I turned.
Andrew.
Not gaunt.Not ruined.Not the ragged spectre I’d let myself imagine, torn up by consequence and night terrors, craving what he’d lost.He looked…fine.Better than fine.Fresh shave, clean collared shirt, expensive jacket that fit like a second skin.The kind of crisp that comes from a good life lived without interruption.
For one suspended beat, the world tilted, the past laying itself like tracing paper over the present.Then the sheet slid off.I stood still.
Shock was quickly replaced with anger.Who the fuck does he think he is?
“You have some nerve showing up here, Andrew.”I snarled.
He smiled, that practiced, gentle version I’d once mistaken for kindness.He stepped forward like we were old friends catching up.“It is so good to see you,” he said.“I have missed you.”
The mic at my collar was heavier than before.In my ear, a light crackle, a voice I didn’t know yet:Control to Cassidy, we’ve got you.
“Cass.”He softened his voice.“Aren't you going to hug me?Maybe a Kiss?I put in a lot of effort to try and catch you alone.”
“I’m not going anywhere near you.”I kept my tone even.But I was vibrating with rage.
I wasn't sure how I would react if I ever came face-to-face with him.I honestly assumed fear, pain, loss...so many emotions that I went through during my time spent healing.
In my ear:Security on route, Cassidy, you are not alone.Keep him talking.
I didn’t take my eyes off him.
"Don't be a brat, Cassidy.Is this about needing my attention?You have it.I can be yours now."
“I don't want you, and you can’t be here,” I said.“There’s a bench warrant for you, Andrew.What are you thinking coming here like this?”
One corner of his mouth lifted, amused.“That’s a little dramatic, even for you.However, we can clarify that with the judge when you inform them that you lied and wish to drop the case.”He took another step, casual, stopping just a breath shy of my space.I could smell his usual cologne, a scent that used to warm me and now made me sick.“Congratulations, by the way,” he said.“All of this.It’s cute.”
Cute.Like a trick a dog learns.
“You are delusional,” I said, repeating.“You can’t be here.”
“Don't try to pretend to be in control of what we have, Cassidy.We both know who owns this relationship,” He laughed low, “I wanted to see you, so I am.I want all this to go away and for you to come with me...So you will!”
My scalp prickled.I clenched my fists, my nails biting into my palms.
“You know, I got a little jealous when you wore the yellow dress that I love forhim,” he went on.“You looked good on Canada Day.”
I knew it.It wasn't just my fear making me jumpy.
The mic hummed.In my ear:Team confirming visual.Two out.Thirty seconds.A different voice, lower:Don’t engage physically.Keep him talking.Police have been dispatched.
“You’ve been watching me, stalking me?”My voice threatened to crack, but I pushed past it.
“I’ve been paying attention to you.For us.”He gestured vaguely toward the stage, then back to me.“I read the interviews.I see how they try to make you into something that you aren't.”He leaned closer, lowering his voice like he was telling me a secret.“I wanted to remind you who we are.”
“Andrew, there isn't aus,” I said.
He smiled like I was adorable.“Cassidy, come on.Don’t do the pity-script.The push and pull.I know you.You don’t like that small-town boy, what’s his name?Brady?”
“Brody.”
“Sure.”He waved a hand.“He’s the kind of guy you try on.Not the kind you keep.You like men who can change a room just by walking into it.Men who make the world tilt in your direction.You like a certain kind of heat, a certain pace...Fuck, the way your cries sounded when you’d beg me to choose you, and all I had to do was bend you over and tell you I loved you with my cock buried deep for you to be mine all over again.”
How had I ever thought what we had was love?
