Nancy was unsure what to make of had always described as
clinging to Frank. Nancy immediately sensed she was no clinging vine.
" Good to meet you." Nancy offered. " The boys went to get a pizza."
Callie laughed "Only one, with Joe try three maybe?"
Nancy laughed and gestured toward the chair." Are you waiting for your
fiancé?" Nancy asked.
Callie shook her head." He won't be coming." There was something in
her voice. Nancy wasn't quite sure. Then she looked at Callie's hand
and realized there was no engagement ring .
Before anyone could say anything Van came up and stopped dead. She
hadn't expected Callie to show early, and without Pete. Then Callie
looked up at her to say hello. Something had happened, something huge.
Van went to hug her with the obvious question in her eyes.
"Later." Callie whispered as she hugged her." Pete won't be coming."
She explained to Van quietly.
Joe and Frank came over carrying pizzas and drinks. Frank smiled at
Callie and looked around confused as he realized Pete was missing.
"Is Pete outside?" Frank asked curious. He was used to Pete being on
top of her whenever he was around Callie.
Callie shook her head." Pete won't be coming." She answered offering
nothing more.
Frank looked at her concerned. Something was wrong, he knew her well
enough to know that.
Nancy was watching their dynamic very closely. She was starting to
realize for all his pluses Joe's perception of Callie was wrong. The
few minutes she had seen her made it very clear to her that she was
friendly,but that was it. She thought there might be difficulties. She
didn't think there would be any issues. Then Nancy had noticed that
her engagement ring was not there. Something had obviously happened.
At first she wondered if it had anything to do with Frank and there
might be an issue.
She watched as Frank went to hug Callie, and noticed immediately that
it was not the case. No matter Joe's suspicions or dislike of Callie ,
it was not related to Callie. Callie was not here to try to steal Frank.
She scolded herself it had been easier especially in the past to
want to believe Joe's perception of Callie. She was surprised it had
been her jealousy. Now that she could see both of them clearly, she
realized there was something else in play.
Joe saw Frank hug Callie hello and spoke before he thought." Hey
you're hugging the wrong girl bro." Joe said. He tone left little
doubt what he thought about it.
Callie drew back and looked at Joe." Good to see you too Joe." Her
tone was not friendly.
Frank went back around and gave his brother an angry stare. " Knock it
off." He warned Joe.
Nancy's eyebrows rose into her hair. She thought she might finally be
starting to understand why Callie and Frank had had troubles. Callie
was being very restrained. She had not been friendly, but given Joe's
comment she didn't blame her. If Joe had treated her like if Frank
hadn't socked him she would have.
Callie caught the gesture, and looked at Nancy curiously. She had her
own preconceived ideas about Nancy. She started to wonder if she had
been wrong.
Nancy rounded on both guys." You always a sarcastic wise ass to
someone you haven't seen in a long while.?" She asked Joe . This had
not been friendly jokng Joe. This was Joe being downright nasty, and
Nancy felt he needed to be called about it.
Joe's behavior was unacceptable." If he ever talks to me that way ,
and you don't sock him I will." Nancy stated quite firmly to Frank.
That drew a surprised gasp from both brothers. Van looked at Nancy
surprised, and realized she was was always sarcastic with
Callie. Callie had never really complained about it. She hadn't really
noticed before because he had always been like that with Callie. Frank
didn't always speak up for Callie, but Nancy as an outsider saw it
differently. Interesting maybe Joe needed a talking.
Joe rounded on Nancy angry." What are you mad at me for?" He
complained." I was...."
Callie rose," Listen I didn't come to make a scene. Nancy it was nice
to meet you. Sorry I..."
Nancy shook her head." You didn't. All you two did was say hi from
what I saw."
Callie shook her head and grabbed her purse. She headed for the door
of the restaurant.
Frank looked at Nancy clearly upset. The question was clearly in his
eyes.
She nodded." Go get her. While you're at it apologize to her for
allowing Joe to be such an ass to her."
"Thanks" Frank said as he bolted for the door.
