Page 78 of Back Up Plan

“Look, just to say, I know my coming here is strange, but it doesn’t mean we have to continue anything if…”

Ari nodded, “I get it.”

“I didn’t want to leave you high and dry,” Cass said, “But, I also wanted to say something to you.”

Cass let her hand fall to Ari’s, lacing their fingers together.

“You don’t get to decide for me what I want in a relationship,” Cass started.

Ari, confused, scrunched her face and listened.

“I know how much time and devotion I need from a partner. And you never asked,” Cass explained.

Ari laughed, it all becoming so clear to her now.

“You’re right, I should’ve just asked. I think I didn’t want you to think that I expected anything more from you than what we had agreed: help each other out and maybe be friends.”

Cass smiled, leaning into Ari and adding, “That was before Ginger’s, before Hedone’s… before your message.”

Ari tilted her head.

“I listened to the end…” Cass said, hoping Ari would pick up the string.

“Right,” Ari said, her slip up.

They looked into each other’s eyes, their fingers locked together, the warm breeze blowing in their clothes.

“Did you mean it?” Cass asked, giving Ari the “heat of the moment” excuse.

She took a deep breath,was she really going to admit she was in love with a complete stranger after just a few weeks?

“I think I was starting to mean it,” Ari said, not wanting to confess entirely.

Cass brought her hands up to Ari’s neck, draping them on her shoulders, “Maybe I’m starting to feel it too.”

Ari pulled back, “But what about Elle?”

Cass shrugged, “I started to feel like being alone was me hiding from it. And what I really need is to be with someone who I really trust.”

“But I didn’t do as you asked,” Ari said.

“Nobody’s perfect, but when I asked, you answered honestly,” Cass smiled.

Ari rested her head on Cass’s forehead. Just a few hours ago she dreaded being in her apartment, but now, all she wanted to do was take this gorgeous woman home, take off their clothes, and down a pint of ice cream.

Ari looked into Cass’s eyes, “But, what do you want from this?”

Cass took a deep breath, “I hadn’t figured that out yet. But I know I want you to be honest with me, to tell me when you need to cancel plans, to be present with me when you’re with me. And the rest we can figure out.”

Ari inhaled, letting the air rest in her chest before releasing it, “You’re okay with me not being able to go out all the time or be home by six?”

Cass laughed, “I work late all the time. I sleep until noon. I really couldn’t care less.”

Ari laughed, “Fair enough.”

Ari brought her hands to Cassie’s face, holding her head.

“I’m going to kiss you now,” Ari said.

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