Chapter Twenty Five
Cassi
Excitement rushes through me at the fact that I’m literally leaving work right now to head to the airport. I had to come in for a shift today and though I wasn’t planning to work Saturday, with classes starting up I’m not saying no to the extra money.
Nico was more than a little irritated that I couldn’t come Friday like planned but honestly, teasing him is one of my favorite past times and just like I told him, one more day won’t kill him. Though, if I’m being honest. It might kill me.
I don’t know how to describe it. Just three weeks ago, I didn’t even hardly know the guy existed. I knew a guy was dating my sister. I knew a name and a occupation. That was it. It’s insane how quickly someone can become the center of your every day. I go to sleep thinking of him, I dream of him, and then the moment my eyes open, I’m reaching for my phone to text him. It doesn’t compare to being with him in person but the whole long distant thing kinda puts a damper on it. Oh, and the sneaking around affair part.
I try not to think of it like an affair because it’s not like they arehappy. It’s not like he doesn’t want to get away from her. They are completely wrong for each other; he knows it and so do I.
Jesus. Would you listen to me? I sound like every mistress cliché there ever was. It’s true, though. What we have, it’s different. Special. And people can judge me all they want. That fact isn’t changing.
I wave goodbye to Maddie and head for the front door when it’s grabbed from me, a body stepping into the doorway before he stops. A smile takes over his face as his eyes lock onto mine.
“Good timing,” Alec smiles.
“Alec!” I say, doing my best to mask my surprise. “Uhm, what are you doing here?”
He shrugs. “You’ve been avoiding me, so I figured it was time I came and saw you.”
I smile, but I can feel that it doesn’t quite reach my eyes. There is something almost menacing about his tone that puts me on edge.
“Sorry. I’ve been busy. Picking up extra shifts, classes are starting back up on Monday. Just been busy.”
Alec nods like he believes me but there feels like some underlying tone of…something.
“I just…you don’t answer my calls or texts anymore. We don’t hang out. Did I do something?”
I shake my head as I cross my arms over my chest.
“Not at all. Really, Alec. You’re wonderful. I’ve just been busy.”
He nods like he can accept that as his eyes move down to his feet.
“My grandma is nearing the end. The doctors don’t expect her to make it to next week.”
My heart hurts for him and I reach out, rubbing his army sympathetically.
“Alec…I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do?”
“No, I’ve known it’s been coming for a while. I already told Sanders & Son that I’ll be good to start onboarding in a few weeks. It’s time I get back to my life, you know?”
I wince at that and nod in agreement.
“I wouldn’t say no to some company tonight, though,” he laughs dryly. “I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”
I hesitate for a moment before I let out a heavy sigh.
“I’m sorry. You’re gonna hate me. I actually have to get going.”
His brows furrow as he looks down at the backpack by my feet. Now I’m really regretting bringing it inside the office. I should have just left it in the car.
“Vacation?” he guesses.
“Just a quick trip,” I say, hoping he will leave it at that.
Of course, he doesn’t.
