Eternal Youth (9 page)

“What are you doing?” Avery chirped, skipping over to stand by Callie.

“Brewing some hot water to steep the tea.”

“Let me know when it’s ready, baby, I’m going to take a quick shower. I’m covered in dirt.” Callie’s mom kissed her on the temple, one hand brushing back Callie’s dark hair.

“Wait, Mom, Avery and I wanted to talk to you.” Callie draped another tea bag over the glass pitcher, and then turned to face her mom. She leaned against the counter, exchanging glances with Avery.

“What’s wrong?” Her mom’s tone of voice hit a level that suggested worry.

“No, nothing’s wrong,” Avery rushed to say.

Callie spoke at the same time. “We were just wondering…could Avery come with us? To the Bahamas?”

Emma let out a breath and pressed a dirty hand to the bare skin above her white tank top. “Oh, Jesus, you guys scared me. Yes, yes, of course. I think that’s a lovely idea. Have you cleared it with your mom, Avery?”

Avery shook her head. “Not yet, but I will. Tonight.”

“She said no.” Avery’s voice wavered across the phone line. Callie could tell she’d been crying.

The sun had set outside the window over her vanity, and all the dim, yellow globes that lit the neighborhood were on. Callie was sitting in front of her netbook with her legs crossed Indian-style in the chair as she checked her Facebook feed.

“Then, I’ll ask if I can stay,” Callie answered. “I can talk Mom into it.”

“I don’t know, Cal. Remember when you asked a couple years ago?”

Vividly
. It had been the summer Callie turned thirteen. They came back to San Diego to switch out clothes—traveling for more than three months on the same ten outfits could get gross. During the three-day weekend they were home, Avery had spent every day and night at Gran’s. When it was time to go again, Callie had thrown a fit to end all fits and begged her mother to let her stay.

She’d later found her mom crying hysterically in the bathroom.

“Yeah. I remember.”

Avery sighed. “I know you want me to go, and I want you to stay, but seriously, Cal—I think your place is with your mom. She needs you.”

Callie turned to stare out the window; the lights of the city were too bright to see the stars. She missed the stars. “I wish she didn’t need me so much. What about what
I
need?”

“You don’t mean that.”

Callie had seen the same sky all over the world—the same stars, the same blue or black color no matter where they went—and she knew her best friend was right. It was irrelevant how badly she wanted to stay; she would always go.

March 31, 2011

Somewhere outside Christchurch, New Zealand

We’re staying at some farmer’s house in bumfrack country. There are sheep outside the window of the bedroom I’m supposed to sleep in. WTF? Why couldn’t we have stayed in the freaking Crowne Plaza?

Braden left about an hour ago to head into the city for a “pint” he said. Just because we’re in a country where they talk like Brits doesn’t mean he needs to go all native, but whatev. I only wish Mom would let
me
have a “pint.” I need it after the flight from hell.

The airline screwed up and put me in the back of the plane while Mom and Braden had seats together wayyy up front. I was between some guy who weighed a thousand pounds and had stinky armpits AND a stick-thin woman with an infant that literally
wailed
for the entire damn flight.

I turned on my iPod. It helped.

I can’t understand a freaking
word
the people here are saying. The farmer’s wife apparently complimented my sundress and all I heard was, “Wotalurvdawdr.” ???

In the morning, we’re going to the cathedral. Mom
swears
this time is the ONE. It’s always the ONE. I’m wondering how the hell she thinks the cathedral people are going to let us get underneath the church where the fountain
supposedly
is. It’s not like Mom can just walk up to the Dean and say “hey, we’re just gonna take a walk in the vaults and maybe find a secret trapdoor that leads to an underground river that will give us eternal youth. ‘K?”

God, we’re so screwed. If my mom gets arrested in New Zealand, I’m SO not bailing her out. And I’m definitely going for that “pint.”

C
allie was putting away groceries for her mother when Braden walked into the kitchen and grabbed an orange off the counter. He sank into a seat at the old wooden kitchen table and leaned forward on his elbows to peel the orange. “Looking forward to vacation?”

