When We Found Home

by Susan Mallery

  She knew she was talking too fast, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself. Her eyes began to burn.

  “I took his temperature and it’s 101. I don’t know how bad that is.”

  “It’s not too high,” Enriqua assured her. “We’ll monitor him. I’m sure he’ll bounce back quickly. You’re the one I’m worried about. What’s wrong, Callie? You seem upset.”

  “I know. I’m sorry it was me. I mean I want to help but it shouldn’t have been me.”

  Santiago’s mother shook her head. “Why would you say that? Callie, what’s going on?”

  “Nothing. It’s not anything, except it’s everything and I never wanted you to know or not like me anymore. Not that I’m saying you like me now, it’s just your family is so nice and Santiago is, well, you know what he’s like and I didn’t mean...”

  Enriqua’s eyes were kind as she touched Callie’s arm. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  Callie swallowed against the rising bile in her throat. “I’m a convicted felon. I served nearly six years in Oklahoma.” Callie quickly explained the circumstances and how she’d moved to Texas when she got out and was allowed to leave the state.

  “I never did anything like that again. I’m not a bad person. I just want to start over and be normal.”

  Enriqua’s expression was impossible to read. “How long have you been out?” she asked.

  “Three years.” She felt tears in her eyes.

  No! She didn’t cry—she couldn’t be weak. She couldn’t. Only suddenly she couldn’t stop them.

  Without thinking, she turned and ran. Ran from the wonderful woman in front of her, ran from the house, ran from what could have been with Santiago. She ran until she couldn’t take another step, then she sat on the curb and gave in to the tears.

  * * *

  Callie worked an extra hour to make up for some of the time she’d been gone. Vern had told her to make up the second hour tomorrow. She would have argued but she was so exhausted, she could barely function. She took the bus home and once in the house, she went upstairs.

  It was Tuesday so Keira was eating out with Malcolm before he took her to her therapy session. Carmen had taken Grandfather Alberto to a dinner with some old friends of his. She had the house to herself—something for which she could be grateful.

  After checking on Lizzy, who was sleeping in the center of Keira’s bed, Callie retreated to her own room where she stood for several minutes, trying to decide what to do. No, that wasn’t true. She was trying to figure out if Santiago knew yet or not. Because it was just a matter of time until his mother told him. Until she told the whole family.

  She twisted her fingers together and tried to ignore her growing sense of dread as she admitted she was going to lose them all. Not that she knew Hanna and the kids all that well, but still, she’d liked them. And his mother was so warm and friendly and she always made Callie feel special. What would Paulo do? Would he tell everyone at the warehouse? What would people say when they found out the truth about her?

  She thought of her work friends and how much she enjoyed their company. What would change? Would she be forced to quit? Only she was Malcolm’s sister and according to the lawyer, part owner of the business, so could she be fired?

  All the thoughts and questions swirled in her head, making her feel dizzy. But no matter how much she worried and writhed and fought emotion, one key issue kept rising to the surface.

  What would happen when Santiago found out?

  She hadn’t wanted to go out with him, hadn’t believed he was real. Only she had given in and he was and he’d won her over with his sexy brand of seduction. When she saw him, her heart was all happy and her body went on alert and sometimes, just sometimes, she allowed herself to think that maybe she was getting a second chance at a decent life. That maybe things could work out. Only now it was all lost and she had no one but herself to blame. If she’d been honest from the beginning, she wouldn’t be sweating this now.

  Which all sounded so great and mature but didn’t do anything to help her figure out what to do next.

  Her phone buzzed to alert her to a text. Panic chilled her, making her want to run and hide, but she forced herself to pick up the phone and read the screen.

  Can we talk?

  The text was from Santiago. Her shoulders slumped as she thought about the best way to answer him.

  He obviously knew—otherwise why would he be asking that? He was always about saying hi and being flirty or making plans. No guy with nothing on his mind wanted to talk.

  I don’t think that’s a good idea.

  Cowardly, she thought, but right now she was in self-preservation mode.

  I’m at your front door.

  She sighed. Of course he was. Because that was her life.

  Instead of replying, she went downstairs and opened the front door. Sure enough, Santiago stood there, looking all tall and handsome in his perfect suit. For once, he wasn’t smiling—instead he looked concerned.

  “Are you all right?” he asked, stunning her with the question.

  “What do you mean?”

  He stepped inside and she closed the door.

  “I talked to my mom and she said I needed to speak to you. She wouldn’t tell me why. I know Noah was sick, I got Hanna’s message too late to help. He’s doing better, by the way. His fever has dropped a little. So what’s up?”

  He sounded so caring, she thought sadly. So worried about her. Why hadn’t Enriqua simply told him the truth instead of forcing Callie to do it? Or maybe this was his mother’s way of punishing her.

  No, Callie thought. That didn’t feel right. Regardless, she was totally and completely screwed.

  “I have something to tell you,” she said. “I’m going to say a bunch of stuff and I want you to be quiet until I’m done. I mean that—no questions, nothing. Just listen. Then you can ask whatever you want or leave or call me names. But until I’m done, you have to just listen.”

