Page 113 of Risky Move

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Don’t overthink…easy to say, just tell my brain that.The conversation with Lauren replayed in Cassie’s mind as she sorted through her clothes. An idea that sounded practical while walking on a beach looked different in actuality. She didn’t expect Tom to immediately begin looking for an apartment.Especially not if Caryn’s feeling nervous about that road trip. He won’t put any additional stress on her. I’d help her if I could. Tom may decide not to mention any plans to move. He may realize that’s impractical—I’d understand.She tossed the dirty clothes in her laundry basket and wished they were still in Sanibel…Paradise. Fantasyland. Escape from real life. Should I research universities in Fort Myers?

Her math textbook caught her attention.Catching up on classwork—the perfect antidote to overthinking.Especially when trying to solve for x, y, or z…if it doesn’t put me to sleep.She opened the book to the chapters covered while she played in paradise.Instant reality check.

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Her mother’s ringtone jolted Cassie from deep concentration on her math assignment.Another call so soon? Good excuse for a break.She pushed the hair away from her face and swallowed a yawn before accepting the call.

“Mom, hi. How’s everything in Vancouver?”

“Same as yesterday and the day before. You know how it is.” Hearing her mother chuckle indicated a good mood. “A package from the university in Toronto arrived for you. I hope you don’t mind, but I opened it.”

“What kind of package?” Cassie’s stomach churned as she waited for her mom’s response.

“You’re accepted—again—for summer or fall semester. They’ve offered a work-study program and a substantial scholarship. I thought I’d sign on your behalf and return the document right away.”

“Sign what?”

“The acceptance form for the work-study and the scholarship.”

“No! Mom, please send everything to me. I’ll look it over—I haven’t decided what or where I’ll study.” Cassie steeled herself for her mother’s reaction.

“I would say this is an offer you can’t refuse, Cassandra, and an extraordinary opportunity.”

Cassie hated when her mother used that tone.Like she’s talking to a preschooler.“Mom, my decision. Please, just forward the package to me—and any other mail you receive. I’ll take care of it.”

Cassie heard the light knock on the door and waved Lauren into the room. She mouthed “mother” as she listened to her response.

“Have you discussed your future with your father?”

“Yes, I’ve told him the same thing I told you.” She cringed at her mother’s loud sigh. “Could you just overnight everything? I’ll go over it and let Lauren look at it, too.”

“Do you promise not to ignore this until it’s too late?”

“Yes, I promise. But I am not saying that I’ll decide right away.” She rolled her eyes when she met Lauren’s gaze. “Yes, Lauren’s right here.” Lauren held her hand out for the phone. “I think she wants to talk with you.”

“Yes, I’m interested in hearing how she enjoyed the house overflowing with Dave’s family.”

“Before I let you go, thanks for calling, and please hug my grandmother. I miss you.”

Lauren took the phone and winked at Cassie as she greeted her sister. With hand gestures, Lauren indicated she’d return the phone after they chatted.

Taking a deep breath, Cassie fell back on the bed. She shoved her textbook and notes aside, then stared at the ceiling.

Not too bad, two “good” calls in a row. I know Mom expects me to accept the offer and move to Toronto—just like Lauren…last time we talked, she sounded positive about the courses I’m taking here.

Does she think if it’s not a Canadian university, the credits don’t count? A year ago, I would have been over the moon, receiving a ticket to leave Vancouver. Now, I don’t want to leave Tampa or not explore possibilities in Fort Myers. If I accept the scholarship in Toronto, the countdown begins until the day I leave Tom. He says he’ll wait for me. But do I want to live so far away until I get my degree? Now that I know how he feels about me, it’s so much harder to consider leaving.

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By the time Tom’s shift ended, Sanibel Island felt like a distant memory, a mirage in the desert. He tapped a message to Cassie before he started his car. He knew she’d probably fallen asleep, but this would greet her in the morning. He wished he could come home to her every night.We spent a week in paradise—can we make our own paradise here? About time I’d manned up and told Cassie how I felt…then, her response—yeah, a moment I won’t forget. But, does she believe it’s a forever kind of love, not just words? The last thing I want—make her feel pressured or overwhelmed—especially with her options for next year. Or worse, decline an opportunity that takes her away from Tampa. I can wait, she can have all the time she needs. We can visit each other frequently, no matter where she lives. But, will Cassie believe in us?

He felt Cassie’s absence the minute he entered his apartment—the sight of her head peeking over the back of the chair or sofa to greet him with a sheepish smile. She always insisted she hadn’t fallen asleep, and he always pretended to believe her. He looked forward to their conversations when she joined him in the kitchen for a snack or meal. He knew he’d miss the times she studied in his apartment, especially the “distractions.”

Tom usually prepared breakfast for the family any weekend day he didn’t work. Surprised to find the kitchen empty, he looked in the refrigerator and pulled out eggs, bacon, milk, cheese, and fresh fruit. Andrew’s voice startled him.

“Our personal chef back at work?”

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