Page 42 of Callum

"And that's bullshit. Up until I left the restaurant last night, you made certain to remind me of it. What's going on?"

"Nothing, o suspicious one. You are such a lawyer."

"I happen to be one, and my instinct tells me something's not quite right."

"I have things to do."

"If that son of a bitch hurt you-"

"I am a big girl and can take care of myself. I have to go, darling. I will call you later." She hung up before he could say anything else. Taking a deep breath, she got out and, skirting the ice on the ground, went inside.

*****

"Are you going to sit?" Julie asked him patiently as he continued to prowl the living room length.

"Not yet, no." He glanced over at her, seated on the sofa with her legs curled beneath her. He had contemplated just going to his club and chilling for the rest of the day but had decided to come and have dinner with her instead.

"Why was the dinner canceled? Was it her? I saw her in the papers this morning. The play got rave reviews."

"We disagreed and decided to hold off on the dinner. I need a drink."

"Let me-"

"No." He shook his head. "I will get it." Moving towards the cabinet, he selected a bottle of scotch she always kept in store for him and poured a generous amount into the glass.

"Are you going to tell me what's bothering you?"

Bringing the glass with him, he went to the mantle, one hand draped over the tile as he stared into the mesmerizing flames. "I am conflicted."

"About her."

He looked over at her with a smile. "Her name is Lynn."

"And I was right about her."

"No.' he tossed back the drink but stood where he was. "I am the one who is causing this. There is someone."

"I see. Who?"

"Bianca Bellacort."

Julie's eyes widened as she stared at him. "You were involved with her some time ago. A princess or the other, and you told me you were planning to ask her to marry you."

"I did. Twice." He said humorlessly. "She turned me down."

"And now she is back. Is she- does she want to"

"No. I have no idea. We did not get to talk much. I am supposed to be meeting her for lunch."

"Are you still in love with her?"

His expression became grim. "A history between us has not been dealt with."

"So, is it over between you and Lynn?"

"She is not returning my calls, and I cannot blame her. I need to see Bianca, talk to her, and see how I feel."

"And hope Lynn Peterson is still around when you decide what to do."