  He tilted his head. “Callie, there’s nothing you could say that would make me want to call you names.”

  “You think that now.” She drew in a breath and tried to brace herself, then began to explain about her past. She told him about her high school boyfriend and the prank that had turned into a horrifying, life-changing event. She didn’t go into detail, but she didn’t gloss over the important parts, either.

  “Malcolm knows,” she said as she wrapped things up. “Keira, and Grandfather Alberto. No one else. I asked Malcolm not to tell anyone. I didn’t want to be judged by my past. You probably think I don’t deserve that.”

  He’d watched her attentively the whole time, his dark eyes giving nothing away. She didn’t know if he wanted to spit on her or hug her. Okay, the hugging was unlikely, but she honestly had no idea what he was thinking.

  “It’s been three years,” she added, trying not to sound desperate. “Three years of doing the right thing, of being the person I’m supposed to be. And while I know I’m okay, there are still restrictions. For the rest of my life, I will be a convicted felon.” She dropped her gaze to the floor. “I probably should have told you before. And I felt awful about Hanna and her not knowing.”

  She raised her gaze. “But I was really careful with Noah and I took care of him and...”

  She had nothing else to say, she thought sadly. There weren’t any words to convince him that she was worthy and while in time she would get her mad on and convince herself that if he didn’t see that she deserved to be judged on who she was today and not on her eighteen-year-old self, then he wasn’t someone she wanted in her life.

  But that time wasn’t now and at this minute, she felt sick to her stomach as the realization she was going to lose him forever sank in.

  “That’s all,” she said. “I’m done.”

  “That’s a lot.” He rubbed his face. “I wasn
’t expecting anything like that. I don’t know what to say.” His mouth straightened. “Don’t take this wrong, but I need some time to process all this. Is that okay?”

  No. No, it wasn’t. Only she couldn’t say that. So she nodded and walked to the door. He walked out without saying a word and he didn’t once look back.

  Callie crossed the foyer and sat on the bottom stair. She wrapped her arms around herself and began to rock back and forth. No tears, she promised herself. Not now. She was going to be strong. She was going to hold it all together.

  She had no idea how long she sat there, breathing and telling herself she would get through it. She was in the middle of trying to convince herself she had to eat something when someone knocked on the door. She was stunned to find Santiago standing there.

  “Okay,” he said, looking at her. “I’ve thought about it.” He smiled. “I’m in.”

  “Wh-what?”

  He walked into the house and shut the door. After cupping her face in his hands, he kissed her. “I’m in. You screwed up and you paid a hell of a price. But I’ve seen how you are with the people around you. I hear how Malcolm talks about you and your relationship with Keira. Before I came over here, my mom confused the hell out of me by telling me everyone deserves a second chance. Now I know what she was talking about.”

  He kissed her again, his lips lingering on hers.

  Disbelief made it difficult for her to feel anything. Then the warmth of his mouth cut through the fog and she became intensely aware of the man and his nearness. She wanted to throw herself at him, hanging on so tight she never had to let go. Instead she stepped back. She had to be sure.

  “You’re perfectly fine with my past? You can know about it and let it go?”

  “Yes.”

  “Are you ever going to throw it in my face?”

  “Nope. Not my style.”

  “What about your family? Are they going to be okay with this?”

  “My mom is. I’m sure Hanna and Paulo will feel the same way. I don’t think the kids need to know.” He smiled. “You were involved with robbing a liquor store, not a child pornography ring. There’s a huge difference. A dozen kids I know stole stuff in high school. You got caught and you paid a big price. I’m sorry for that, but it’s done and you’ve moved on. I’m ready to do the same.”

  He was too good to be true, she thought, dazed by everything that had happened. She didn’t know what to think, what to believe. All she could hang on to was the fact that it wasn’t over with Santiago.

  She threw herself at him. He caught her and held her tight.

  “Thank you,” she whispered.

  He touched the bottom of her chin, forcing her to look up at him.

  “Callie, you’re special to me. I wish you could believe that.”

  “I’m trying.”

  “Good. Now do you want to get some dinner?”

  Just like that, she thought in amazement. Things were back to normal.

  “I’d love to. Let me get changed. I only need a few minutes.”

  “I’ll wait down here. Oh, and later I want to talk to you about the charity gala we’re going to in a few weeks. The company is one of the big sponsors.” He winked. “I’ll be in a tux, so you’ll want to brace yourself.”

  She grinned. “To withstand all that manly goodness?”

  “I am pretty impressive.”

  Tears threatened again. She blinked them away before raising herself up on her toes and kissing him.

  “You are most impressive. That’s what I tell all my friends. We talk about you and then we swoon.”

  He chuckled. “I get that a lot.”

  She was still laughing as she raced up the stairs. Yet more weight was lifted from her shoulders. Normal, it seemed, might finally be possible.

  chapter twenty-two

  Santiago walked into Malcolm’s office around ten. His friend and boss was on the computer. Santiago sat in one of the visitor chairs and waited until Malcolm had saved his work.

