Chapter 6 - Callie

They say you can't outrun your past, and as I stand frozen outside the diner, the truth of those words hits me like a punch to the gut. I thought I'd done such a good job hiding from my old life, but it's like I've walked straight into a trap. There, seated much too comfortably in a booth in the corner, sit some all-too-familiar faces, and I'm willing to bet they're looking for me. If they saw me standing out here, they would recognize me immediately.

But they can't.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady the racing beat of my heart. The diner is just a few steps away, but every instinct in me screams to run in the opposite direction. Instead, I force my legs to move, my steps quickening as I hurry toward the nearest store—a small antique shop with a faded sign swinging in the breeze.

Once inside, I press my back against the door, my chest rising and falling rapidly as I try to catch my breath. It's a quaint shop, the kind you'd find in a picturesque small town, with an eclectic mix of vintage furniture and knickknacks. I haven't had a chance to visit this particular store since my arrival in town, and on any other day, I'd love to take my time browsing. But I need to get away from the entrance, and quick.

I spot a narrow hallway leading to what looks like a storage room, and without a second thought, I dart inside, closing the door behind me with a soft click. The room is cramped, with boxes piled high against the walls, but it's better than being out in the open. I sink to the floor, my back against the plaster walls, and wrap my arms around my knees, trying to make myself as small as possible. My mind races with thoughts of my past, of the pack I left behind, and the dangers that now lurk just outside these walls.

What are they doing in town? I thought I'd gotten far enough away that I would be safe from them. Clearly, that was naive of me.

I'm so deep in my thoughts that I nearly jump out of my skin when I hear a man's voice just outside the door. He's asking about a painting, and it takes me a moment to place it, but I'd know that voice anywhere.

Justin.

Of course, he's here. What else could make this day any worse?

I close my eyes as he and the clerk carry on a discussion about brush strokes and color, but as their voices move further away, I crack the door open and peer outside. He's standing on the other end of the store, browsing a shelf of old books. He looks so concentrated and serious in his black cargo pants and green military-style t-shirt. His black hair looks like it's been cut since we saw each other the other day, and the light stubble on his jaw has grown out a bit. He's so handsome and charming, and it's hard not to admire the way his muscles ripple underneath his shirt as he leans forward to inspect the books.

He's so manly and rugged, but I've seen that softer side. The one he seems to have reserved for animals. The way he jumped in the river without even thinking to get to Champ is still fresh in my mind. There was no hesitation in him, just action, and that's not something you see often.

I've been trying not to think about the other night, but I can't help it.

As Justin peruses the old books, I can't tear my gaze away from him. I couldn’t stop thinking about him after he left last night, about how he looked with nothing but a towel wrapped around his midsection. There was a moment in the kitchen when I thought he might kiss me, but then he turned away and kept his distance.

It's better that way, anyway. The last thing I need right now is to get tangled up with a man.

But there's no denying the attraction between us. Justin is a handsome man, and the attraction is mutual. I could feel it, that spark in the air when we were standing so close together. It's hard not to want him, especially when he's looking at me with such intense longing. Now, as I wait in the corner for him to leave, I can't help but acknowledge how attracted I am to him.

Minutes stretch into what feels like an eternity, but he shows no sign of leaving. Anxiety gnaws at my insides as I realize I'm risking my job by lingering here. With a resigned sigh, I know I can't delay any longer. I have to get to work or I'm going to get fired.

I steel myself and slip out of the antique shop, seemingly unnoticed. The diner is just a few doors down, but every step feels like a death march. I keep glancing over my shoulder, half-expecting to see my old pack mates lurking in the shadows. I just pray that I've eaten up enough time and they've moved on.

Finally, I reach the familiar red and white awning of the diner, and I keep my head down as I step inside. The bell above the door jingles, announcing my arrival, and I give the place a quick once over. Mrs. Henderson is nowhere to be seen, but I know she'll be less than pleased with my tardiness. The booth that once held the duo who sent me scattering is empty, so that's something.

But my relief is short-lived. I don't take two steps inside before I hear my boss's voice.

"Callie!" she says, her voice stern. "Just the woman I was looking for."

I spin around with a polite smile plastered on my face. "Sorry I'm late, Mrs. Henderson," I begin, but my boss cuts me off.

"Save it. I don't have time for excuses. You know I expect punctuality, Callie."

"Yes, ma'am," I reply, averting my gaze.

"You're not off the hook yet, but we're short-staffed, so we'll discuss this later. Get to work."

"Yes, ma'am," I repeat.

Mrs. Henderson waddles off toward the kitchen, and I let out a sigh of relief. For a moment there, I was afraid she was going to fire me on the spot. I can't afford to lose this job. I'm so new here, and there's no way I can find another one in a town this small in just a matter of days.

I breathe a sigh of relief as Mrs. Henderson disappears into the kitchen, leaving me momentarily spared from her wrath. With shaky hands, I grab a notepad and pen from the counter and start making my rounds, taking orders from the few patrons scattered throughout the diner.

Just when I start to relax into the routine of my shift, I hear a familiar voice behind me, sending a chill down my spine.

