Page 65 of Dust Storm

She let out a dejected sigh and rolled onto her side.

“Hey,” I said as I gently rubbed her back. “I know you’re growing up. Just give me a chance to catch up, alright?”

I doled out another head kiss and an “I love you” before turning out the light and slipping back down the stairs.

I snagged a glass of water on my way through the kitchen. Cassandra was right where I had left her.

Mickey had vacated the porch, leaving a path of sticky ice cream hoof prints.

“Drink this,” I said as I took the empty fifth of whiskey from her and pushed the water into her hand.

“I’m fine.”

“Obviously not if you think I’d believe that.” I lowered down beside her on the swing. “Anything you want to talk about?”

“You were right.”

I chuckled. “Of course I’m right. I’m always right.”

Cassandra rolled her eyes.

I hesitated for a moment, then draped my arm around her shoulders. “Tell me why I’m right.”

“Oh God, don’t tell me you’re one of those words of affirmation people.”

“And you’re not?”

“Nope.”

“Drink your water.”

To my surprise, she did.Grumbling the entire time.

When the glass was empty, I took it from her and set it by my foot.

“What’s the matter?”

Cassandra stared blankly ahead, but it wasn’t the kind of vacant gaze that meant nothing was going on in her head. It was the type of hollow, distant look when the person was emotionally checked out.

It was a look of brewing vengeance.

“He was cheating on me.” Her delivery was loaded and emotionless all at the same time. It was the tone of someone who had accepted the situation in a clinical way.

I swore under my breath. “Jesus—I’m sorry, Cass.”

I’d had my suspicions when Tripp showed up with her on day one, then bolted. A man doesn’t willingly leave a woman like Cassandra unless he doesn’t have a fucking clue what he’s got.

“When did you find out?”

“On the phone call. Lillian was there with him. It was pretty obvious.”

“Shit.” Gently, I pulled her into my side.

She stiffened, shrugging off my arm. “It’s fine.”

I eyed the ring on her finger. “You’re fine with your fiancé cheating on you?”

Her temples pulled back and her mouth tightened. It was the practiced look of someone managing a situation rather than experiencing a heartbreak.

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