Page 90 of Someday You Learn

I sit my bag down and head for the kitchen, picking up the paper to find Cashlynn’s handwriting.

I made dinner and was hoping we could eat it together, but I got tired of waiting.

Put it in the microwave for two minutes if you’re still hungry. I’m going to bed early.

“Shit.” I tear the foil off the plate and find chicken and rice casserole. It looks and smells amazing. Cashlynn went out of her way to make this for me, and I let her down.

Covering the plate again, I slide it into the fridge since I grabbed something on the way home. Making my way down the hall to her room, I’m already running through what I’ll say—how I’ll explain without oversharing. After my session with Dr. Jensen, I know I have a longroad ahead, and until I’m sure I won’t bail this time, I want to keep my therapy private.

The door is cracked just enough for me to see her lying on her side, scrolling on her phone.

I push the door open gently. “Cashlynn?”

She doesn’t turn over. “I’m not in the mood, Parker.”

“This isn’t a booty call. And if it was, you’re always in the mood. What’s wrong?”

She shoots me a glare over her shoulder. “Just leave it.”

I bristle at that. “Not happening. Tell me what’s wrong.”

She turns over to look at me. “Nothing. I just thought…” She shakes her head, pressing her lips into a tight line. “You know what, just forget it.”

“Cashlynn, I’m sorry I missed dinner. I didn’t know you were waiting.”

“You know, there are these things called phones,” she snaps.

I drag a hand down my face and make my way over to the bed, sitting on the edge so I can see her. Her face is red and blotchy, like she’s been crying. Shit. “You’re right. I could have texted you, but…” She blinks at me, waiting for me to continue. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had to check in with anyone, okay?” Her face softens slightly. “I have to get used to that again, but Iamsorry.”

She lets out a sigh. “I appreciate that, but I don’t know, Parker… My mind was spinning when I realized you weren’t coming home and then I wondered…”

“Wondered what?”

Her eyes search mine. “If I read this weekend all wrong.” Sitting up, she pulls the blankets around her waist. “If maybe I was the only one thinking this was more than just…pretend.”

Herwords land like a punch, and I don’t even hesitate. “You weren’t wrong,” I say, reaching for her hand. “Look, I should have texted or called to let you know I was going to be late. I messed up. And I’m sorry for making you doubt me.”

“Okay… But where were you?” she asks, and I hate the trepidation in her voice.

“I had an appointment,” I answer simply, hoping it’s enough.

She nods. “Okay.”

“But I did already eat, so I’ll take the casserole for lunch tomorrow. It looks amazing. Thank you.”

I get a small smile from her this time before she slides back under the covers.

I lean down to press a kiss to her forehead. “Goodnight, Cashlynn.”

“Goodnight, Parker.”

I stand and leave, headed to my bedroom to sleep alone because I can tell Cashlynn’s still upset and my mind is racing from my therapy session.

But I pause right outside my door as I realize that I don’t want to sleep alone tonight. I don’t want to be away from her.

So, after I change and brush my teeth, I return to her room.

“Parker?” she asks, sitting up as I make my way toward her bed.

---