Callista turned the channel of the television when she heard the phone ring. “Hello?”
“How’s the bride to be?” Came a man’s voice.
“She’s sitting on her arse getting fat. How is the celebrity chef?”
Stephen smiled from the other end of the line. “So you’ve heard.”
“I did. Got yourself a little column in a magazine. Congratulations,” she said.
“Oh, yes. Congratulations to me. Women all over the U.k. will be simply fawning over the sexy single dad that I am. <I>Oh! And he can cook! Oh, and his son is sooo adorable</I>. I’ve already received fanmail.”
Callista laughed. “But you’re not <I>completely</I> gay, now are you?”
Stephen shook his head. “No. I suppose not. So, how goes the planning?”
“Brilliantly. I’ve just now realize that I have no idea what the fuck I want, but my mother is more than willing to suggest everything.”
“What have you gotten so far?” He asked.
“The wedding is definitely going to be in Spain. In a church-”
“There goes my invitation.”
“<I>Stephen!</I> You have to be there! The entire church will be filled with sinners, trust me. I’m even inviting Miles.”
“Wow… good luck with that.”
“And… Anthony. Do you think that’ll be a problem?”
Stephen choked on the other line. “Er… that might stir up some drama, but I’m sure Anthony will be respectful enough to take it outside.”
“I figured. Hmmm. And make sure Miles wears clothes at the wedding, by the way. I don’t want him arriving starkers. And watch his drinking limit. That is, if he shows.”
“Mmmhmm.”
“Stephen, by the way… I’ve been meaning to ask you. Would you like to be one of my bridesmaids?”
Stephen remained quiet on the other line, face mirroring that of complete and utter shock. “Are you serious?”
“Absolutely.”
“I would be honored…. But I’m not wearing a dress. I save that for the bedroom.”
“Kinky, and no. You’d only have to wear a pink tie. I want Ainsley to be there, too. Maybe a ring bearer or something?’
“I’m sure he’d love that. So, I was working the other day, and guess who popped into my restaurant?” Callista arched a brow. “Who? Another celebrity?”
“Not quite. Your fiance’s ex-girlfriend.”
“<I>No!</I>“
“Escorted by <I>your</I> ex-fiance.” There was scampering in the background of Steve’s line. “Slow down, you little bugger. You’re going to wound yourself! Sorry. Ainsley is playing with the dog, again.”
Callista hummed. “Yes, well.” She played with a strand of her hair, leaning back into the seat. “I know. They’ve been fucking each other for months, now.”
Stephen arched a brow. “Oh? And… you don’t care, anymore?”
“Of course not. I’m happy. More so than I’ve ever been. I’m engaged, about to be married to the man I’ve spent a good chunk of my life fawning over. I’m planning my wedding, and soon, I intend to have five little Elleries scampering around a cozy little home.”
Stephen remained silent for a good long moment. “What the fuck happened to you? Where’s the raving bitch I used to know?”
“I think she died. I’m not as… greedy and territorial as I used to be. I’m… I’m really happy with my life right now. Things are better than I could ever imagine.”
Stephen snorted. “I want whatever it is you’re smoking. If not, that must be some awfully good sex he’s giving you.”
Callista laughed. “So… I want you and Sadie to plan my bachelorette party. No make strippers, or prostitutes.”
‘But it’s not <I>fair!</I>“ Whined Stephen. “Not everyone gets to shag a well built man every day. Let the rest of us have some fun. And… do you actually know any ugly men? I want to know this. You surround yourself with the most attractive people. I mean… all of them. Name one ugly person that you know.”
Callista blinked. “What the hell are you on about? I know… some ugly people.”
“No, you don’t. Even your ex-boss was sexy, fuck head that he was. You don’t know any ugly people, Callista. Even your grandmother is fucking gorgeous.”
She frowned, “Please don’t talk about my grandmother like that. I know you’re horny, but that’s where I draw the line.”
Stephen laughed. “Funny. “ There was a yell in the background. “Oh, hell. Ainsley’s got his head stuck in the banisters again. I’ll have to call you back later on.”
Callista laughed. “Alright, I’ll talk to you later.”