Page 60 of Secret Love

“You are not stupid, Cassidy. You're actually one of my smartest students,” I whisper, “but don't tell anyone else I said that.” I wink and I'm rewarded with a small smile. “Don't let them get to you. I know that's easier said than done, but their rudeness makes them small. Andyouare not small, you're kind and smart and lovely.”

Her lower lip trembles. “Thank you, Miss Seymour.” She blinks up at the ceiling and takes a deep breath.

“It’s just the truth. I hope they’ll wake up and realize the way they’re acting is no way to treat someone, but you just keep being you. Because you’re great.”

She sniffles and a tear trickles down her cheek when she blinks. She hurriedly wipes it away.

“Okay, you better get to lunch before you miss out on whatever delicacies they're serving today.”

She laughs. “Yeah, right. Okay. Thank you.” She gives me another smile and looks the tiniest bit happier this time.

“I'll see you at dance tomorrow.”

She nods and walks away, and I wish I could haul her out of here and treat her to a decent lunch and positive conversation, anything to keep cheering her up.

During my lunch break, I check my phone and smile at the messages from Henley.

Henley

A dancer with hair to her waist did in fact invade my dreams last night.

Henley

I’m hoping she’ll invade them again tonight. Or even better, that she’d consider stepping out of my dreams and into my house at seven o’clock for dinner.

How dare she take my place!

Henley

You could probably beat her out if you showed up a few minutes early. Drinks at 6:45?

I smile at my phone and then get another text from Sadie before I’ve responded to Henley.

Sadie

Hi! How are you? Felicity is coming Sunday to help with wedding stuff, but I wondered if you’d want to get drinks with us at The Fairy Hut at some point?

Sure, I’d love to!

Sadie

Yay! I’m thinking 5ish? I’ve been awful at wedding planning, so I’m hoping we’ll be done by then and won’t bore you to death with all the details.

Trust me, I won’t be bored. And if you need any help, let me know! I LOVE planning any kind of party.

Sadie

I knew you and Felicity were two peas in a pod.

I switch back to the thread with Henley and there’s a new one from him. This man…I’ve never met anyone like him.

Henley

True confession: No one can take your place.

I press my lips together, but my insides are beaming and doing little leaps around this whole building.

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