Page 51 of Cass

I pull her inside and close the door. What the hell did Trevor do? “What are you talking about, Dare? You’re an incredible friend to me.”

“No, I’m not. I’ve never been there for you when you needed me. When your father mistreated you, when your marriage fell apart. I was too caught up in my own life to notice what was happening to you. All you’ve ever done is put my happiness above your own needs. I’ve never done anything for you.”

I shake my head. “Dare, that’s not how I see it at all.”

“That’s how it was. I’m ashamed of myself.” She’s sobbing.

“Dare, you guys took me in as family when mine wanted nothing to do with me. You guys moved me into your house when Roman stole everything from me. That’s the very definition of being there for me.”

She looks down. “What about your moments of emotional need. I was so into my own shit, I didn’t see what you were going through. You had to go to my husband because I was so selfish.”

I shake my head. “That’s not how it was. It was just weird timing. You were having a baby and getting married or taking the bar exam. It was fine. Scott helped me tremendously.”

“I know he did, but I didn’t. It should have been me. I should have been the one holding your hand. I should have been the shoulder you cried on.”

“Dare…”

“I don’t think I ever realized how close you and Scott were. I never knew you had such a special relationship with each other. I’m sorry I was so absorbed in my own grief over him that I never considered what his loss meant to you.”

I go to talk but she puts her hands up. “No, I need to say this. Until Trevor told me, I’m not sure I ever realized the depths of your friendship with Scott. You were owed more than just being my family’s crutch. I’m sorry I didn’t consider you at the time.”

“Dare…”

“You saved me. You savedourgirls. I’m sorry I didn’t return the favor.” She’s fully sobbing now.

I hug her. “Dare, you have always been there for me. You considering me family is exactly that. You guys saved me. You and Scott were a true team. Just because one couldn’t be there in a given moment, the other always was. I never viewed it any differently.”

We’re hugging, both completely covered in tears. We just hold each other for a long time.

She eventually pulls back and partially composes herself.

She puts her hand into her purse and looks at me. “Until today, I never understood why I had this. I never understood when I would know when to give it to you. I guess he knew better. He always did.” She pulls out an envelope. “He left this one for you.”

She hands me the envelope. My eyes widen and my hands shake. I look at it. ‘For My Cassie, When She Needs Some Love’. We both sit down. I think I stare at the envelope for five minutes before I open it, but eventually I do. We read it together.

Dear Cassie:

Perhaps it will surprise some that I left you a letter, but it shouldn’t surprise you. You know you were not only Darian’s closest friend, but you were also mine too. I consider you a sister to both of us.

It pains me I could never get you to see how truly amazing you are. Despite being “Crazy Cassandra,” behind the tough woman exterior you show the world, you are incredibly kind, caring, loving, and selfless.

If you’re reading this, it means I’m gone. I can’t tell you the comfort I take in knowing that you are there for Darian and our daughters. I know you will love them, care for them, and protect them. Thank you for loving my girls the way you do.

I hope one day you consider lowering your armor enough to let a deserving man in. I know you think you’re unlovable, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. You’re so very lovable. Darian loves you. My daughters love you. I love you. If the right person comes along, I hope you will accept his love. You’re deserving of it. Hear me, Cassandra. YOU’RE DESERVING OF IT.

Take care of our girls, and make sure they take care of you. I love all five of the exceptional women in my life.

Always,

Scott

Darian and I just stare at the letter in shocked silence.

She eventually looks at me. “How does he always seem to know?”

“Maybe he was a medium. I think he had a side business in fortune telling. Madam Scott’s Fortune Telling Business. I think I saw it once on Chestnut Street.” We both burst out laughing.

After we get our giggles out of our systems, I look at her. “He truly was a good man, Dare.”

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