"Callie."

I freeze, and the notepad slips from my fingers. Slowly, I turn around, dreading what—or who—I might find. And there they are, standing in the doorway, just as I feared. The people I've been desperately avoiding. My past, come back to haunt me. Two of the most vicious enforcers from my old pack, Guy and Shawna, are here, and they've spotted me.

My heart is beating so fast, it feels like it's going to explode out of my chest.

Guy steps forward, a smug grin playing on his lips. "Thought I saw you outside," he sneers. "Figured I was mistaken until we spotted you in here."

I swallow hard, trying to muster up some semblance of composure. "What are you doing here?" I manage to choke out.

"We're just passing through," Guy replies. His tone is casual, too casual. "Came into town on a whim and got lucky, I guess."

Lucky? There's nothing lucky about this. My worst nightmare just walked through that door.

"And we're glad we did," another voice chimes in from behind Guy. It's Shawna, Guy's girlfriend, and her ice-blue eyes are locked onto me. "It's been too long, Callie. Too long since you disappeared without a word."

I shift from one foot to the other under their scrutiny.

I never wanted to see them again. Never wanted to be reminded of the life I left behind.

"I had my reasons," I say quietly, looking around to see if any of the other customers have noticed this tense interaction.

"Oh, we know," Guy says, his grin widening.

I clench my fists, my nails digging into my palms. I can't let them get to me. Can't let them see how much their presence terrifies me.

I stand there feeling like a trapped animal as Guy and Shawna's presence looms over me. Guy continues to leer at me with that cocky smirk, but it's Shawna's presence that truly rattles me. She's always been the more empathetic of the two, though her loyalty to Guy has always gotten in the way of her better senses. She was my friend for years, and I still don't understand how she could fall for his bullshit.

"Can we have a chat? " Shawna asks abruptly. "Just the two of us?"

"I've got tables waiting," I reply, gesturing toward the kitchen.

"It'll just take a minute," she insists. "Please, Callie. I need to talk to you."

The way she's staring at me makes me wonder what she's after. I'm sure she has an agenda, but she was my friend once upon a time. I let out a sigh, knowing I can't turn her down.

"All right, but it has to be fast. I was already late. My boss will be pissed if she finds out."

"She won't," Guy cuts in. "I'll make sure she stays busy."

Shawna points to a nearby booth, and against my better judgment, I follow her to it.

"I was worried about you," Shawna admits, her eyes wide. "When you didn't come back, I mean."

My gut twists. It's been almost three months since I last saw them, but hearing their concern hurts like a knife in my heart. "I'm fine," I tell her.

"We've missed you, Callie. Dante, especially."

At the mention of Dante's name, my chest tightens. Dante. The one person I've been trying so hard to forget. The memories flood back in a rush, memories I've buried deep in the recesses of my mind. The fights, the arguments, the pain—how could Shawna bring him up so casually?

I want to tell Shawna the truth, to spill everything about why I left, but I know I can't. Not with Guy lurking nearby. He and Dante are best friends. It doesn't matter what my side of the story is. I'm sure Guy won't listen.

"He's been beating himself up over what happened," she adds. "Wondering if there was something he could have done differently."

The lump in my throat makes it difficult to speak. Dante's remorse doesn't change anything, doesn't erase the pain he caused. But seeing Shawna's genuine concern, her earnest expression... it brings back so many emotions that I've spent the last few months trying to put behind me. She doesn't deserve to be caught in the middle of this mess. She doesn't deserve to be lied to.

"I'm sorry, Shawna," I say, my voice breaking. "But I can't... I can't go back."

Shawna's expression softens even further, and she reaches out to touch my arm. "I understand, Callie. I just thought you should know."

I nod, my eyes burning with unshed tears. Shawna may be on their side, but she's also a victim of their loyalty. She can't know the whole story, or the pain I went through. It's not her fault, but I still can't help but feel like I've lost another friend. As Shawna's hand lingers on my arm, a sense of nostalgia washes over me. Despite everything, there's still a part of me that misses our friendship and longs for the simpler times before everything fell apart. But I know I can't dwell on the past. Not when my present is standing right in front of me, threatening to unravel everything I've worked so hard to build.

"Thanks, Shawna," I manage to say, though the words feel heavy with guilt.

The bell above the door chimes, announcing another arrival. When I look up, I see Justin walk through the door. My heart skips a beat, and I glance nervously in his direction, hoping he won't come over to make small talk.

"Shawna, I really have to get back. Maybe we can catch up another time," I say, trying to hide my discomfort.

Shawna nods understandingly, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "Of course, Callie. We'll talk later, okay?"

I glance nervously at Guy. "Yeah, you guys should go," I add, urging Shawna to leave with a subtle nod. "If my boss thinks I have friends just hanging around, she isn't going to be too happy. I'm already on her shit list."

But in true Guy fashion, he slides into the booth right where I was just sitting. "I think we'll stick around for some dessert." His tone is too jovial, and his smirk makes my stomach turn.

Shawna gives me an apologetic look, but she doesn't move to get up, either.

Something tells me this day is just beginning.