Caught in the Flames (29 page)

“So, I’m done with my outpatient program,” Alicia offers when she returns. She hasn’t mentioned much of her rehab program until now. We offer our congratulations. I’m not sure if that’s the appropriate response but Alicia smiles so it works.

“What does that mean for you?” Jill asks.

“I’m done with my group sessions. I’ll continue my one-on-one counseling—my choice—because I’m still working through some stuff and it gives me clarity as to why I was getting lost in a bottle of merlot more often than not. All shit with my family.” She laughs and rolls her eyes. “I’m strongly encouraged to continue AA meetings. So, we’ll see how that goes.”

“I’m really proud of you.” Jill stands up and hugs her from behind before restacking one of the newly re-packed containers.

“Love you.” Alicia smiles at her and then meets my stare across the minefield of boxes we’ve set up. “I love you too, Callie. And I’m so sorry about that night. I’m so thankful you’ve given me another chance at our friendship, because if I’m being honest, I don’t think I could do that—if roles were reversed.”

I nod and smile, a genuine one, because I really have forgiven Alicia, and things are beginning to feel good again between us. Not strained or forced. “I love you, too.”

“So let’s talk about something else.” Alicia hands me a stack of dishtowels, and then tosses a pair of socks at Jill. “What’s up with you and Cam the Man?”

“What?” Jill busies herself with a stack of junk mail.

“Jilly . . .” Alicia chides.

What?
“Wait, I thought you and Cam were done. Today, you said you were only talking to him to get inside information—”

“I lied! Okay, there. I’m sorry. I don’t want to like him.”

“Why did you even break up in the first place?” I ask.

“Because he wanted to go public with our relationship. And, I don’t know, I got cold feet. It seemed like such a bold move for two people who were just fucking for fun. Plus, that whole thing with his brother and you—”

“Jill, you didn’t break up with him because of what happened at the bar? Because Cam had nothing to do with that.” I shake my head.

“No. Yes. Kind of. It’s not the only reason I broke things off.”

“I’m sensing a but here.” Alicia leans forward and rests her chin on her knees.

“We got in a big argument. That was the night you picked me up at Benny’s. And the failed control burn,” Jill explains.

“There was nothing controlled about that.” I roll my eyes and they laugh.

“What did you fight about?” Alicia asks.

Jill looks between me and Alicia a few times. Her lips pull in a tight line.

“Oh, for the love of God, just spit it out already!” Alicia tosses a pair of socks at Jill.

“Okay, fine. But Callie, I don’t want to upset you.”

“Just say it. Really, can today get any worse? Besides, I have you to keep me from going crazy.” I motion toward the almost completely re-organized and re-packed boxes.

“So, the fight. It was because after you and Chase split and I was sleeping over at Cam’s . . .” She rolls her eyes. “This is going to sound stupid, but you know how Chase and Cam are step brothers? And how Tiff is Cam’s sister but only related to Chase by marriage?”

“What the f—?” I almost drop the stack of books I’m sorting.

“Hold up, what?” Alicia looks as stunned as I feel.

“Wait, you didn’t know?” Jill’s brow furrows.

“No! I didn’t fucking know! He never shared anything about his family. Only that things were really fucked up.” I sit back on the floor. My temples pulse and I rub them to alleviate the pain.

“I’m sorry, Callie. I’ll shut up now. See, I shouldn’t have said anything. This is making you upset.”

“No. Don’t do that. Might as well give it all to me.” I brace myself for whatever she says next. Alicia scoots to my side and holds my hand.

“Well, a few of the times I stayed at Cam’s, Tiff would come over, like really needy, and I don’t know, I felt it was fake, you know? Like she was just doing it for attention. And she’d sleep over.”

“Okay . . .” That’s not so bad. I already guessed Tiff is a manipulative bitch.

“That’s not it. She always slept in Chase’s bed. With him. And I thought that was weird. You know? They’re grown adults. Half siblings. And she’s like a good seven years older than him. Anyway. It’s just that sometimes . . .” Jill covers her eyes and scrunches her face. “I thought they were fucking! Okay? There. I said it. It sounded like someone was fucking in the other room.”

“Oh. My. God.” Alicia blanches and squeezes my hand tighter.

“But I don’t have proof and, you know, maybe it was my own overactive imagination. And when I brought it up to Cam, well, that’s when we had the big blow up! He said I was sick for even suggesting something like that. For accusing his brother and sister of something so horrible. And I told him his brother was a dick anyway, for cheating on my friend. And then he talked shit about Alicia.” Jill paces and I’m attempting to process this new information.

“So I’m not crazy!” I almost shout. Alicia and Jill meet my stare. “I’ve played everything in my head, over and over, and Tiff, she comes up every time. But I keep thinking no, it’s just his sister, even if she didn’t like me, why would he not tell me about her? So thank you, Jill! Thank you for proving I’m not crazy!”

Alicia appraises the restocked boxes and Jill’s eyes follow.

I shrug. “At least about that.”

“I should have told you sooner. It’s just, I feel gross for even thinking it, you know? And now that Cam and I are . . . doing whatever it is we’re doing, I just, I needed to get this off my conscience. So thank you, even though I feel really selfish.”

“I’m glad you told me. And you’re free to do whatever you want with Cam. Don’t hold back on my account.”

Jill falls to her knees before me and squeezes me in a hug. “Thank you,” she whispers in my ear.

“Girl on girl, can I get in on this action?” Alicia teases, and we pull her into our embrace.

“Bitches are the best,” Alicia sighs.

