Page 13 of Cass

I let out a breath. “Fine. I like a woman more than she likes me. It’s pretty simple. I’m just frustrated over the whole situation. I’m sure it will pass.”

“I know my girls always joke with you about liking older women. Is the woman you’re interested in older than you?”

I nod. “Yes, she is. I do prefer more mature women. I always have.”

“How old is she, Trevor?”

“It doesn’t really matter. She doesn’t want me anymore. She’s done with me. She basically discarded me like I meant nothing to her.”

“Is she a married woman?”

I shake my head. “No, no. Nothing like that. I wouldn’t get involved in something like that.” She looks relieved. She obviously thought I was seeing a married woman.

“I hate that you’re hurting so much. How long has it been going on?”

I shrug my shoulders. “A good amount of time. Long enough that I didn’t deserve to be treated this poorly.”

“Is she the reason you’ve been wavering on New York City?”

“She was. Now I’m confused about it all.”

“Maybe you need some distance. Maybe a fresh start would be good for you. I hate to see you leave, but I think you need to try. The first time I met you, you gave me a very passionate speech about how much you wanted to live in New York. I don’t think you should give up on that dream.”

“You mean the time I found you naked on top of Dad?”

She elbows me. “Yes, that time. Thanks for the walk down memory lane.” I smile at her and she returns the smile.

“I already told Dad that I was staying in town. But I’ll admit, I’m confused about what I want to do now.”

“He never told me that you made a final decision. When did you tell him?”

“When I first arrived today. That was why I came over early. I wanted to tell him that I’d made my final decision.”

She smiles. “I’m pretty sure you can still change your mind. I doubt he’s made any major changes one way or the other since this morning.”

She squeezes my arm, and rests her head on it for a bit. We walk in comfortable silence.

At some point, she stops and looks up at me. “I have an idea. I just helped your dad with a few contracts on a luxury apartment building right near Times Square. There are a handful of vacant apartments in the building. Why don’t we talk to him about you temporarily staying in one of them. Maybe give it five or six months. You don’t have to commit to anything longer than that. You can spend time there and see if you’re happy. If you are, you can make a more permanent change. If not, you can always come home.”

That’s actually not a terrible idea. I can test the waters for a few months. The distance might be good, even if just temporary. “You’re not just a pretty face, Darian.” She laughs.

“I really like that idea. Thank you. If you think Dad will go for it, I’d be willing to try.”

“Wonderful. He’ll go for it. Just leave it to me. I have my ways with him.” I laugh. I’m more than confident she can get him to do just about anything.

She pulls my arm. “Come on. Let’s head back to everyone and finish eating.”

We head back in significantly better spirits than when we left. When we get there, Reagan comes over to hug me. “I’m really sorry if I upset you. I hope you know I was just joking with you.”

I hug her back. “I know you were. It had nothing at all to do with what you said. You just got me at a bad moment. It was actually funny though. Nursing homes are definitely my scene. I really dig bingo night.” She smiles at me.

Harley stands up to speak. Oh no. She saw us earlier. I don’t need this added to my shit day. She sees my concern, and subtly shakes her head at me. She’s not going there. Phew.

“Everyone, Brody and I have some news.” She picks up Scotty and kisses his cheek. “This little guy is going to be a big brother.” She smiles. “I know it’s quick, and was rather unexpected, but I’m pregnant. Again.”

Darian nearly skyrockets in happiness. She runs over and hugs Harley. “This is such great news. Congratulations you two.”

Reagan looks at Harley. “Did you accidentally get knocked up twice in one year?”

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