Page 137 of One Night Together

CHAPTER 52

CASSIE

Cassie gazed out the window as the car made its way up the hill to Meraki. The afternoon sunlight glinted off the water, sparkling as far as she could see. It was a welcome sight after the long night she’d had. Justin had insisted she take his jet, and she was grateful to be able to cry in a private waiting area without the press lurking around or curious tourists taking photos with cellphone cameras. While waiting for takeoff, she emailed Margaret and Irini to tell them she was going to Meraki. Cassie also sent Michael an email requesting to work remotely for a couple of weeks. If he refused, she’d be unemployed, but it was a risk she had to take.

Lucy had called to say she spoke to Leo. She said he was heartbroken but that he would respect her wishes to be left alone. Cassie wiped away fresh tears, recalling his shattered expression when she’d walked out the door. Her heart ached to be with Leo, and she didn’t know how she would survive two weeks without him. But somehow, she would. She had to.

The car approached the farmhouse. Everything had seemed possible the last time they were here. And now she was more confused than ever.

“We’re here, miss,” the driver announced.

“Thanks.” She climbed out of the back seat while the driver removed her suitcase from the trunk. The scent of baking bread welcomed her when she stepped inside the house. “Irini?” she called out.

“Welcome back, Cassie,” Irini greeted her, giving her a huge hug. “How are you?”

Cassie missed seeing Irini’s cherubic smile and her dark eyes framed by deep lines.

“I’ve been better, but I’m glad to be here. You’re going to spoil me with fresh bread.”

Taking a closer look at Cassie, Irini’s expression shifted to concern. “You look like you could use a little spoiling.”

Cassie noticed more stacks of boxes in the living room. “Thanks. I’ll be okay.” Cassie appreciated Irini’s concern, but she wanted to keep busy. “It looks like you’ve got your hands full with all this packing.”

Irini took a folded piece of paper out of her pocket. “Margaret Somerville told me there’s no rush, but she sent me a detailed inventory that’s going to take time to put together.”

Cassie took the list from Irini. “Let me help.” It was the least she could do in thanks for all the work Irini had done for her.

“That would be great!” A timer went off in the kitchen. “The bread is done.” Irini rushed back to the kitchen.

Cassie carried her bags to her room and tossed them on the floor. Her gaze settled on the bed where she and Leo had made love. How did everything go so wrong? She brushed a tear away in frustration. She needed to keep her mind occupied on something other than Leo.

She opened the folded piece of paper and examined the list. Some items were crossed off, but there was still a lot to do. She headed to Beatrice’s office and got to work.

She wrapped and boxed the framed family photos, selected books, and assorted mementos the family had requested. Once that was done, she turned her attention to the piles of papers. No time like the present to organize the paperwork to separate what needed to be saved and what could be tossed. She took a seat at the desk and glanced at the dissertation where she’d left it. There was no point in re-reading Beatrice’s comments. They were tough enough the first time. She tossed it in the trash bin.

Cassie sorted through research notes for hours. Next, she removed all the saved letters and organized them according to those affiliated with a university and those from private individuals. Underneath the last letter, she saw a Polaroid photograph. A young, smiling Beatrice posed next to a real estate sign, holding a white piece of paper. It must have been the deed when she bought the property. On the back, in Beatrice’s elegant penmanship, she wrote,Meraki,my creativity and passion.

Irini popped into the office and flipped on a light. “You’re working too hard.”

“I’m almost done.”

Irini peered over her shoulder. “Beatrice looks so young in that photograph.”

“She sure does. Was the property always called Meraki?”

“No, Beatrice named it. Perfect for her, wasn’t it? She devoted herself to her research; it was never work for her.”

“No, it wasn’t.” She continued to study Beatrice’s glowing expression.

“I’m going home now unless there’s anything else you need. I’ve got the fridge stocked. I made you some lentil soup for tonight. All you have to do is heat it up.”

“Thanks, Irini. I appreciate it.”

Irini left with a wave, and Cassie sat back in the chair. The setting sun cast a warm glow throughout the office. It was as beautiful as the night Leo said he was in love with her. She closed her eyes tight, willing herself not to cry. She missed him so much. It would be so easy to get on the next plane and go back to him, but she needed this time to reflect on who she was and what she wanted.

When she felt calmer, she opened her eyes. Her gaze shifted to her dissertation sitting in the trash can where she’d tossed it. She picked it up and flipped through the pages, skimming Beatrice’s comments in the margins. Beatrice scolded her many times for holding back. Her ideas were solid, but she’d diminished Psyche’s power.

Cassie turned to the last page, where Beatrice wrote her final comments. This time the last sentence practically jumped from the page.

---