Callie grimaced as she slid a giant jar of peanut butter into the cabinet. “Don’t get me started. I’d much rather stay here and hang out with Avery. I’m pissed I have to go.”

“It’s too bad she couldn’t talk her mother into letting her go.” Braden picked at the orange, not meeting her eyes. “I’m going to sit this trip out.”

Callie stopped in mid-reach, the loaf of bread forgotten on the tile counter as she whirled around. She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. “What do you mean you’re
going to sit this one out
? You can
not
leave me with Mom. I need you!”

Braden sighed. He sat the peeled orange on the table and swept all the tiny pieces of rind into a pile. “I’m sorry, Cal. I’d like to come with you—trust me, a real vacation sounds nice. But, I think I should stay here and spend some time with my dad.”

Callie let her arms fall to her sides. She suddenly felt very selfish. “I’m sorry, Bray. I completely forgot about Uncle Bill and what you must be going through. How’s he doing? I’ve been so wrapped up in my own life that I haven’t even asked.”

“He’s in good spirits, considering. He tries to hide the pain, but it’s pretty obvious. When you guys are gone, we’re going to spend a couple of weeks out on the lake.” He paused. “I know you need me, Calista, but I think he needs me more right now.”

“I understand. It sucks, but I understand. You’re doing the right thing.” Callie smiled sadly.

Shaking off his funk, Braden pulled off a slice of orange and popped it into his mouth before grinning. “What about you? Have you seen that boy again? What’s his name?”

“Jonathan,” Callie said dreamily. She picked up the bread and hugged it to her chest. “Not yet. I think I’m going to stop by the pizza shop today and surprise him.”

“Careful. You’re gonna crush the bread.” He laughed as Callie dropped it to the counter guiltily. “Why don’t we go there for lunch? I need to make sure he’s good enough for you.”

Callie turned back to the groceries. “That’s a great idea. I can tell him you wanted to have pizza so it doesn’t look like I’m stalking him.”

“One thing guys don’t like is clingy. I can tell you that from experience. Although, I don’t think it’s possible for a world traveler to be too clingy, so you should be safe.” Braden winked at her.

“Ugh!” Callie groaned. She shoved the cheese and bologna in the fridge drawer and slammed the door. She turned to lean against the counter. “Maybe we shouldn’t go. I really don’t want to come off as desperate. He’s busy with school, sports, and work. He’ll call when he gets a chance.”

“Oh, we’re going.” Braden popped the rest of his orange in his mouth and stood. He walked to the ceramic bowl on the counter near the back door and grabbed the car keys. “You can’t tease me with pizza and then take it away.”

As they pulled into the parking lot of Luigi’s, Callie’s heart went crazy. “Braden, no. Turn around and let’s go back to Gran’s. I bet he hates me. I bet he’s not going to call anyway and I’m just going to look like an idiot…”

“Shut up, Cal. This kid is probably half-in love with you.” Braden cut the engine and shook his head in amusement. “You have issues.”

“Whatever.”

The walk to the door seemed to take a lifetime. Callie smoothed her hair and shirt, and was stricken by the fact that she must have looked horrible. Her plaid purple button-down shirt was wrinkled and she’d worn her holey jeans. “I should have changed clothes.”

“You look great.”

“I look like a hobo,” Callie shot back.

Braden stopped and stepped in front of her. He dropped a hand to each of her shoulders and shook her gently. “Calista. Quit freaking out.”

She nodded and took a deep breath, releasing it slowly. “Yeah. Sorry.”

They passed through the door, which was propped open by a large, concrete block. As usual, Luigi’s was crazy—nearly every booth was full.

They found a small table near the door and sat down. Braden pulled off his coat, draped it on the back of his chair, and said, “You know what you want?”

And then Callie saw him. Jonathan stood behind the check-out counter. His Luigi’s hat was pulled down tightly over his curls as he took an order from an elderly lady in a sunflower yellow muumuu. “Ohmigod. It’s him.”

