Page 58 of Unsure in Love

“You don’t say?” I looked skyward. Lying was one thing I hated.

“Yeah, a fortunate coincidence. She’s in your city. I wanted to ask you the favor of checking in on her for me.”

I embraced my guilt as Nic rattled off the hotel Cass was staying in and then her phone number. “She’ll probably be annoyed I gave you her number without asking her first. I’ll deal with her anger later. I just want to know she’s alright.”

“I’m sure she’s fine.” Because I was looking right at her.

Cass gazed at me with her head tilted to one side, probably wondering what Nic was saying, so I put the phone on speaker.

“Why the worry?” I asked.

“She was supposed to spend one week there, but then she called her sisters and announced she’s canceled her flight and extended her stay.”

That was my doing. I felt bad that her family was worried, but I had assumed they knew about me.

“Okay. What’s the problem?” I ask.

Nic sighed heavily. “That’s what I asked Lucy. Cass is a grown woman, after all. But I hate that Lucy constantly worries. She goes into ‘mom-mode,’ as her sisters always say.”

My lips twisted into a small smile. I guess that comes with having younger siblings. As an only child, I didn’t know that kind of worry. Would my son or daughter remain an only child? My gaze strayed to Cass’s stomach. My child was in there, and it was incredible.

“Damian?”

“Yeah?”

“Are you listening?”

“Of course. You’re worried about Lucy getting worked up, worrying about her sister,” I reiterated while I held Cass’s gaze.

She pursed her lips and ducked her head.

“I can’t have my pregnant wife stressed,” Nic said. “And the others are concerned too. Cass hasn’t been communicating with her sisters and that’s not like her. Just check on her for me, please. If her sisters know she isn’t alone in a strange city, they’ll feel better. I will too.”

Staring at the phone, I said, “Sure thing. I’ll check on her.”

Cass looked up and our eyes locked.

“I’ll make sure she’s alright while she’s here. You have my word.” At least that wasn’t a lie…

“Thanks, man.”

“I’m happy to do it.”

“I have to get back to work,” Nic announced. “Call me when you see Cass.”

“Sure.”

I hung up and gazed at the phone for a moment before musing, “Well, that was awkward.”

It was a joke, but guilt was stamped on Cass’ face.

“I’m so sorry. I know you hate lying to your friend. I’ll—”

“Cass, stop. It’s fine. Nic will find out about us eventually. Let’s not dwell on that right now.” Our time together was limited, and I didn’t want to waste it worrying.

“I feel like I put you in a tough spot.”

I chuckled and took her chin between my fingers. “Sweetness, I put myself in a tough spot. I knew damn well Nic would hate the idea of me pursuing you, but I did anyway.”

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