Page 12 of Cass

She looks surprised. “He wants to change his plans because of you?”

“Yes. I can’t let him do that. I won’t let him do that. It’s always been his dream to live there.”

“That’s why we’re seeing Dennis for the first time? It’s just to get under Trevor’s skin? You’re pushing him away?”

I nod. “Yes. It’s for Trevor’s own good. He’ll realize that one day. I can’t let him stay for me, Harley. It’s not right.”

“Are you sure it’s casual for you? I’ve never seen you cry, especially over a man.”

“Of course, it’s casual. That’s all I do.” She stares at me for a moment. She knows I’m lying.

“Does Mom know?”

“Absolutely not. You can’t tell her. I don’t want her to be upset with me, or to be the cause of issues between her and Jackson. She’s so happy with him. I won’t ruin that for her.” I shake my head. “It’s over now. It doesn’t matter anymore.”

Harley nods as she lets out a deep breath. “I swore I’d never keep anything from her again, but I think I owe you this much for all the things you’ve done for me over the years.”

She looks at me with sympathy. “Are you sure it’s over? Neither of you really look like it is. You both look pained.”

I wipe my eyes and stand tall. “It is definitely over, Harley. He needs to go to New York. For obvious reasons, we could never work out. He needs this final push from me, and I’m giving it to him. He should find someone his own age. It’s for the best.”

“I know he doesn’t like girls his own age, but I agree, this is probably for the best. Are youreallyokay?”

I put on my best fake smile. “Yep. Come on. Let’s go back outside and have a fun day. We can all watch Jackson molest your mother.” She laughs as we make our way outside.

Jackson begins cooking food on the grill. I stay in the pool with Dennis, as far away from Trevor as possible. Trevor’s sulking, and practically staring daggers at Dennis

I’ve never done anything like this with Dennis before. We’ve never spent time together outside of a bedroom, or outside of having sex. I can’t imagine what he’s thinking. He appears to be having a good time though.

We sit down to eat. As always, Jackson and Darian put on a huge spread of food.

Reagan notices that Trevor seems down. I know the two of them are pretty close. “Trevor, seeing any new older women lately. I hear the nursing home near here’s having a mixer. I know someone. I can get you in.” She’s attempting to lighten his mood, but doesn’t realize she’s just made it worse.

He gives her an insincere smile. “Just one, but she’s a closed off, cold-hearted bitch, so I don’t think it’s going to work out.”

Reagan’s chin drops at the very un-Trevor like comment. Jackson stands up. “Trevor! I didn’t raise any of you to ever disrespect a woman that way. I don’t care what she’s done, I never want to hear you talk like that again. Grow up. Apologize to the ladies at this table. Right now.”

Trevor moves his eyes across Darian’s girls, eventually landing them at Darian. “I’m sorry.”

She smiles at him. “It’s okay. You’re obviously hurting. I’m sorry for that. We’re here for you if you need to talk.”

Jackson roughly grabs Trevor’s arm. “Why don’t you and I go and have a little chat? I think you need to blow off some steam.”

Darian stands, as she touches Jackson’s arm. “Actually, Jackson, Trevor and I are going to go for a walk.” She turns back to Trevor. “Are you okay with that, Trevor?” Trevor nods at her. She links her arm through his and they walk off.

* * *

TREVOR

Darian waits until we’re out of earshot of everyone before she speaks. “Talk to me, Trevor. What’s going on with you? I’ve never seen any behavior like that from you before. Something is obviously bothering you. Let me help you.”

I look down. “Nothing’s bothering me. I’m fine.”

“That’s clearly not true. I’ve never seen you as anything but happy and carefree.”

“I’m entitled to bad days just like everyone else, Darian.”

She gives me a knowing stare.

---