Alicia and Jill don’t leave until after midnight and I completely pass out. The day’s events finally catch up with my body and mind. I sleep straight through the night and well into the morning. I eventually emerge from the cocoon of Kiki’s basement when my growing hunger and rumbling stomach win out over the comfort of the cool, dark space.

Still in sweats and my hair a wild mess, I drag my body up the stairs and toward the smell of brewing coffee. I open the door that leads to the kitchen and freeze when I notice a man’s voice.

But it’s too late. Kiki and Ash turn their faces to appraise my disheveled state. Thankful for my sweats but still feeling naked without a being able to put on makeup, comb my hair, and wear a bra, I cross my arms over my chest.

“Morning,” I say to Kiki. “I didn’t know we were having visitors.”

Ash chuckles but I refuse to give him attention. Kiki grins and points to the empty chair next to him. “Sit. I’ll get you a cup.”

“I think I’ll stand.”

“Ashley was kind enough to stop by and check on us. He has the day off and volunteered to help with the yard.”

Wait, what?
The yard is my thing. I glare at Ash as Kiki hands me a steaming mug of coffee. It’s challenging to keep the scowl in place with the fragrant goodness of roasted beans working their way to my senses. “Oh, I don’t think we need help.”

“Nonsense. Look at him!” Kiki smiles and takes her seat, but not before she squeezes one of Ash’s biceps. And sure, they’re impressive, but I’ve been doing just fine alone.

“I better get busy.” Ash stands and walks past me on the way toward the sink. I keep my head held high and ignore the way his muscles strain when he washes out his mug. Well, I try at least. It’s difficult not to notice now that Kiki’s pointed out how ripped he is, and the shirt molded to his frame doesn’t help. You think he’d buy a bigger shirt.

“Callie, why don’t you change and join Ash? I’m sure you could work together. He’s taking down some of the branches of the oak so Silas won’t climb up there. Isn’t that sweet?”

“I actually have to work today,” I say even though it’s not true. Jim insisted I take at least the weekend, more time if needed, before getting back to my projects.

Ash walks back toward me and the back door so I step out of the way, only he moves too, and then again. “Thanks for the dance.” He chuckles softly and I stop moving so he can just step around me. “I like these.” He reaches up and tugs at one of my crazy curls with a wink before stepping outside and onto the deck.

“I like him,” Kiki declares.

“Yes, I think you’ve made that clear.” I hold back any further comments because they aren’t very nice. “I’m going to shower and get to work.” I glance out the window to see Ash setting up a ladder at the base of the tree.

“Very good, dear,” Kiki muses over her mug. She’s also checking out Ash. I shake my head. Not that I was. No. Just being nosey. That’s it. “If you finish work early, you should join him. Maybe give him a hand, or two.” She winks at me and I’ve been busted ogling the help.

“I think I’ll go find a coffee shop to work at today. Free Wi-Fi.”

“Of course, dear.”

I hate working in Kiki’s yard since Ash showed up.

Why he is here again today?

It’s irritating because I had this yard under control by myself. Just because my house burned down doesn’t mean I’m incompetent at gardening. It’s almost as if he’s keeping watch, and Ash doesn’t know me, so why he feels the need to do that digs at my unsteady confidence.

“Callie, dear, aren’t you going to paint the shed before you plant those?” Kiki calls from the deck. I glance up to see she holds a steaming cup of java. I quickly desert Ash and the pot of azaleas for my morning fix.

“Thanks.” I pull off my gloves, wipe the beads of sweat from my forehead with the back of my arm, and take the offered cup of coffee. Even on this late October morning I can work up perspiration. “Yeah, I need to get paint and start tomorrow. It’s supposed to rain next week.”

Kiki nods to where Ash hauls a bunch of dead branches to the front yard. “He’s handy.”

“Yeah. I guess.”

“Maybe he can help paint.”

“I don’t know . . . I prefer to work alone. Besides, I didn’t invite him. I don’t know why he’s here again.”

“I have a guess.” Kiki waggles her brows.

I ignore her insinuation. Without a doubt, that’s
not
why Ash is here. More likely he’s assessing my mental well-being, or investigating me for possible arson.

“Ashley!” Kiki calls as he returns through the gate. His lips pull in a hard line before he nods and struts over. I love that she calls him by his full name. Yesterday before I left to work at the coffee shop, I made a huge deal to Kiki about how much he prefers it. It grates on him, I know, and I receive a little satisfaction every time she calls him by name. I have to bite my lip so a giggle doesn’t escape as he joins us on the deck.

“Ashley, would you be a dear and make a run for some paint with Callie? It’s for the woodshed and I think the cans are too heavy for her to carry.”

My chin snaps up, all humor lost, and I glare at Kiki. She ignores me completely, using her sweet gravelly voice to add, “I think she needs your help.”

“No!” I shout.

“Sure,” he agrees at the same time.

I turn my glare on Ash.

He appraises my face with a quirk of his lip as if he finds my reaction entertaining. “I can help paint, too. Seems more like a two-person job.”

“Wonderful! It’s settled. Aren’t you a nice man?” Kiki beams.

“Ugh!” I roll my eyes and march past them both, inside to the kitchen so I can down my coffee in solitude. I refill the mug while my mind frantically searches for some calm inner peace. I wish I had a new stack of sticky notes and pens. That would make me feel better.

I do
not
want to paint with Ash this weekend. Sure, he seems nice enough, but don’t they all? I know his type. And I swore off firemen, so it’s fucking with my head that he’s here, being helpful and kind and shit. The fact that Kiki’s obviously enamored by his chivalry doesn’t help, either. At the slide of the door my gaze snaps up.

“Let’s go, Sweet Cheeks! It’s supposed to rain next week. Let’s buy this paint and get started,” Ash says.