Chapter 857
After dinner, Calliope and Archie strolled out of the cozy bistro, chatting and laughing as they made their way toward the parking lot. The evening air was crisp, and the golden glow of streetlights stretched their shadows across the pavement.
But just before they reached Archie’s old pickup, he suddenly stopped. Without thinking, he stepped in front of Calliope, his shoulders squared, eyes narrowed at something up ahead.
Calliope peered around him, only to see a familiar scene unfolding: Gideon, caught in some kind of heated argument with a group of guys.
Archie’s reaction was always the same. He’d never liked Gideon, not even a little. If their paths ever crossed, Archie would plant himself between her and Gideon, acting like a human shield-protecting her from seeing him, and vice versa.
But lately, Archie seemed taller than ever. When had he gotten so broad- shouldered? She’d always thought of him as her kid brother, the scrawny boy who used to trail after her. Now, he towered over her, and she couldn’t help but notice.
Suddenly, Gideon caught sight of her. He broke off from shouting at the others and called out, “Callie p>
The group egged him on.
“Hey Gideon, isn’t that your ex? Shouting her name now, you think she’ll give you the time of day p>
“Yeah, you expecting her to bail you out? Fat chance, man p>
“Didn’t you ditch her at your own wedding? Gave her the perfect excuse to run off and marry Silas instead, remember p>
Gideon glared at them. “Get out of my way! I don’t want to fight-I just want to leave, okay p>
He looked desperately in Calliope’s direction, obviously wanting to talk to her, but Archie’s face was stony as he turned and gently guided her away, his hand firm on her shoulder.
Calliope gave a helpless little smile and let Archie lead her toward the car. She knew everyone in her circle had a pretty low opinion of Gideon. Archie, in particular, had warned her about him countless times-told her to open her eyes and see what kind of guy Gideon really was. She just hadn’t listened, not back then.
She didn’t even glance back at
Gideon, He was the king of playing the victim if she so much as looked at him twice, he’d probably think she was still hopelessly in love with him.
Meanwhile, Gideon was getting frantic as he watched them walk away. He tried to
break free and run toward Calliope, but the group wasn’t having it.
“Hey, Gideon! When are you paying us back p>
“Didn’t you promise you’d have the money by now? It’s been months p>
“What’s the matter, Mr. Baker? You planning on stiffing us p>
“C’mon, hand over the cash and we’ll let you go p>
l.ne
“You’re all my friends-can’t you give me a few more days?” Gideon snapped, his voice cracking with frustration told you I’d pay just give me a break
“Your time’s up, man p>
“You’re not trustworthy anymore, Gideon. Everyone knows you’ve borrowed money all over town, and you’re not even working at Baker Enterprises anymore p>
“Yeah, we only lent you the money because you were working for your uncle, and everyone knew Silas vouched for you p>
“You really messed up, Gideon. Don’t expect any more favors p>
“Pay up p>
The group closed in, hounding him for their money. Gideon cursed under his breath, making one last attempt to break free and reach Calliope, but they grabbed his arms and held him back.