Page 39 of Cass

CASSANDRA

“Surprise!” Darian looks behind her assuming the surprise is for someone else.

Jackson smiles down at her. “It’s for you, sugar.”

She pinches her eyebrows together. “For what?”

“You only turn fifty and a half once.”

“Jackson, I told you not do anything for my fiftieth.”

“It’s not your fiftieth. It’s your fifty-and-a-half birthday.” He rubs her face with his hand. “I want to celebrate it. I want to celebrate my beautiful wife. We’ve missed a lot of birthdays together. I want to make up for it. I love you, Darian.”

She smiles up at him. He bends down and gives her an open-mouthed kiss. In typical Darian and Jackson fashion, it goes a step too far for a room full of friends and family. Trevor and Reagan both yell, “Get a room,” and then hysterically laugh.

Jackson motions for me to come over. I walk their way. He puts his arm around me. “Cassandra actually did all the heavy lifting. She planned it all.” He gives me a big smile and a squeeze.

“I’m going to grab you ladies a few drinks. I’ll be right back.”

He leaves. Harley, Reagan, and Skylar come over to hug Darian.

Reagan laughs. “Happyish birthday, Mom.”

Darian looks at all of us and shakes her head. “Why did you guys let him do this?”

I shrug. “He was doing it with or without us. At least now we know it will be everything you like. It’s hard to find the right seafood to please you, Dare. I had to have that shit flown in. You’re lucky you married a rich guy who thinks the world revolves around your naked body.”

She smiles at me. “Well, thanks for all the hard work. I appreciate it. I guess we’ll have to have a little fun tonight.”

She moves to hug me, but I gingerly hug her back. She looks at me in question. “I have a little poison ivy on my legs. I don’t think it’s contagious, but I don’t want to risk it.”

She gives me a quizzical stare. “Poison ivy? Are you twelve years old at sleepaway camp?” I laugh.

Reagan glares at me. “Maybe a little romp in the woods, Aunt Cass?” I give her a devilish grin. “Oh my god, it was that. That’s hysterical. Only you. I miss your stories. I feel like we haven’t heard any in a while.” They’re certainly not getting this story.

“I was in a little bit of a dry spell, but I may be getting back on track soon.”

All four of them look at me in shock. Skylar crosses her arms. “I’ve never seen you have a dry spell. This gives women everywhere hope.” We laugh, but I get a look from Harley. She knows that Trevor moving back to town is the possible cause of the end of my dry spell.

Darian looks at Harley and mistakes her expression. “Oh, doll, are you worried about Ellie? This must be your first night away from her.”

She shakes her head. “No, she’s fine. Brent and Melanie are with Ellie and Scotty right now enjoying their grandchildren. I just don’t think I’m quite physically ready to hit the dance floor in full swing tonight. I’m sorry if I’m a little bit of a party pooper.”

Darian hugs her. “You have no idea how happy I am that you’re just here.” Harley nods in understanding.

The first half of the party goes off without a hitch. Everyone is having a great time. They’re dancing, drinking, eating and chatting.

Darian looks blissfully happy. Jackson has barely left her side except to make sure her glass is full.

I suddenly feel the hairs on my neck rise. I can feel Trevor before I see him approaching. He leans down and whispers in my ear, “Care to dance?”

I turn and look at him. “If you promise to behave yourself and keep it clean.”

He grins at me and mouths, “Never.”

I try to walk away but he grabs my body. I can’t pull away now. That would cause a bigger scene.

I do my best to keep the dance respectable. He’s making it difficult, constantly pressing his body to mine. “Sexy, I’m ready to tell everyone.”

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