Page 33 of Risky Move

Terri leaned forward to reply. “Post-concussion headaches are no joke. Glad he passed all the tests to clear him.”

“If he weren’t so stubborn, I could have brought him chicken soup or something.” Amelie’s expression morphed into a hint of a pout. “Said he needed nothing but dim lighting and quiet. So, I sent him a care package via Uber Eats.”

“Thoughtful,” Cassie said. “Does he live close to you and Cam?”

“A few blocks over.” Amelie smiled coyly. “I’ll surprise him one of these days.”

“You may want to call first,” Terri warned. “He’s got a reputation. Be careful.”

“Absolutely will.” Amelie touched Cassie’s arm. “Want to go to the beach or shopping this weekend? I’m tired of the stores within walking distance.”

“Sounds like fun. I’ll check with Caryn and let you know.”

18

Like clockwork, Cassie’s mother, Amanda, called each Saturday morning at ten a.m. Tampa-time. While she bristled a bit at the thought her mother felt she needed to check on her weekly, Cassie enjoyed hearing the news from Vancouver. Fall had given way to winter’s chill early, and when Amanda mentioned the first snowfall, Cassie shuddered.

“I probably shouldn’t tell you how beautiful and warm Tampa is right now?” Cassie said. “Or that we’re going to the beach later today?”

“Only if you want to hear me cry!”

“Forget I said that. It’s raining and miserable here.”

Amanda laughed. “Have you started thinking about your next steps after this gap year ends? The year’s quickly passing.”

Cassie paused before answering, a sudden feeling of dread dropping over her like a shroud. “I’m looking at a lot of options. I’m torn between taking dance, teaching preschool, or maybe even communications like Lauren and Caryn.”

“Cassandra, that’s all over the map. Have you analyzed each option and identified where you’d study?”

“Working on it.” Cassie tried to keep the prickly tone from her voice. “Trying to decide where I want to spend the next four years. I like Tampa, and there are opportunities here.”

“And the universities that accepted you last year?”

“I need to see if any offer the programs I’m considering.” Cassie absently played with her hair, wrapping some around her finger.

“Maybe try to narrow it down, Cassie,” her mother suggested. “You can take dance classes anywhere. Maybe think about teaching versus communications. I’m sure many universities offer both programs, and Lauren can help you narrow your choices. That would be a place to start.”

“Always the practical answers.”I can’t tell her I’m considering not going to college. Not yet. Not everyone needs to go to the uni.

“Don’t wait too long,” her mother advised. “I’m sure deadlines for applications aren’t too far in the future. Have you made arrangements to visit us at Christmas?”

“I need to talk with Caryn. Andrew has a three-day break over Christmas, so if I come, I won’t have much time. But I’d miss seeing you, Dad, and Taylor.”

“Speak with your dad. Last I heard, he planned to book a Disney Christmas cruise. But your grandmother and I would love to have you visit. I don’t suppose Lauren’s mentioned their plans?”

“We haven’t even thought about Christmas. With this weather, it’s tough remembering what month it is.” Cassie glanced at her watch, double-checking that October still had another week. “I’ll start working on all the above. Maybe I’ll have narrowed my choices in a few weeks.”

* * *

Phone conversations with her mother left Cassie feeling anxious. She liked to live in the moment, not plan years into the future. She loved her job, loved living close to Lauren and Dave, and loved the twins more every day.I need to find a way to do both—work for Caryn and Andrew and enroll in school to study…something? Can’t keep putting it off. Maybe more research into the schools here?

She opened her laptop and quickly checked the universities that had accepted her last year. All offered Early Childhood Education, but Communications programs proved not as easy to find. The university in Tampa offered a wide choice of communication majors.Public Relations? Marketing? Something like Lauren and Caryn’s company? Wonder if they’ll eventually hire an assistant? Lauren could tell me what I’d need to choose as my major.

Cassie logged off her computer and wandered to the living area. The twins had pulled every toy from the bin, or most of them, dragging them to all corners of their play area.

“They look so pleased with themselves,” she told Caryn with a laugh.

“Very proud. I tried to contain the hazard to just part of the room.” She showed the soft cushions that prevented Jenna and Daniel’s access to the entire open area. “Once they figure out how to climb…we may have to consider a playpen.”

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