Kapitel 23: Dillon's Family

My eyes double back once I processed what I just saw. They're all dressed as if they just came from one of the country clubs. She's holding hands with a man who shares a very similar resemblance to Dillon. Oh my gosh. Is Mrs. Callista his mom? Do other people know? Looks as if they're lecturing him about something. Appearing bored, his eyes roam across the room until they land on our table. His eyes nearly pop out of his head when he realizes that I'm here. He cocks his head and I give him a pointed look. He better not try anything stupid. With my luck, my mother would think that we're dating. He tries to sneakily signal that I should text him but his mother whacks him with a magazine before we get the chance to start that conversation. Where did she get a magazine? Does this family just have a gift for pulling things out of thin air? They're like a bunch of genies. The man picks up the hand he's holding and kisses the back of it in an effort to soothe her. I quietly chuckle to myself. I'd probably carry a magazine everywhere with me if Dillon was my son too.

"The view is so lovely, don't you think we should stay to have dessert and coffee?" My mother asks.

"I'd love to but my dogs are still waiting for us and I can't keep them waiting. I need to make sure they get fed on time."

"Are you sure? We can pick up some food for them on the way home?"

"Actually mom, Will and I have an early day tomorrow so we both should go to bed early and he still has to drive us and himself home."

"Yes ma'am. Perhaps next time."

While Will handles the check, Dillon keeps trying to get my attention. I give him a pointed look trying to tell him to shut up. Having enough of his behavior, Mrs. Callista turns around to see what has Dillon so entertained and lays eyes on me and Will. We both give her a polite nod which she returns. I sure hope she doesn't think there's anything between me and Will. As we leave the restaurant, I get a text. Opening my phone it's from an unknown number.

"This is Anastasia Callista. Please come to my office monday morning before you start."

Looks like I'm going to have to do some explaining after all.

"Yes, ma'am."

I leave my phone on in case she has anything else to say, but I hear nothing.

On the car ride home I think of the events of the past few days. The last few years of my life haven't been the best. I've gone through hell and somehow made it out alive. After that my years have been numb. If I was asked what my favorite memory from the last four years of my life has been I couldn't tell you. Except for my days with Alexi these years have passed in a blur. The past two days with Dillon and Will have been different. For the first time since Alexi, I feel happy. I would hate to lose that. My mother continues to talk to Will leaving me no room to speak about anything. That's fine. I'm used to it. I use the time to stare out the window and soon I'm entranced by the beauty of the mountain. I love how beautiful it is here but sometimes it makes me homesick. I miss Texas and all the friends I have there. I miss cattle fields, decent queso, and two stepping.

It feels like I just blinked and we're back at the house. When I open the door Donner and Blitzen are so excited they knock me over in excitement. I sit up laughing and give them both hugs and kisses.

"Donner, Blitzen off now."

I feel a little disappointed when they listen to his command but I know they need to have manners.

"Thank you so much for having me today, Cecilia. I enjoyed our time today."

"Are you sure you don't want to stay for some tea?"

"I'd really like that but Donner and Blitzen need to be taken home now."

"Well, it was nice meeting you, Will. Astra, help Will walk his dogs to the car."

"Yes, mom."

Taking Donner's leash from him, I follow him out to his truck.

"Thank you so much for doing this."

"It was no problem."

"Really, I cannot thank you enough. Is there any way I can make it up to you?"

"Bring me breakfast tomorrow."

"Not a problem. I can do that."

"Let me know you make it home safe."

"Ok."

He moves forward as if he's going to do something but then stops himself. After loading the dogs into the car I stand there and watch him leave. Only when he's out of my sight do I go back inside. I start looking for my book of recipes I've collected over the years and find the one I'm looking for. I start the sponge for a double batch of ham and cheese kolache. While I do so my mother comes into the kitchen.

"So, he really is your boss."

"Yes, he is."

"I'm sorry. You know I just really care for you. I don't want anything to happen to you."

"I understand mom."

"You need to tell me where you are at all times so we don't have these misunderstandings."

Knowing it's not worth protesting, I put the sponge in the fridge and start washing the dishes.

"Yes, mom. I'm sorry. I understand."

"That's my baby girl."

"Now about you and Will, I think you should date him. He's good looking, intelligent, and most importantly he's rich so he can take care of you and afford to build a mother-in-law suite.

"I think I'm going to go to bed mom. Have a good night."

"Ok, baby girl. You have a good night."