“That’d be great, Dad.”
He grabs Mum’s mug and heads into the kitchen while I flop onto the couch.
Mum smiles at me. “So, how did it go?”
“Well …” I knew she’d be digging. “We had burgers and then went to a movie. The movie was great.”
“You know that’s not what I’m asking.” She narrows her eyes at me.
“I know.” I laugh. “It was good, Mum. Cassie had a good time.”
“It’s good to see you two together.”
I nod. “I messed up for way too long. But I’m fixing it.”
She sighs. “It’s about time. I’m glad it’s happened before we move. Is she still going to Auckland Uni?”
“Yep. We haven’t talked much about that yet, but she told me she is.”
“Be careful with her heart, Patrick. She’s not Vicki.”
“I know she’s not.”
“I like her. Cassie was always such a sweet girl.”
I fix my gaze on my mother’s. “She still is. We’re dating, Mum. I figure we have the summer to work out where this is heading.”
She nods. “Just be careful. And watch Vicki because you know she’ll try and cause trouble.”
“I know. And I’ll be keeping a close eye on everything. I don’t trust Vicki anywhere near Cassie.”
Clearly I’ve said the right thing, as she smiles. I love my mother, and I love how protective she is over Cassie. We’ve clashed in the past as she didn’t believe I was doing enough for her, and I was so far in my head, I thought everything was as it should be.
It’s obvious now that things haven’t been right for a very long time, and that’s entirely on me.
But now I have the summer to make things right and get Cassie and me back on track.
Auckland can be the fresh start we need.
I’mon her doorstep the following morning.
Not so early this time—I was always the early bird while she likes her sleep.
Cassie’s mother smiles when she opens the door. “She’s just having coffee. Come in.”
It’s the first time in years I’ve been in this house, but it’s as familiar to me as my own.
I walk through to the kitchen. Cassie’s at the dining table with her father, and she looks up, her eyes widening.
I told you I’d be here.
“Morning, Patrick,” Mr Warren says.
“Good morning.” I smile.
“Hey,” Cassie says.
I take a seat next to her. “I thought we could go for a walk on the beach. Maybe grab some lunch later?”
