Page 82 of Fighting the Tide
“Because I trust what my mother said.I believe her and I’m so tired of this town treating her like shit.”I see the slight tremble in her chin before she swiftly turns away, avoiding looking me in the eyes.She doesn’t know just how much I agree with her.
“I loved your mother,” I reveal to her.She sniffles and continues to walk in front of my cart.“And I agree with you.I hate that people didn’t see her for who she truly was, but this is a chance to prove that she was honest, and she was the woman you and I knew her to be.”
“I won’t be manipulated, Nolan Sears.”She turns and grips the end of my cart, her fingers curling through the grates and her eyes filled with apprehension.“I’ll take into consideration what you’re asking.”
“Thank you.”I nod and then stand transfixed as she gives me a stunning smile, the dimples in both of her cheeks so deep that I’m sure I could lose my finger up to the first knuckle in each of them.
“I’ll see you around, Nolan Sears.”She taps her fingers on the cart and then walks away, her long legs showcased in a pair of too-short shorts.I try my damnedest to fight it because God forbid I am this girl’s father, I will have to live every day of my life knowing I just checked out her ass, but since I’m already here, I’ll let myself have this one indiscretion, as disgusting as it is.
Thankfully, once she’s out of sight, I snap out of the hold she had over me and rush to the checkout, needing to get out of the store and breathe in some fresh air.Clearly, I’m coming down with fucking something.
Later that evening, I pass the town line into Harwich and find the little Italian restaurant easily enough.The outdoor patio has a romantic ambiance to it and I’m beginning to regret meeting her here without scoping it out first.There’s a canopy of vines decorated with string lights over the tables, casting a soft golden light onto all the couples gathered around.It will take more than a few twinkling lights to sway me.
I park out back of the restaurant and then give myself a few minutes to clear the preconceptions from my mind.It’s not fair for me to jump to conclusions about Cassie.I need to hear what she has to say and I would love to hear her take on the entire Colette situation, a different opinion outside of the people who love me.
Once I’m out of the car and lock it, I head toward the patio, cringing when I hear the soft notes of a romantic melody playing in the background.It’s been five years since Cassie and I have parted ways, but it’s hard to forget how persistent she was.This feels like a manipulative tactic by her, no matter how much I try not to misjudge the situation.
My hand lands on her shoulder, the scent of vanilla wafting up and under my nose as she spins in her seat, her eyes wide with surprise.“Sorry,” I murmur as I squeeze her shoulder.“I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“That’s okay.”She chuckles and rises from her seat.“I didn’t know who you were.”She steps in to hug me, her body pressing a little too close to mine and her hands lingering a little too long on my shoulders.“You found the place.”
“It’s nice,” I say as I ease her back a few steps and move to the chair across from hers.I don’t miss the flash of disappointment on her face, but she quickly schools her features when I sit.
“You look well.”The smile on her mouth is already cracking at the seams as she tries her best to hold it in place.“Avery and Monica finally found a way to get you to come home.”
“Thank you.”I nod and give her a once-over.She’s straightened her curly hair and has toned down her makeup since the last time I saw her.She looks older, but it suits her, and it seems staying in Chatham was a good choice for her.“You look well.They did find a way.”I chuckle just as the server approaches us.
“Could I start you off with some drinks?”he asks as he hands us each a card with a list of alcoholic beverages.Cassie murmurs that she would like a glass of white wine while I hand my card back and ask for water.
Once he’s away from the table, Cassie’s brow lifts as the corner of her mouth ticks upward.“I guess this is more than just a catch-up.”
“I try not to drink too much nowadays,” I tell her as I fold my hands on the tabletop and look around at the restaurant, my lie sitting like ash on my tongue.“How did you hear about this place?”
“I was taken here on a date,” she admits with a laugh.“The food is spectacular, and the atmosphere is relaxing.”I’ve noticed that she hasn’t moved her hands much from her lap and her shoulders have remained straight and stiff as her eyes continually roam the area around us.It’s almost as if she is keeping an eye out for someone.
“Is someone else joining us for dinner tonight?”I question as I lift my brow.Her eyes flick back to mine as she shakes her head.
“Of course not.Why do you ask that?”Her lips fold together, forming a thin line as she tries and fails to keep her eyes on mine.They once again scan the surrounding patio.
“It’s like you’re looking for someone.”I decide not to play coy and get straight to the point, so I lean forward on the table, making sure her eyes stay on mine as I say, “Could it be your fiancé?”
She instantly deflates, that straight line of her shoulders curving downward as her chin dips toward her chest.The air releases from her mouth in a long exaggerated huff.“I admit I’m taking a chance here,” she whispers, the words barely audible over the music, making me lean in farther.“But I had to see you.Who told you?Avery?Or was it Monica?”She rolls her eyes as the server appears again and places the water in front of me and her wine in front of her.
“Could I get you guys something to eat?”he asks as he pulls a pad of paper from his pocket.
The menu still sits untouched between us and I look up to give him a subtle shake of my head.“We’re just having a few drinks tonight.”He nods and places the pad of paper back into his pocket, reaching over the table to grab the menu.
“Enjoy,” he says and walks away.When I turn back to Cassie, I once again find her looking around us, her nervous energy seemingly shifting to my side of the table as I, too, take a glance around behind me.
“Is he controlling?”I turn to face her.“Are you not allowed out to have drinks with an old friend?”
“You and I both know you were never a friend.”She laughs and takes a gulp from her glass.“Not for me, anyway.No, he’s not controlling, but he is insecure.He thinks I’m out with a couple of the teachers from the high school, and I’ll admit, I’m a little worried that he may be suspicious.”
“You should be,” I inform her, then reach for my glass to take a drink.Her brows crumple together at my words as her mouth folds in on itself again.I place my glass back on the table and look her in the eyes.“I saw him today at the grocery store.He didn’t look so happy to see me, but he did take the time to warn me to stay away from his fiancée.”
“Shit!”She reaches for her purse and pulls out her wallet, dropping a twenty to the table and then slowly rising.“This was a bad idea coming here.”
“Wait.”I rise from my chair, holding my hand out and instantly regretting my words.“I need to talk to you.”
