“My therapist has asked me that same question.” Cassie had been trying to figure out if she could distance herself from her mom for a while. And whenever they spent time together, getting to the answer became a little more urgent. “Logically, I know that all my mom has given me is her DNA. Even before my brother was…killed, I don’t remember her as a great caretaker. I remember Dad taking us to school, cooking at night, making our lunches for school and breakfast in the morning. It was like she never really wanted kids.” She exhaled a long breath. “I sometimes wonder why she didn’t just give me away after Dad left.” Cassie caught the sob in her chest before it reached her throat, but it didn’t go unnoticed, and she found herself being drawn into Taryn’s arms. She put her hands on Taryn’s chest to stop her. “Please don’t. If you hold me, I’ll dissolve completely, and my makeup isn’tthatwaterproof.”
Taryn released her and pulled back. Cassie was relieved she could see no hurt in her eyes at the rebuff.
“I understand.”
A comfortable silence stretched on between them, and Cassie recomposed herself. “I’m sorry. I don’t think I’ve ever said that out loud.”
Taryn shook her head slowly. “Please don’t apologize.I’msorry she made you feel that way.” She gave a lopsided grin. “I hope you don’t ever introduce us; I think I’d find it hard to stay silent if she was mean to you or put you down in any way.” She raised her hands. “Ignore that. It’s not my place to challenge your mom, especially when you don’t, and you probably wouldn’t want me to. Would you like to talk about something else?”
Cassie nodded. “We should get back to enjoying this fabulous party, and I shouldn’t hog the guest of honor.”
“I was joking when I said it was my party.” Taryn slipped her hand onto Cassie’s thigh. “This is a celebration for the whole team, especially everyone behind the scenes.”
Cassie shuffled closer to Taryn so their thighs touched. “I’ll answer your question about why I keep in touch with Mom another time, I promise.”
Taryn rubbed Cassie’s thigh gently. “Whenever you’re ready. You’ll never get any pressure from me.” She slipped off the seat and held out her hand. Cassie took it, and Taryn draped her arm around Cassie’s shoulders as they headed toward Andi and Bernice. “My parents weren’t the best, but they were far from the worst, and I only spend occasional holidays with them if I’m not touring or haven’t arranged to conveniently be in another country. If I didn’t see them again, I’d be okay with that, but I think my outlook is pretty unique. Most people put up with their families, no matter what. But for me, time is too precious to spend it with people who don’t see who you really are, or who don’twantto see who you really are.”
Cassie took another sip of her champagne. “Your time thing dictates your life, doesn’t it?”
Taryn grinned. “Doesn’t it dictate everyone’s? It’s just how soon you realize how precious it is that matters. Speaking of precious, how’s Louise doing?”
Grateful for the sudden change in topic, Cassie beamed widely. “She adores her wigs, and Sara said that she doesn’t have to force her to have her friends over anymore. You made such a difference with that gesture. Thank you.”
Taryn glanced away, and even in the orange hue of the lights produced from the moving cyclones of Jupiter installations, Cassie could see her blushing.
“It was nothing,” Taryn said.
Cassie pulled Taryn to a halt. “It was definitelynotnothing. I know it might’ve seemed like a simple thing to you, but it meant the world to Louise and to her mom. Those kinds of small gestures can make such a huge difference to people.” She ran her fingers down Taryn’s tie then pulled her in for a deliciously deep kiss. “In fact, you’ve inspired me to make a difference too. I’ve signed up to work at the clinic.”
Taryn pulled her bottom lip into her mouth. “God, you taste good.”
“It’s the champagne.”
Taryn’s eyes darkened. “Oh, it’s you. It isnotthe champagne.”
“I’m glad you mentioned Louise.” She opened her purse and pulled out a small envelope that Sara had given her. “This is for you from them.”
“Aw, that’s sweet, but there was no need.” Taryn took it and opened it.
As she scanned the letter inside, her eyes began to glisten, and her smile grew wider. Whatever Louise and Sara had written, it had certainly pierced Taryn’s chrome-plated heart and melted the marshmallow inside. Cassie felt an unusual desperation to know what they’d written that had managed to have that effect on her.
Taryn closed the card, put it back in the envelope, and tucked it into the inside pocket of her jacket. She pressed her hand against her heart. “That’s something I’ll treasure.”
“And will it be going in your special wooden keepsake box?” Cassie asked, trying to make light of the appeal of Taryn’s soft underbelly and not dwell on how bereft she would feel when she no longer had that in her life.
“You’re making fun of me.” Taryn shook her head. “I knew I shouldn’t have shown you that box and told you the dog story. It could’ve gone either way, I suppose, but I took the risk anyway. It could’ve made you think I was super sweet and thoughtful. Instead, you now think I’m a sappy fool to be pitied and mocked.” She put her head in her hands and her shoulders shook.
For a brief and mortifying moment, Cassie thought Taryn might really be crying, and she placed her hand on Taryn’s forearm. “God, I’m sorry. I was just messing with you. I do think you’re super sweet and thoughtful.”
Taryn splayed her fingers open and peered between them. “You do?” she asked quietly.
Cassie took Taryn’s hands, pulled them from her face and held them tight. “I do. I think you’re amazing, and kind, and generous. You’re a wonderful woman, Taryn. And I know that Sara and Louise will love that their card means so much to you.” She kissed Taryn’s fingers.
“And I was just messing with you.” Taryn grinned and tried to pull Cassie toward her.
She put her hands on Taryn’s chest and pretended to push her away. “No kisses for you.”
Taryn pouted and gave a lost puppy expression that Cassie couldn’t bear to resist.