Braden whipped around, his eyes searching the crowd. “Ah. Hell, could his hair be anymore metrosexual?”

Callie got to her feet and pinched his arm. “Leave him alone. He’s amazing.”

Braden rubbed his bicep gingerly, making a face at her.

“Oh, grow up,” Callie laughed. Braden’s presence gave her a strength and determination that she wouldn’t have had otherwise. “I’ll go order.”

“I’m sure you will.” Braden winked.

“What do you want?”

“Meat Lover’s.”

“So typical.” Callie rolled her eyes and giggled as he shoved her away. Braden dropped into a seat at the table, and Callie waltzed towards the register.

She had almost made it, when a tiny blonde girl came out of nowhere and shoved past Callie. “Hey!” Callie growled as she stumbled. She righted herself and prepared to lash out at the little brat.

Jonathan looked up and smiled in Callie’s direction. His attention soothed her wounded ego from the pushy-girl, and she lifted a hand to wave—

As Jonathan rushed around the counter and caught the little blonde up in a bear hug.

Then put her down. And kissed her.

It wasn’t a sisterly kiss. It wasn’t even a cousin-ly kiss. It was full-on, tongue and passion—the same kind of kiss Callie herself had received only the night before.

Callie’s vision went red. She stomped up to the couple where they were still lip-locked—only vaguely aware of Braden calling her name from some distance behind her. She drew near, reached out, and knocked Jonathan’s hat from his head.

“Hey—” he snapped, but the word was cutoff prematurely as he laid eyes on Callie.

“Fancy seeing you here,” Callie said calmly, crossing her arms over her chest. She bit the inside of her cheek and fought the urge to curse at him.

“Callie! What are you…” Jonathan glanced at the petite girl in his arms, then back to Callie. “Have you met my girlfriend?”

The girl let go of his neck long enough to turn and give Callie an insincere smile. She was gorgeous—long legs, tiny waist, and golden hair like spun silk. She wasn’t even wearing make-up. “Nice to meet you.”

“Girlfriend?” Callie said dangerously.

Jonathan glanced nervously at his girlfriend before he turned pleading eyes to Callie. “Yeah. Rebecca. For almost a year.”

The girl had to be an idiot to not notice Callie’s ire. Callie leaned to pick Jonathan’s hat up off the floor. So full of anger she was shaking, she shoved the hat on the girlfriend’s head. Rebecca squealed angrily.

“Does your
girlfriend
know where you were last night, Jonathan? Who you were
with
? Who you
kissed
?”

Panic crossed his handsome face as his girlfriend ripped off the ball cap and looked at him. “What? Jon, what is she talking about? Who is this girl?”

“She’s nobody, baby. Nobody,” Jonathan soothed, shooting a glare in Callie’s direction.

“Nobody?” Callie shook her head, incredulous. “Nice knowing you,
Jon
. Good riddance.”

With her emotions dragging her in four different directions, Callie turned and walked back to the table. “Let’s eat somewhere else,” she told Braden, who was staring wide-eyed at her.

“Your wish is my command.”

Callie didn’t bother looking at Jonathan as she left.

Callie picked up the pace after she exited the building and made a beeline for the car. Braden rushed to keep up, trying to put his arm around her, but she shrugged it off and wiped away a tear.

Climbing in the car, Callie slammed the door. She waited until Braden had gotten in on the other side before she spat, “I’m such an idiot!”

“You’re not an idiot.” Braden shoved the key in the ignition more forcefully than usual. “He’s the fool. I’m glad you called him out on it.”

Callie slouched down in her seat, only remembering to buckle her seatbelt as they pulled onto the highway. She pressed her hands to her eyes and fought the urge to scream as she spoke through her fingertips. “Did you see her? She was perfection. I wanted to claw her eyes out.”

Braden chuckled. He flipped the heat on and set it at a comfortable in-between point. “It’s not her fault, Cal. She obviously had no idea. I feel kinda bad for her. Put yourself in her shoes. Imagine finding out your long-time boyfriend cheated on you. Add to that that it happened in a public place.”