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“Just don’t take the rap for me this time if it goes south. I’ve always wanted to see how I would look in a mug shot.”
Tristan chuckled. “Obviously gorgeous,” he said before his tone turned serious. “Calista, I’m sorry I told you last time I would protect you and then I didn’t.”
My brow furrowed, confused. “You’re the one who got hauled off in handcuffs.”
He let out a heavy breath. “Then I used it against you. That’s not protection; that’s destruction.”
That was a good word for it. Thankfully, something beautiful had risen like a phoenix from the destruction. I’d found a way to help people every day of my life. Not that it didn’t come at a cost, but that part was very worth it. As far as my heart went, that was another story. But maybe Jules was right: A Christmas Carol might get a new ending. Maybe Charles Dickens made a mistake not letting Ebenezer get a second chance with Belle.
“I think it was only a matter of time before you broke up with me. The arrest was just a catalyst. We wanted different things. And I just assumed you wanted to be my ride or die. I shouldn’t have.”
Tristan gripped the steering wheel tightly. “I wanted to be that for you, but I was a coward. And I knew I couldn’t have my cake and eat it too.”
“What about now?” I needed to know. “Did you get enough cake?”
“You were the cake. I settled for the crumbs.”
I liked that answer, but … “You should have told me the truth.”
“You’re right. There is no excuse for what I did. I can only tell you that time has made me a smarter man. But I have to be honest and let you know: I like the corporate game. And I’m good at it. Can you be with a man like that?”
“That’s a good question. I guess we’ll see. But know that if this works out, I won’t be like my sister. I don’t know how to fold fancy napkins or which wine pairs with the cheese. Honestly, I don’t know anything about wine, except I don’t particularly care for it. And if you ever want me to attend a corporate event, I might wear a pink elf outfit.”
Tristan reached out for my hand. “I love that outfit.”
I let my hand fall into his for a brief moment. The roads necessitated both hands on the wheel. But something in our touch gave me hope. “Maybe let’s not put any pressure on ourselves. Let’s just see where things go. We’ve both grown. Hopefully,” I added with a smile. “But we need to be open to the idea that we aren’t compatible anymore, or that maybe we never were.”
He gave my hand a squeeze before he let go. “I don’t believe that for a second.”
I didn’t either, but I wanted to be realistic. Not to mention protect my heart. I knew now that Tristan had the capability to destroy it. At eighteen, I’d had no idea. “Well, we should at least see how this afternoon goes before we commit to anything. If this gets out, it’s going to make the news. No telling how ballistic this town and your parents will get if that happens.”
“Cal,” he said tenderly. “I understand your trepidation regarding me. You would be a fool not to have reservations. But this entire thing could blow up in our faces and I am still going to want you. We are riding or dying together, figuratively speaking.”
I clasped my hands together and wrung them, hoping he spoke the truth.
“Maybe they’ll let us stay in the same cell.” He winked, trying to lighten the mood.
“I call dibs on the top bunk.”
“I was thinking more along the lines of sharing.”
“Of course you were.” I smiled. “Anyway, let’s go over the plan again.” We were getting closer to the motel. “I’ll knock on his door while you stay out of sight. He’ll probably get suspicious if he sees both of us. I guarantee the guy checks before he opens the door.” He’d been on the lam for too long to not be somewhat smart. Not that you could tell from his workout videos that he had any brains. I mean, what kind of idiot criminal posts videos of himself? Did he really think the fake Australian accent would fool people forever? I hoped he would end up on one of those episodes of Dumb Criminals. Maybe I could submit his story.
“I’m not sure I like that part, but you’re right.”
“I won’t go into his room without you.” I wasn’t an idiot, and this wasn’t my first rodeo. My junior year in college, I had to shake down my roommate’s ex-boyfriend, who was trying to extort her with pictures he had taken of her without her permission. Oh, I got him to delete those photos. And then I called the campus police. “Just be ready to rush in with me once he opens the door.”
“Let’s just hope he doesn’t get violent,” Tristan murmured.
That was a worry, but it was a risk I was willing to take for my sister. I didn’t care how many CrossFit boot camps she’d attended. She couldn’t take down a partridge in a pear tree. “As a precaution, I let Jules know where we will be. I still think she’s with the CIA, so hopefully she’ll call for backup if we need it.” She still denied any connection with the agency. But how else was she able to dig up so much dirt on Skippy?
“Just be ready to dial 911 if you need to,” Tristan begged. He wasn’t convinced Jules was with the CIA. Something about them not being able to operate on US soil. I’d watched several crime dramas, and those agents always broke that rule. Although, I probably shouldn’t base my knowledge on Jack Ryan shows.
I nodded. “Be sure to record the whole thing.” I needed that as my backup plan to convince Stella she was being duped. If all went well, Skippy would do most of the dirty work for me.
“I will,” Tristan promised.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” I asked again. I couldn’t have a repeat of last time. If he was going to get a police record, I needed to know he wouldn’t resent me for it.
