Page 96 of Love & Other Disasters

“Those are cookies I made,” she giggled.

“Thanks. I’ll need a snack as I get this place cleaned.”

“Are you new to the area?” Cassie twisted a section of hair around one finger and looked up at him through her lashes. How old was this child?

“Originally from Chicago. This is my mom’s house. I’m helping.”

“Oh, you’re Evelyn’s son?” her eyes lit. “How is she? Such a sweet lady.”

“She’s okay,” he said, not wanting to get into the Alzheimer’s bit.

“This must be so hard on you.” Her hand squeezed his bicep, and he wanted to run back into the house and slam the door.

“Thanks, Cassie,” he said, shaking off her hand. “I better get back to cleaning.”

“Do you need any help?” she cooed.

“No, I’m good.” He’d didn’t need the neighbors witnessing this child coming into his house alone.

“Well, if you change your mind, let me know. I can help in the afternoons. I have morning classes at Northwestern.”

Cassie was in college, which meant she was legal. But from the looks of it, barely. He still wasn’t interested. She didn’t hold a candle to Violet.

“Aren’t classes out for the summer?”

“I’m taking a couple over the summer to graduate quicker,” she replied.

J.P. nodded, thanked Cassie again for the cookies, and closed the door between them. He exhaled, and stared at the plate in his hand. Did he imagine her flirtation?

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