything is done.
With the exception of the goddamn chairs.
The three performance stages need a place for the audience to sit, most importantly the main one where the recital is being held.
The vendor should be calling me today with an upda—
Speaking of the devil.
“Sorry, honey,” I cut Calypso off. “I really have to get this.”
Stepping out of the bathroom, I take a deep breath—already irritated with the man—before clicking into the call. “Morning, Patrick.”
“Hey, Liam. Sorry to call you so early.”
I shake my head even though he can’t see it. “No problem, I’m getting ready to head out for the day. Any news on those chairs?”
He lets out a sigh. “Yeah, uh, about that…” He trails off.
I bite back a grunt. “Come on, Patrick. Just let me know how late they’re going to be.”
“I can have them delivered as early as next week. Most of my guys are out for the holiday, and I can’t contract someone any sooner.”
Muting the phone, I give myself a few seconds to let my frustration out. “Fuck me. Fuck!”
It’s not Patrick’s fault. He’s just a distributor for the company, and has no control over these things. Still, it’s throwing a wrench into everything. With the amount of chairs needed for three performance areas, it’ll take us at least a week to install all of them, and that’s being hopeful.
Everything in my life has been too good to be true lately, and the universe is coming to collect payment for all the blessings I’ve been granted over the last six months. Unmuting the call, I put the phone back to my ear and catch Calypso leaning against the doorframe in a towel.
“I’ll be here until the end of the day tomorrow,” Patrick says. “If you can get a few trucks out here by then, I’ll refund you an extra 10% on top of what we had previously agreed.”
That’s a generous offer considering it’s more than what the shipping labor would cost to get the seats from San Francisco.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve tried calling other vendors located within 800 miles of San Diego, hoping I could expedite the wait time. They either can’t get the order here until the end of next week, are out of stock, or will break Pippa’s budget. None of those are ideal.
I grab a pair of boxer-briefs and start dressing. Calypso is standing with her arms crossed, smiling at me. She was right—I always do things with my right side first.
“Give me an hour and I’ll call you back.”
Patrick agrees and goes over the dimensions of everything so I can plan how many flatbed semi-trailers I will need. We’d probably need at least nine crewmembers to go out there, including myself. I hang up, still going over the details in my mind when I turn to find Calypso in the same spot.
Walking up to her, I grab her waist and place a soft kiss on her lips. “I have to go out of town for the night.”
She tilts her head, assessing me. There’s no anger, just concern for me. “Is everything okay?”
“It will be if I can get to San Francisco and back in time.” Stepping back into the bathroom, I give her a quick rundown of what’s going on while I fix my hair and brush my teeth.
Looking at her in the mirror, I add, “I’ll be back tomorrow evening.
Everyone is off Wednesday through the weekend, and I don’t want to take the holiday away from anyone. ”
Calypso, now in panties and a bra, slides onto the counter next to me and offers me a soft smile. “I like that you’re going with them.” She would do the same, there’s no question about that. “Will you have enough time to install everything?”
I walk out to the bed, putting on my socks and shoes, while she follows close behind me.
“We should, yeah. Some of the crew will get a few hours of overtime, but it’s more affordable than what I’d pay if we waited for the vendor’s shipping crew.
Plus, it saves Pippa a lot of money. Then everyone’s happy before the holidays. ”
She pulls an overnight bag out of her closet and starts grabbing my essentials, like socks and underwear. “That makes sense. Is there anything I can do for you?”
After she drops the bag on the bed, I grab her before she can pack anything else. “No, honey. Take care of Rosie and that’s more than enough.”
Rolling her eyes, she settles between my thighs and rests her arms on my shoulders. “Of course I will.”
Smirking up at her, I tease, “You love her.”
“Let’s not be dramatic. She’s fine.” Her warm brown eyes say otherwise.
Sobering, I ask, “Do you need anything before I leave?”
I’m worried about leaving Calypso, even for a night.
It’s only been two days since Stefan’s appearance at the wedding.
For once, his sense of propriety was an appreciated trait and saved us from a total scene on her mother’s front lawn.
All it took was one sentence to unsettle Calypso, but I’m still thinking about their silent conversation that I couldn’t interpret.
Stefan has officially turned into a ticking time bomb. I know Calypso is worried about Ruby, and I understand that. However, I’m worried about her while trying to also respect her boundaries. It’s a tightrope I’m still learning to balance.
“I’ll be okay.” She rubs my stubbly jaw. “I’ll be at the bakery most of the day, then I’ll order in tonight and hang with Rosie. The usual.”
“Use my card.” I stand but keep her body close to mine.
She snickers and pushes away. “I was planning on it.”
Taking a deep breath, my gaze lingers on her for a few seconds. It’s only one night, but will Stefan hear I’ve left? Maybe I should still text one of her siblings to come check on her.
Davies minus my favorite
Mon, Nov 21 at 9:23 AM
Hey I have to go up to San Francisco with my crew for the night. Would you mind checking in on Calypso? I’m worried about leaving her alone after Saturday
Vivi, I know you’re technically on your extended wedding weekend but figured you’d want to be included
*Vivi liked your message*
Vivi
I’ll be home tonight. Lexi and I can go hang out with her tomorrow evening
Asher
I’m free tonight so I’ll head over after The Shack closes
Hudson
I’ve got the morning
Thanks guys