  Malcolm finished typing, then turned to him. “What’s up?”

  “I thought we could talk for a second.”

  Malcolm glanced toward the open door. “Need that closed?”

  “Good idea.”

  Santiago shut it, then returned to his seat. He thought about all that had happened the previous day—how Noah had gotten sick and Callie had pitched in only to find herself needing to confess the truth about her past.

  He’d been shocked—who wouldn’t be—but he realized the knowledge didn’t change anything. He’d seen her around enough people to have a sense of who she was inside. Everybody screwed up—the difference was she’d been forced to pay in a huge way. And she had. She wasn’t angry or bitter or jaded. Instead she’d learned and moved on.

  “You didn’t tell me about Callie’s past.”

  Malcolm’s gaze flickered slightly but otherwise he didn’t give anything away. “She asked me not to. How did you find out?”

  “She told me.”

  “And?”

  “I thought about it for a few minutes, but it doesn’t matter to me. I accept her for who she is. What about you? Is what happened before the reason you were so reluctant to accept her?”

  Malcolm leaned back in his chair. “Partially. Maybe. I’m not sure. Keira was different. She’s a kid, but Callie is a grown woman with a life and a future. I guess I was suspicious and reluctant to trust her.”

  “And now?”

  “She’s growing on me.”

  “Me, too.”

  Santiago told Malcolm what had happened the previous day and how the truth had come out.

  “What did your mom say?” Malcolm asked.

  “That everyone deserves a second chance.”

  Malcolm grinned. “That sounds like her. Did you tell Hanna and Paulo?”

  Santiago hesitated. “My mom is going to. Hanna has a right to know, because of the kids, but I don’t think she’ll care. I’m more concerned about Paulo.” He had a feeling he couldn’t fully define.

  “You think he’ll tell people at the warehouse?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe. It’s just something. I guess I don’t have a choice. Mom isn’t going to ask Hanna to keep secrets from her husband.” Not only was it not right, they were already having problems. He didn’t want to contribute to that. “I’ll talk to Callie before I do anything. Oh, and I asked Callie to the gala.”

  “You expect me to have a problem with that?”

  “Just checking.”

  “She’s my sister, Santiago. There’s no problem.”

  Santiago grinned. “About time you started thinking like that.”

  * * *

  Callie logged into Keira’s school’s website and went to the section for parents. She and Malcolm had agreed she would take care of checking on things like assignments and ongoing projects while Malcolm handled the therapy end of things.

  She scrolled through the notes from the various teachers and read the entries. They were all variations on a theme.

  Keira is doing much better in class. She’s more outgoing and frequently volunteers answers rather than being asked. She talked to me about our outreach program for students transferring in.

  “All good news,” Callie murmured quietly, trying to remember the last time her sister had screamed in her sleep. It had been at least a couple of weeks, maybe longer. Keira was finally starting to feel at home.

  Callie could relate to her difficulties in finding her way. She was twice Keira’s age and there were times she wasn’t sure what to make of her new circumstances. Santiago’s acceptance of her past still left her breathless. She enjoyed her work and the people she met there and she was starting to think about crazy things, like maybe going on to get her bachelor’s degree. Not that she would ever compete with Malcolm but she thought maybe
that if she really did own a significant part of the company, she should get a business degree so she could understand more than the basket assembly line.

  She returned her attention to the computer screen and noticed an alert. When she clicked on it, there was a request to confirm Keira’s personal information including contact info. Callie followed the link and confirmed the phone numbers and the address. She was about to log off the page when she saw a date that drove her to her feet.

  “What? How could I not know this?”

  She double-checked, then thought about all the times Keira had mentioned being “almost thirteen.” No wonder. Her birthday was in two weeks. What if she hadn’t seen the information? Did Malcolm know his sister’s birthday? Did anyone?

  She logged out of the program, then went to find her brother. He was just walking out of his bedroom when she entered his study.

  “I need to talk to you,” she said. “It’s about Keira.”

  “I’m having dinner with Delaney. Let me text her that I’m going to be a few minutes late.”

  Callie had the strangest urge to hug him. A few weeks ago he would have said he didn’t have time right now and that they could speak later. They’d all come a long way.

  “This will only take a second. Keira’s birthday is in two weeks. She’s going to be thirteen.”

  His frown confirmed he hadn’t known, either.

  “We are so getting a family calendar,” she told him. “We’re going to put on all the birthdays and any other big events. We act like we’re roommates, not family.”

  “You’re right and that’s a good idea. So what should we do for Keira’s birthday? Have a party?”

  “Let me ask her,” Callie said. “I don’t want to do too much or too little. She always has a clear idea of what she wants in any given situation.” She smiled. “I’m hoping she wants a party. That would be fun to plan.”

  “How can I help?”

  She smiled at him. “Let me talk to Keira and I’ll let you know. While I appreciate the thought, I’m not sure a party for a girl turning thirteen is going to be exactly your area of expertise.”

  “I’d still like to be involved.”