Page 69 of A Little Bit Extra

After hearing the door click, I turn around to find Cassie standing in the hallway.

“Is he going to say something?” she asks.

“Knowing him, I don’t doubt it.”

“Emmett, I can’t lose my job.”

I make my way to Cassie, tugging on her shoulders to embrace her. “I won’t let that happen.”

“I think I should go.” Cassie starts to pull away, leaving a void again.

“I don’t want you to go. I want to work through this, together. Please.”

Cassie remains silent, her gaze to the floor. She’s thinking too hard, and I’m starting to worry she’s actually going to leave.

“You’re too important to lose, Sass. I don’t want to live in a world where I don’t get to see your smile everyday. Please. Stay.” I’m five seconds away from kneeling, begging her to keep giving this a chance. Keep giving us a chance.

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

An eye roll makes its appearance. “Okay,” she replies, and I’m wondering if she remembers the first time I asked her to hang out, our conversation ending just like this one.

“So, what now?” Cassie asks.

“Breakfast?” I grin and watch as her lips form a smile before nodding in agreement.

“Pancakes sound really good right now.” Cassie turns to walk to the kitchen. She stands on her tiptoes to reach the flour from a cabinet, then proceeds to gather the rest of the ingredients.

For the next half hour, we alternate making pancakes while talking about our plans for the week. I keep catching myself watching, staring, not being able to take my gaze away from Cassie. She carries herself with so much grace that I find myself being struck by her sassy demeanor that’s hidden from most people. What I love most about her, though, is how determined and motivated she is to achieve her dream. Nothing can stop her. I won’t let anything stop her, not even my parents.

“So, have you heard from Annie recently?” I say, flipping a pancake, hearing the sizzle of the butter.

“Oh, yes. She still hasn’t told our mom about her moving here.” Cassie struts to the other side of the island, plopping on a stool.

“When do you think she’ll tell her?” I turn to rest my backside on the counter.

“Soon, hopefully.”

She opens her mouth to say more, but my phone buzzes, radiating on the island. Cassie leans to the left, reaching out to slide my phone closer to her.

“Someone named Logan is calling you.” The buzzing ends as I walk over to the island, spatula in hand. “Actually, he’s called you a few times.”

I reach out my hand toward Cassie for my phone. “That’s my agent.”

As soon as the words leave my mouth, Cassie’s eyes widen and her jaw slacks. My phone starts vibrating again. We both know what this call is about without answering it.

“Are you going to answer it?” Cassie mumbles, fidgeting in her seat.

“Should I?” I ask.

Cassie winces. “Yes, but I’m scared.” Her lower lip disappears as her gaze trails from my eyes to the island.

“Hey, look at me.” I walk to Cassie, twisting her seat until she faces me. I wrap my arms around her shoulder and nestle her closer to me. “I won’t let anything happen.”

Her gaze flickers from me to the floor as she mumbles, “I know.”

“I promise.”

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