Page 116 of Risky Move

Cassie shared the acceptance package from the university in Toronto with Lauren as soon as it arrived from Vancouver.

“I promised Mom I’d ask your opinion. Do you mind?”

“Of course not. Could you leave it with me? I have a client conference call in thirty minutes—I don’t want to rush through this, Cassie.” Lauren placed the package on the counter.

“That’s perfect. Thanks—I have a couple assignments to turn in this afternoon. Take your time—I’ll work in the screen porch. Sunshine’s calling.” Cassie collected her laptop and textbooks, then organized her workspace.

Amelie’s ringtone sounded before she opened her laptop. They hadn’t seen each other or communicated by text since“that day.”

“Hey, Amelie. How are you?”

“I’ve missed you. Stuck in classes while you and your hot doc enjoyed a mysterious vacation.”

“Eh…how did you know? I didn’t get the chance to call before we left. Last-minute decision.”

“When I couldn’t reach you, I tried to contact Lauren, then Caryn. I know things were crazy getting ready to go to the All-Star weekend. Caryn returned my call and mentioned that you and Tom had plans.”

“Hmm, yes, the best surprise. I’m sorry I didn’t get your call. What did you need?” Cassie’s kept her voice friendly, yet neutral.

“I didn’t need anything. I wanted to ask you if I should give details about how Danny got to the pool…Now it’s probably not important.”

“You didn’t need my permission to tell Caryn and Andrew what happened. I still don’t know how Danny even got near the pool,” Cassie said. “Did you tell them?”

“Not until I could speak with you. I wanted to be sure our stories matched.”

Cassie took a deep breath. “Stories match? That doesn’t matter. I told them everything I could. Caryn and Andrew deserve as many details as we can provide. I think Lauren has your phone…she said the screen showed numerous texts received.”

“I wish I’d known before I got a new phone. Oh well, no big deal.”

“Were you texting when Daniel disappeared? Is that why you didn’t notice?” Cassie tried to tamp her anger.

Amelie took a moment before replying. “The truth is that I don’t know. Yes, I had a couple texts, but he was beside me making car sounds as he lined up those little cars. Jenna started acting silly, climbing on me—we were laughing. Next thing I know, you’re asking me about Daniel.” Her voice hitched a bit. “I feel so guilty, I have trouble sleeping.”

“Tell me about it. I think you should talk to Caryn and just tell her what you just said,” Cassie said. “It’s not about blame, Amie. Caryn and Andrew need to make sure Danny or Jenna never get to the pool unsupervised again.”

“Will you tell them?”

“No, you should answer their questions, Amelie. The twins were my responsibility, and I made a poor decision by allowing anything to interfere with keeping them safe. All you’re going to do is fill in some blanks for them.” Cassie paused a long moment. “Everyone knows that what happened to Danny was an accident. They’re not pointing fingers. Maybe you’ll feel better if you talk to them.”

63

Lauren joined her niece on the porch later that afternoon. “Working on math?” Cassie made a face while she dug in her bag for a folder. She pulled out a sheet of paper and handed it to Lauren. “Your latest test? Seventy-three’s passing, right?”

“It is when I’m testing out of remedial algebra.” Cassie couldn’t hold back her smile. “I decided this morning to just try that test one more time. I was going to wait until Dave’s here to tell you both.”

Lauren hugged her. “Congratulations! I won’t say anything to Dave—I’m so proud of you.”

“I feel like this huge boulder just fell off my shoulders. Now I can complete the core courses, then decide on my major.” Cassie rolled her eyes. “Maybe double major if I can’t decide.”

“You can do anything you put your mind to, Cass. And it looks like my alma mater believes in you, too. That’s an impressive acceptance package.”

“You sound like Mom.” Cassie looked at her nails. “I really need a manicure.” She shrugged and met Lauren’s eyes. “I’m supposed to discuss Toronto with you. I told her I had enrolled here and already started classes…she just waved that aside as if Tampa doesn’t count.”

“What if this had come last year?”

“I’d have been on the next plane to Toronto. Across the country from Mom…but things have changed in a year. I don’t want to leave Tampa.”

“You don’t want to leave Tom,” Lauren corrected gently.

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