Callie’s Last Dance

53.

I HEAR VOICES me, celebrating.

“After all this time, we had to meet her,” Curly says.

Larry waves at Callie. “You’re my favorite,” he says.

She waves back. “Thank you. I think.”

C.H. says, “Hi, Rose.”

“Hi, Charlie,” Rose says.

He blushes.

Charlie?

This is the name that’s supposed to be impossible for me to pronounce?

“You know my researcher?” I ask Rose. “How’s that possible?”

“We met many years ago in the Florida woods,” she says. “His family took care of me until I met the Stouts.”

“Fine,” I say. “Don’t tell me.”

I introduce the boys to Callie and say, “This is the first time they’ve left Geek City in years.”

“Geek City?”

“It’s okay,” Curly says. “We named it that.”

Dr. Box comes in and says, “Don’t forget your promise.”

“You’ve seen the press kit?”

“I have.”

“And?”

“It’ll do.”

“We’ll send it out today.”

“What about our dinner?”

“The one with you and your mystery guests?”

“That’s the one.”

“Soon as Callie’s back to normal.”

“Fair enough.”

“I don’t know how to thank you, Dr. Box,” Callie says.

“I enjoyed seeing you naked,” he says. “Highlight of my career, in fact.”

I frown.

Callie says, “You’re not leaving, are you?”

“I’ve done my part, Dr. Petrovsky can take it from here.”

“And Rose?” Callie says.

“I’ll stay till you’re on your feet,” she says.