Page 102 of Risky Move

“Were you distracted for a few minutes? Possibly using your phone?”

She glared at him. “What are you implying?”

Tom leveled his gaze to meet hers. “That there’s more to the story than appears? I intend to discover exactly what happened yesterday.” He held her eyes for a long beat. “I need to get to the hospital. Thanks for meeting me at the crack of dawn.”

“No, thank youfor bringing these books. Maybe I’ll see you later.”

Tom didn’t reply; just nodded and turned to leave.She says the right words, but her body language disagrees. No eye contact while she spoke about what happened. Didn’t seem that upset—definitely not, compared to Cassie. Maybe she doesn’t feel any responsibility or remorse? Or relieved that Cassie’s accepted the blame?

55

Cassie set her alarm early to beat the traffic Friday morning and drove to the campus. She hoped to change her status to full time and apply for student housing. Her mood lifted when she opened the moonroof and felt the sun warming her face as she drove. She wanted to get her Plan B in place before she spoke to her parents, especially her mother.

Cassie hadn’t decided what or how much she would disclose but wanted her plans solidified as quickly as possible. Then her mother could not insist she return to Vancouver.Or try to insist…I won’t go back now. Why should I? I’m an adult. I’m not asking for money. She can’t treat me like a child forever. So, why do I worry about talking to her? I can choose what information I share…and what I keep to myself. She’s my mother, but I’m not an immature teenager she needs to control.

* * *

Cassie returned to Lauren and Dave’s feeling unsettled. She couldn’t switch to the full-time student classification until registration opened for the summer semester. Then she could apply for student housing.IF I pass algebra. Big if…When she entered the house, Cassie found a note from Lauren. “With Caryn, checking in on our love bugs.”When will I see them again? Probably not for a long time.

Her positive thoughts quickly disintegrated, replaced with sorrow and guilt.How can I stay here and never interact with Jenna and Daniel…knowing that I’m not welcome in their home…that I’ve put both Lauren and Dave in an awkward position? And even worse for Tom…She hoped that moving on campus would give her enough distance. Caryn and Andrew wouldn’t have to look at her and be reminded of the afternoon that Danny nearly drowned.

She searched online for an apartment, but anything near campus obliterated her budget.Maybe I should just use the money and go to Europe? See Paris, London, Rome. Maybe interview for an au pair position—I won’t have any references…can’t give Caryn’s and Andrew’s names. Choose a second Plan B—follow Lauren’s example and move to Toronto for the university?

She curled up on a lounge chair in a sunny corner of the lanai. She refused to dwell on her remorse. She made the horrific mistake…she needed to accept the consequences and move on.Life doesn’t promise second chances.

Cassie fell asleep and awakened to the sound of voices coming from the kitchen.Jenna, Danny babbling? Dreaming?Then she heard Caryn’s voice in a conversation with Lauren.Caryn’s here with the twins?She hesitated to make her presence known.I’m the last person Caryn needs to see.

Hearing Danny and Jenna’s happy voices splintered her heart; she had no expectation that she’d interact with them soon…or ever again. Cassie willed the tears not to escape and said a quick prayer that neither Lauren nor Caryn would notice her. She shut her eyes and tried not to eavesdrop on their conversation.

Reaching for her earbuds, Cassie hoped to escape within her music. She selected a playlist she and Tom often listened to and was about to insert the earbuds when she thought she heard Amelie’s name.Caryn mentioned her?Curious, Cassie strained to listen to the conversation.

“Has Amelie seen Cassie today?” Caryn asked.

“Not that I’m aware—unless they crossed paths on campus. Why?”

“She stopped by the house, offering to help with the twins today. When I said we’d given Cassie some personal time off, she immediately volunteered to fill in as long as needed.”

“Including your trip to St. John?” Cassie heard the hint of sarcasm in her aunt’s voice.

“Yes, especially the trip to St. John. I told her I’d consider it, then discuss it with Drew.”

Cassie’s heart plunged. Amelie watching the twins at home frightened her, but the thought of her keeping up with Danny and Jenna on a beach in St. John spelled a disaster just waiting to happen.I can’t let that happen. Caryn knows how distracted Amie gets—Surely, she won’t seriously consider taking her to St. John’s.

She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. Should she interfere? Caryn said she’d discuss with Andrew; would he consider it?Not from what he said about her after the accident…But, under the circumstances, he might.

* * *

Cassie drifted back into a light, dreamless sleep. She gradually realized that someone had joined her. Opening her eyes, she smiled when she saw Lauren.

“Wow, I didn’t mean to fall asleep. What time is it?”

“Mid-afternoon. You needed the rest.” Lauren affectionately brushed Cassie’s hair away from her face. “Caryn brought the twins to visit. She hopes to see you.”

“She does?”

“You bet. I didn’t realize you’d come home after class. You’re tucked away in this corner…almostinvisible. I just happened to look at the bird feeder and noticed you.”

Cassie pushed herself to a sitting position and absently pulled her hair back into a low ponytail. Lauren held out her hand to help Cassie stand. “You don’t need to ask if Danny and Jenna want to see their ‘Ca-Ca.’”

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