Page 71 of Back Up Plan

As soon as the words came out of her mouth, Ari knew she should’ve seen it coming. Of course, Cass would start seeing Elle again.

Cass waved her hand, “We’re not like… seeing each other. She said she wanted to tell me something and I agreed to meet her.”

Ari nodded, taking a deep breath and looking to Cass.

“But, before I say what we talked about, I want to know what happened when you grabbed our bags at the party,” Cass said, meeting Ari’s gaze.

She nodded before starting, “She kind of appeared behind me, trying to block my path. And was insinuating that you weren’t ever going to stop having feelings for her.”

Ari paused to read Cass, “And she said your full name. And I got defensive.”

Cass nodded, “What did you say?”

Ari looked down and took a deep breath, “I walked toward her, and she moved away from me, toward the wall. And I told her she had lost the right to call you that.”

Cass’s face was impossible to read.

“She said you’d always come back for her, and that she’s never let you go. So, I kept walking closer to her until she was against the wall. And I told her, you were mine and that she was going to back off. And then I left.” Ari finished, her heart racing. She had felt like it was the right thing to do in the moment — but now she couldn’t be sure it was.

Cass sat back and looked out over the river, the sun setting over it. The sky glowed with hues of orange, pink, and yellow.

“I asked you not to confront her,” Cass finally said.

Ari nodded, “I know. But, she was disrespecting you, to my face.”

Cass nodded, “And you knew that was a possibility when you agreed to come with me.”

Ari shook her head, “I didn’t do anything when anyone was around, I know you didn’t want to be embarrassed. But, I’m also supposed to be convincing her that I’m in love with you. And I wouldneverallow anyone to speak about you like that.”

Cass crossed her arms, “You said I was yours. Like I’m property. You didn’t do that for me, you did that for your ego.”

Ari stumbled for words, shocked that Cass was so hurt.

“I needed you there for my sake, not to convince her of anything,” Cass said, looking at Ari with hurt eyes. at

Ari nodded, “Well, I’m sorry I misunderstood what you needed.

“Thanks for saying that,” Cass muttered to the wood panels under their feet.

There was a silence, the crickets on The High Line ramping up their chirps for the night and filling the void.

Cass nodded, “I don’t think I can keep seeing you. I’m not ready to trust someone again.”

Ari shook her head, “Cass, we don’t… we haven’t even…”

“I’ll still come to your Gala if you want, but…” Cass trailed off.

Ari nodded, steeling herself, “You know what? Actually, I think a step back is a great idea. I need to focus on work, I’ve been too distracted. And I think you are better off with someone who can give you more reassurance. I’m gonna be so busy and I don’t think I have time for a relationship like that.”

Cass laughed, “Okay. Cool.”

They sat there, both of them waiting for the other to apologize and take it all back.

Finally, Ari stood and said, “I’ll see you around then.”

As she stood, she added, “And don’t worry about the Gala, I’ll just think of something else.”

Ari could feel Cass’s eyes on her as she walked away. Her chest heaved with pain. She clenched her jaw trying to swallow the tears welling in her eyes, not wanting to give Cass the satisfaction.

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