Page 3 of Cass

I nod in understanding. “How is it for you being back at work?” She only recently returned to work after Scott’s birth. She’s a cardiovascular surgical resident. She works at the same hospital as her husband, Brody. He’s a neurosurgeon.

“It’s great to be back. I missed it when I was home. I’m definitely happy that Scott’s at the hospital nursery three days a week though. That way I can run down and see him when I get a break.” I know that Darian takes him the other two days a week. She’s relishing her new role as a grandmother.

“You look amazing.” She looks like she never even had a baby. Her perfect, gorgeous figure is back in full form.

She smiles. “Thank you,” I hear her mutter under her breath, “not for long.”

I look at her in surprise. She nods. She brings her finger to her mouth, indicating that I should keep quiet about it. That was certainly quick. They didn’t waste any time at all.

The ceremony eventually begins. The business school students are all walking across the stage, shaking hands, and receiving their diplomas.

We see Trevor. He sticks out, being so tall and insanely handsome. He’s such a dichotomy. He’s extremely manly looking, well beyond his years, but has such a boyish charm and wit about him. He turns heads and commands attention in any room he enters, but as soon as he speaks, he has you in stitches.

No one who knows his personality would believe how domineering he is in the bedroom. I love that about him. I love that I know that about him.

He turns and waves at all of us. When he sees me, he seductively licks his lips and winks. I look around. I hope no one in the family noticed that. No one seems to have noticed.

Darian leans over, and whispers to me, “I think Trevor’s having second thoughts about moving to New York City. He recently told Jackson that he wants a little more time to think about it. He may end up staying in Philly working directly with Jackson and Payton.”

This is news to me. “He is? I didn’t know that. Did he say why he may change his mind?”

She shakes her head. “Honestly, I’m not sure why. He alluded to possibly missing his family and friends, but I think there’s a woman involved. I can’t think of any other logical reason.” I gulp. “He hasn’t mentioned anyone, but Hayden said he hasn’t been going out to bars with him very much, and he hasn’t been bringing home any random women at all. Apparently, that’s highly unusual for him.”

Oh, Trevor. What are you doing? I can admit that I’ve let him get a little too close over the past year, since I’m not really seeing anyone else myself, but that was because we always had a crystal-clear expiration date. We knew that his graduation and subsequent move to New York City would be the end of our time together.

I need to talk to him about this. He’s always wanted to live in New York. It’s his dream. I won’t stand in the way. He absolutely has to go. He’ll never forgive himself if he doesn’t see this through.

Darian grabs my hand. “You’ll come with us to our celebratory dinner after this, won’t you?”

I nod and smile. “Of course. I’m happy to come. Thank you.” Maybe I’ll be able to find an opportunity to pull him aside and talk with him at dinner. If not there, I’m sure he’s planning on coming by afterward to celebrate alone with me.

* * *

Our whole bigcrew is at a fancy downtown steakhouse for the celebratory dinner. Our table is comprised of the Lawrences, Coopers, and Knights, including Melissa.

It’s an interesting dynamic between Jackson and Melissa. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen such amicable former spouses. The two of them chat effortlessly, as if they’re lifelong friends. It doesn’t seem to bother Darian in the slightest. I’m sure it’s in part because even when he’s talking to Melissa, his hands are still all over Darian.

My parents never spoke a word to one another after my father moved out when I was in elementary school. He barely ever spoke to me after he left, let alone my mother. Not once did we ever have a meal all together after he left.

He remarried and had a new family he preferred to ours. I know I have a sister who must be about thirty by now, but I haven’t seen her since she was a little kid. I’ve never had any desire to have a relationship with her. I rarely, if ever, speak of her. Darian’s probably the only person who knows she exists. The Lawrences have been the only family I’ve known since I graduated from college. I’m entirely content with that.

Trevor is seated between his parents, Jackson and Melissa. Darian is on the other side of Jackson. His constant need to touch Darian is seemingly undeterred by the fact that his ex-wife is nearby. Melissa appears completely unbothered by it. She’s done nothing but smile with pride at Trevor for the entire afternoon and evening.

The boys seem to have a great relationship with her. It’s really no different than their relationship with Jackson. I hope the boys realize how lucky they are to have parents like them.

Jackson stands, while holding up his glass of wine. “Trevor: Darian, your mother, and I are so incredibly proud of you. You breezed through the top business school in the country with straight A’s. It’s a good thing they don’t take personality into account when giving out the grades.” We laugh while Trevor gives him a teasing scowl.

“The world is your oyster, Trevor. Whether you decide to move forward with your plans to relocate to New York City or not, I know our business will be better with you in it. Payton and I are excited to welcome you. It’s a dream come true for me to work with my boys every day.” Jackson’s getting emotional. He takes a moment to compose himself. Darian rubs his leg in support.

“You should be very proud of yourself for what you’ve accomplished the past few years. My advice for you, son, is to keep working hard. Keep your foot on the pedal. You may have been the smartest person in your class, but you’re not the smartest at our company.” He smirks while he winks at Trevor.

Trevor yells out, “At least I’m the best looking.”

Jackson smiles as he sits down. “I would argue with you if you didn’t look like me. I guess you’re tied for the best looking, right sugar?” He looks down at Darian, and softly kisses her lips while squeezing her leg. He whispers something in her ear. Her face flushes. I’ve known her long enough to know she’s completely turned on by whatever he just said to her. I can read her like a book.

The two of them are so insanely hot for one another. Their love practically radiates. Their chemistry is off the charts. He looks at her as if she’s his everything. I’ve now seen two men look at Darian that way. I’ve been married three times, and dated countless men, but I’ve never had a man look at me that way. I’m confident that I never will.

Just then, I turn my attention to Trevor. He’s staring at me with fire in his eyes. My eyes pop wide open. He knows better than to look at me like that in front of the family.

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