Page 85 of One of Them Girls

I laugh as I squeeze him a little harder, soaking up the comfort. There is nothing better than a hug from your parents when you’re upset.

“It was a hard day. I needed to see my family.”

He pulls me back, looking into my eyes. “Who do I need to take to the woods? I’ll do it. Just say the name.”

I chuckle. “No one, Daddy. It was a bad day, that’s all. I love you millions for being willing to commit murder for me though.”

“Now, hush, child. It’s not murder. It’s a hunting accident.”

At this, we all burst out laughing. The funny thing is, my chest feels lighter.

“Now, Jerry, get on out of here while we make a quick dinner. Go watch your evening shows.” Mama swats at him with a towel playfully.

“Don’t you boss me around, woman.” He winks.

“Woman? I’ll show you woman,” Mama says as she starts toward him.

He chuckles, running out of the kitchen, hollering over his shoulder, “Woman? Did I say woman? I meant ‘Yes, darling.’”

“That man is going to get it one of these days,” she says with a smile.

“You love him,” I remind her.

She sighs, her face softening. “I do.”

Laying in my old bedroom that night after a laughter-filled dinner with my parents, I let my mind think about Ryan. For once, they aren’t the sad thoughts, or the demons as Mama called them. For once, I remember all the family dinners we had. All the joy and laughter.

“I love you, Ryan. I hope you’re watching over me.”

I say the words, but I can already feel his answer.

I’ll always be here for you, Cass.

* * *

Xavier

Hours later and I’m still thinking about Cassi and what she said to me.

You need to grow the fuck up.

At the time, it made my blood boil. How dare she tell me to grow up when she used sex to deal with her grief?

Then I watched her walk away, resisting the urge to pull her back by holding onto my pride.

Laying here in bed staring at the ceiling, I learn a very important lesson.

Pride doesn’t keep you warm at night. It doesn’t fill the gaping hole in my chest from the woman I have fallen madly in love with.

I’m in love with Cassi.

I sit up straight, finally admitting to myself what I think I’ve known all along.

I pick up my phone immediately and dial her number. It rings before going to voicemail.

I hang up, trying again, but this time it goes straight to voicemail.

Fuck.

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