Page 85 of Just Business

I’m rising from my seat, ready to head to bed, when she stops me.

“Austin, I’m sorry,” she says, her voice breaking. Her lip is trembling and I see the anguish on her face. “I’m sorry I’m so weak. I’m sorry you and your sister had to be the strong ones for me.”

Blinking back tears, I carefully wrap my arms around her. “I’m sorry, too, Mama. We’ll figure everything out, okay?” I press a gentle kiss to the top of her bandaged head.

Once I’m lying in my childhood bed, I reach over and grab the same photo that I showed Penny that night. My mom looked a lot like Cassie does now. She was so young and beautiful, before my father had time to destroy her.

I choke on a sob for the life that could’ve been, then bury my face in my pillow, trying to muffle my cries.

Austin’s been gone for close to five weeks now, and even though I’ve plastered on a smile for everyone around me, I’m pretty sure I’m not fooling anyone. Melancholy clings to my bones, and I ache to see Austin again. Josie’s been checking in more often, and Greg even showed up one night claiming he was “just in the neighborhood.” But I know better. Everyone is worried about me.

The extra money I now have has given me the time to start working on my music again, something I haven’t had a chance to do in years. But today, not even my music can distract me from continuously checking my phone.

Instead, I’ve tortured myself by watching video after video of his show at Red Rocks the other night. He was magnificent, playing to the crowd with all his charm and charisma. It was, hands down, the best performance he’s ever given, and I couldn’t be prouder. But now it’s officially over, and at some point, he’s supposed to be heading back here.

I got a text from Austin yesterday, letting me know he'd be busy helping his aunt and uncle with his mom. He didn’t say much about her situation—just a few brief texts back and forth. Cassie has filled me in on what’s going on with her, but she’s been vague about when Austin will be back, and worry has settled in the pit of my stomach.

She’s working hard today to keep me distracted; otherwise, I’d wallow in self-pity. Cassie’s been hounding me to go to Old Town Tavern with her ever since she arrived, and today, she’s decided, is the day we’re going—come hell or high water. She even found a sitter to help Josie out so she can come along. This is not what I wanna be doing, but I have to admit, it might be good for me.

Cassie has truly been a bright spot in my life these past few weeks. She’s been the friend I didn’t know I needed. She doesn’t cook for me like her brother did, but her friendship and company have been invaluable. She’s always up for coming over, eating junk food, and watching her favorite true crime videos on YouTube. In many ways she’s been the sister I never had.

Cassie has folded herself into this town easily. She’s worked hard setting up her telehealth appointments, and when she’s not working, she’s getting to know everyone in town like she’s planning to set down roots. It’s not at all surprising to me how quickly she’s made connections in Singing River. Cassie is warm and friendly, just like her brother. They both leave you feeling like you’ve known them your whole life.

She’s already on a first-name basis with everyone at the diner and the record store. If I didn’t know her story, I’d never guess she’d recently gone through a breakup. Based on some things Austin has said, Alan wasn’t good to her. Looks like getting over him might not have been very difficult for her once the shock wore off.

I’ve also noticed that Liam’s been sticking around Singing River a lot more than usual, instead of heading to Nashville whenever he has time off. Cassie swears he’s just been a good friend, showing her around town while she finds her footing, but I’m not entirely convinced she’s telling me the whole truth. But as they say: not my circus, not my monkeys. They’re both adults who can make their own decisions.

I’m running a brush through my hair one last time when my phone lights up with a notification. My heart skips a beat, hoping it’s Austin, but when I glance down, I see a text from Cassie in the group chat she created.

Cassie

Be ready in five, bitches!!

Josie

Shit! I spilled coffee on my top. I need a sec to change, but I’ll be ready.

I’m ready.

Cassie

try to be less gloomy tonight, k?

I send a GIF of Eeyore, and she sends one that saysturn that frown upside down and smile. She could have an entire conversation with nothing but GIFs.

True to her word, five minutes later, Cassie honks from my driveway. I run out and slip into the front. Immediately, Austin's scent hits me. His detergent mixed with that familiar cologne. I close my eyes inhaling deeply, and that ache in my chest stirs again.

But Cassie’s practically vibrating and bouncing in her seat. Something about her seems extra tonight—like someone slipped her an Adderall or something. Either way, she refuses to allow me any self-pity.

We pull up to Josie’s and she comes running out, barefoot with her blouse half-buttoned. She’s holding her toiletry bag in one hand and her shoes in the other. She hops in the back seat and pulls out her makeup to finish getting herself ready.

“Girls, we look hot tonight!” Cassie says, turning in her seat to face us.

“Speak for yourself,” Josie retorts. “My pants are too tight and I had to fasten the top button with a rubber band!” She lifts her shirt, showing us the red rubber band wound through her jeans buttonhole and around the button. “One wrong move and this sucker will snap.” She snaps her fingers.

“Pshhh.” Cassie waves her off with a hand. “Girl, you can still look hot and have jeans that don’t fit well. Both things can be true.”

Her phone buzzes and she looks at it, the name Alan displaying on her screen. She declines the call, and turns her phone over.

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