Page 81 of Risky Move

“In a few hours. Say a prayer he’s cleared to play when we see the doctor this afternoon. I can handle a few days of this, but, please, no more.” She met Cassie’s eyes with a small smile. “I hope Drew’s okayed for the game before he sees Tom. I’ve never seen them argue, much less experience Drew’s attitude. He’ll apologize once he’s feeling ‘normal’ again.”

“Tom said he doesn’t let it bother him…just part of the concussion effect. But I hate the tension between them. Never expected that.”

“Fingers crossed he’s back on the ice next game…we’ll know later today.” Caryn looked at Cassie as they approached Lauren’s front door. “I’ll call to let you know if it’s ‘safe’ to turn the kids loose at home.”

43

Within a week, Andrew had returned to the first line, and everything appeared normal between the brothers. When Cassie saw Tom, he assured her they had worked through their issues. Tom joked that he’d told Andrew he’d rat him out to their parents if he ever gave him that attitude again.

“So, he doesn’t want to disappoint them?”

“Never—nor does he want to listen to a lecture from Mom.” Tom smiled when he met her eyes. “He’s the golden son who can do no wrong. If he ever disappointed her…well, she’d never let him forget it. She always said that we were each other’s best friend…no matter what, we could count on that. We grew up with that expectation. So, besides being my brother, Andrew’s my best friend. Neither of us ever wants to disappoint her.”

Cassie chuckled. “My momexpectsme to disappoint her. Low expectations.”

“I’m sure she’s proud of you.”

“She’d have preferred I never grew up.”

“Well, you accomplished that spectacularly. You’re working full-time, taking classes, and keeping everything organized. That’s what I call exceeding high expectations.”

Cassie hugged him. “Thank you for believing in me…that means more than I can explain. So, will you leave for the game soon?”

Tom glanced at his watch. “Yes, and I’ll bring dinner home if you can wait?”

“Wait for you? Do you need to ask?”

* * *

Cassie’s comment about her mother’s low expectations gnawed at the back of Tom’s mind. Did her mother really expect her to fail?Wanting Cassie to remain a child could show that she wished to keep Cassie dependent and under her control. Twisted thinking either way. Can’t imagine growing up in a divided household, absorbing her mother’s negativity and hostility toward men. From what Lauren’s said, her sister embraced the belief that their mother had set in motion. But Lauren had escaped her past. Her mother’s attitude could be the source of Cassie’s low self-esteem. If only she could see herself the way I do, and everyone who knows her does.

Tom vowed to help mend her self-esteem. He applauded her accomplishments and supported her desire to prove her independence and ability to make her own life decisions.Things most of us take for granted.

He loved her optimistic nature and the hint of rebellion she sometimes displayed…a free spirit who chose positivity and whose empathy extended to everyone she encountered. Like the ever-changing rainbow highlights in her hair, Cassie brought sunshine wherever she traveled.

Tom acknowledged the sense of guilt that lurked in the back of his mind. He’d completed his education and had settled into his profession, but Cassie had just begun exploring her options. Could he convince her they’d make it work, no matter where her studies took her?

He knew that Andrew and Caryn had dealt with a similar scenario. Just as their love blossomed, Andrew was traded to St. Louis from Toronto. Caryn had at least another year before she graduated from the university in Toronto. They made it work, long-distance relationship and all. Tom remembered the challenges they faced and the mutual determination that their love would guide them through those months.

Cassie Johnson. “The One” he didn’t want to—could not?—live without? Tom sighed as he stopped at the nurses’ station to look over patient charts. The intricacies of neurology diminished when he compared it to love.

* * *

Amelie returned to Toronto mid-January. She’d emailed Cassie once from Montréal. Her parents had learned the truth about her grades in Paris—and she had an edict to come up with a satisfactory plan to make up the lost credits. Cassie shared her schedule at the community college and sent her the links to apply and course selections. Amelie loved the option of online courses and only needed a year’s worth of credits to catch up. She planned to accomplish this in two semesters.

“I’ve played the twin card with Cliff—he’ll let me stay with him and will pay the tuition. One condition—I quit my job and devote the time needed to score all A’s.”

Cassie chuckled. “You can do that—though it may cut into your time with your hot French guy.”

“We’ll see. Chance didn’t bother to contact me the entire time in Québéc. Not even on New Year’s Eve. I may not have time forhim.”

* * *

At Caryn’s suggestion, Cassie invited Amelie over when she returned to Tampa. With the Suns out of town for a long road trip to the West Coast before the All-Star break and bye-week, Caryn felt Amelie might feel lonely at the condo. Amelie arrived the next day with a small overnight bag, her class schedule, laptop, and textbooks.

“I hope I can get ahead in my course work, so Cliff lifts my home arrest when he gets back.”

Cassie laughed and showed Amelie the guest room she’d prepared for her friend. “It’s easy to work ahead on the online courses. I wish all of mine were online—especially algebra.” Cassie made a face. “Dave’s tutored me a couple times, but when I think about retaking the placement exam, I panic. I don’t want to stay in remedial algebra.”

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