Page 74 of Rumor Has It

Cassidy wiped the slobber from my cheek with a dish towel, scrubbed her hands, and held her palms up. The spatula clattered on the floor and Aria went right to her.

It’s been this way since they warmed up to each other. Aria prefers Cassidy over me. Hell, if I were a baby I would too, so no beef there. But for Cassidy, knowing Aria isn’t wary of her, is one less struggle.

I also saw Rhiannon, who had been photographing a banquet hall event, in the winery parking lot on my way back from a studio session at Cris’s. She let me know Cassidy is still on the fence about how long our relationship can last. I let Rhiannon know I’m nowhere ready to give up.

Cassidy puts the spoon in Aria’s bowl and gestures in ASL, saying that Aria is all done. Aria’s feet kick in her high chair. She produces a hair-raising scream as Cassidy uses her bib to wipe her face.

“Did she not sleep well?” Cassidy tries to soothe the baby by handing her the spoon to play with.

“Like a champ. According to Chesney’s nanny. She napped for an extra long time yesterday, too.”

“I wonder if she’s growing. Is it okay if I make more for her to eat?” Cassidy has to talk over Aria’s screech.

Discontented, the baby’s already thrown the spoon and is slamming her hands down on the tray table.

I agree Cassidy can make extra, but something about it feels weird. Cass spends as much time with Aria as Chesney’s nanny does. She shouldn’t have to seek permission.

Koi-mouthed, Aria lunges at the next spoonful. And the next. And the next. In between she fusses, patting the tray as if to say, “Hurry up!”

“I think that was it. She’s extra hungry.” Cassidy giggles as Aria chomps down on the spoon.

“I’m glad you’re here to help me figure it out. I’d have probably picked her up.” Since that’s my MO.

Plunking the last meatball on the tray, I turn to wash up and hear a commotion in the foyer.

I look at Cassidy with a raised brow. Her expression mirrors mine.

“Let me find Isaiah.” We hear Vespa say.

My assistant skids to a halt in the doorway. She’s still flushed and sweaty from her workout. Something I know because it’s the only time Vespa puts down her phones.

Resembling a deer in headlights, Vespa mouths a silent, “I didn’t know!”

Multiple sets of footfalls follow, and Will and Ben appear behind her.

“Will, I didn’t expect you for another two hours.” I wipe the remaining water droplets off on my jeans and accept his outstretched hand.

“With so much to cover, I convinced Ben to catch an earlier flight.” Will flashes gleaming teeth. “We hoped to do more than hear about the songs you’ve been working on before heading back tonight.”

“Good,” I say, though it’s anything but.

“Nice to see you again, Isaiah.” Ben’s handshake is firm.

Attempting not to panic, my gaze lands on Cassidy, who is trying to blend into the woodwork. Aria’s gurgling stops my girls from going unnoticed.

“And who is this?” Ben asks, grinning at the baby.

Unready to explain, I open my mouth and clop it closed.

“During his stay, Miss Cavanaugh has been teaching Isaiah to cook.” Vespa supplies, restarting my heart. Her usual teeth-gritting tenseness is replaced with sincerity.

She’s trying to fix this. I need to play along.

“It’s a… yeah, a perk of the B&B. I’m enjoying it.”

Will and Ben greet Cassidy politely.

Cassidy catches on quickly. She has the same graciousness as her aunt, welcoming people into her home. “I normally set out a spread of canapés late afternoon. Isaiah wanted to surprise y’all by preparing the hors d’oeuvres himself. You showed up at the right time. He’s just finished up.”

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