Page 330 of As the Rain Falls
I shake my head, pushing the thoughts away.
“Please, explain it to me,” I say, wanting to know what’s on her mind. “Let me into this very specific kind of brain of yours.”
Cassandra smiles weakly. “It’s the pants.”
“The pants?”
She stands slowly, readjusting her hot pink tank top. “They’re low-rise jeans, you see?”
I take her hand, spinning her gently, appreciating the effort she put in tonight. Her hair shines, her jewelry gleams, and her clothes are well-fitted. Cassandra pays attention to every little detail.
“What’s wrong with your low-rise jeans, baby?”
“My stomach is showing, and I’ll look bloated as hell if I eat too much.” She stops when we’re facing each other again. “And I kind of put this on expecting to blow somebody’s mind, or something.”
I kiss her forehead. “Whoever they are, I’m sure they’re thoroughly impressed.”
“Really?”
I nod, feeling her relax as I intertwine our fingers together.
“Angelina said it makes me look like aFast and Furious character.”
“I don’t know about that.” I pull her closer, playing with her bracelets. “I just think you look beautiful.”
Cassandra smiles, soaking up the compliments one by one. She’s usually so responsive to any goodness coming her way, like a sunflower bending towards the sunlight, but even more so tonight. It’s refreshing, but my heart breaks a little too. It’s what she told me herself; she wants to be loved.
It’s her own quiet addiction.
“You are beautiful,” I add quietly, feeling my chest tighten.
I want her to have a fighting chance, to be able to stand tall knowing she’s better than the people trying to hurt her.
“Come with me,” I decide, wanting Antony to swallow his words and give her exactly what she wants. “We’ll get you a salad.”
“That’s wasteful.”
“I’ll eat your burger.”
“You’ll make yourself sick!” Her cheeks flush. “Antony won’t like it.”
I sigh. “Antony is stupid.”
“He’s your best friend.”
“You’re my best friend too.” I grin. “And two things can be true at once. Now, come on. The fries are waiting for you.”
Cassandra still hesitates, stepping closer and leaning in for a kiss. I press my lips to hers, quick and chaste, before adding, “I saw enough salt in them to give me a heart attack in thirty years.”
“I…” she laughs, the sound light and airy, like she wasn’t upset just a second ago. “You’ll really eat my burger?”
“I’ll lick the plate if I must.”
“That’s nasty.”
“I’m a very nasty person, okay?” I kiss her temple, feeling her sigh against me. “Let’s go.”
She whispers against my lips, “Okay.”
