“Whatever Cassie tells you about me, please remember I wasn’t always like this. Believe it or not, there was a time whenI was a better version of myself. She probably doesn’t remember much about those times, but they did happen—whether she wants to admit it or not.”
I gave her a soft smile, understanding her statement more than she would ever realize.
She quickly turned the key, unlocking the door with a click and closing it behind her in a flash.
At least I knew she was in there safe and sound—not wandering the street somewhere or being harassed while she tried to make her way to her apartment.
As I walked back to my truck, something dawned on me. That was probably how Cassie had felt all these years, always making sure her mom was safe for at least one more night.
“How’d that go?” Cassie asked as I hopped into the driver’s seat, my hands gripping the leather steering wheel.
“Best it could, I reckon. She’s in for the night, safe and sound.”
“Great. Now take me home, please. I’m exhausted, I need a shower, and I need to get the hell away from you.”
I released a slow deep breath, frustrated with the situation I had found myself in.
“Listen, Cassie. I know I fucked up, and I’m sorry. Every fiber of my being wishes I could change what happened. I don’t actually regret what we did, not for a second. I was just scared,” I admitted.
“Scared of what Jace?” I could tell she was pissed off because her voice started to rise.
“Scared that you’d get exactly what you wanted out of me, and I’d be just another girl on your roster? Oh, poor Jace McKinley with the perfect life, gets everything and every woman he wants—including me apparently. So woe is Jace, I know, spare me.”
“Cassie, you think you’re the only one with problems? The only one with shit going on or demons to fight? Well, you’re not. My life isn’t as perfect as you think, and I fucked up big time, I get it. But I’m sitting here trying to find any way I possibly can to make it better, Cass. I’m sorry,” I said, throwing the truck into drive and speeding off in frustration.
“What’s so hard about Jace McKinley’s life? Come on, don’t hold back now,” she said, egging me on.
I gripped the steering wheel tighter, my knuckles turning whiter by the second.
“I’m not ready to tell you, Cass.” That’s all I managed to say after a few seconds of contemplating whether I should tell her the truth or not.
“Well, if you’re not ready to tell me, then I’m not ready to forgive you,” she huffed, crossing her arms, riding the rest of the way home in silence.
I made sure she made it into her house safely before leaving. One of the most confusing and frustrating days of my life finally over.
Chapter 18 – Cassie
Today was the big day—Ellie’s big day.
As she gently positioned her veil on top of her head, I looked around, taking in all the love in the room.
Ellie’s mom and dad passed away tragically in a car accident when Ellie was in high school. As her best friend, I knew how she had worried for a long time about what would happen when her big day came.
Who would walk her down the aisle?
Who would help her get ready?
We stayed up lots of nights talking about it. I always assured Ellie she wouldn’t be alone, no matter what. My heart swelled as I realized the blind promises I’d made her on all those late nights were actually coming true.
Alice––Colt’s mom––was helping Ellie position her veil. Molly was situating Ellie’s train so that it would flow perfectly as she walked down the aisle. I held her bouquet carefully, making sure not to disturb the white roses and pink peonies held together by silk ribbon.
“You ready for the big moment?” I asked excitedly, handing her the bouquet.
She twirled around a final time, her smile the biggest I had ever seen it. “More than you’ll ever know.”
Jace and a few other groomsmen were standing outside the doorway in the hall. As each groomsman took his place beside his bridesmaid, Jace inched closer and extended his arm for me to take.
“I’m playing nice with you a couple more hours and then I’m going back to hating your guts. Understand?” I said, drawing a line in the sand as I hesitantly wrapped my arm around his.
