‘Yes,’ he smiled, ‘I’ll always be here for you.’
She gave a tiny squeak of emotion. ‘Oh, Rory…’ she said in a strangled voice.
‘Listen, I’ll be with you very soon, OK?’
‘Yes, OK,’ she gulped.
‘I’ll ring you tomorrow.’
‘Yes, now you get some rest, you Climate Warrior, you,’ she teased.
‘Give me a break,’ he laughed. He was about to say something else, but stopped himself. Cassie sensed it.
‘What?’ she asked.
‘Nothing. Speak tomorrow.’
She blew him a kiss and he winked back before ending the call.
He’d shocked himself at what he wanted to say. Was it because he feared she doubted him? Did Cassie think he was another Justin figure? His reasons for not seeing her were genuine, as were his feelings. It startled him at how much he did care, given the length of time he’d known her. Cassie, he believed, thought the same way. He pictured her clinging onto him, begging him to drive safely the night he had to leave Lilacwell. A strong bond had been formed, one which he intended to protect, at all costs. Typical Rory, he’d fallen too deeply too fast, but wasn’t that what he was renowned for? He was impulsive, passionate, focused and fiercely loyal. Adira had been right; when Rory wanted something, he’d fight tooth and nail to get it – and he wanted Cassie.
*
Cassie replayed the news on her streaming app, wanting to see Rory. She paused it on the close up of his face. He really did look knackered, with dark rings circling his eyes. She felt guilty for putting pressure on him. Should she really be expecting him to travel up north when he was so busy? Under the circumstances she thought it best to go the distance, providing she’d be allowed the annual leave.
She made her way to reception, seeing Lisa on the way down.
‘Hi Lisa, you all right?’ She seemed to be getting bigger by the day.
‘Well… could I have a word please?’
‘Of course, come into the office.’ Cassie led the way to the small room opposite the reception area. She closed the door behind them. ‘Take a seat, Lisa.’
‘Thanks.’ She hesitated then continued, ‘The thing is, I was wondering if you’d consider me for the clerical post advertised.’
Cassie looked surprised. ‘But won’t you be on maternity leave?’
‘Well, yes, but long term I expect to come back to work, albeit reduced hours. I’d like to be more involved with the admin side of things.’
‘I see,’ Cassie nodded her head. ‘Don’t you like your current job?’
‘I want to progress. I would also like to earn more.’
Cassie liked her spirit. Being pregnant wasn’t going to hinder her, and why should it? Plus the increase in salary would be welcome with a new baby.
‘In that case, Lisa, yes. I think we could work something out. Can I ask what childcare you have planned once the baby’s arrived?’
‘My husband is reducing his hours, so between us we should manage. He’s keen to spend as much time as possible with the baby.’ She looked down at her growing bump. ‘We’ve waited a long time for it.’
A wave of compassion hit Cassie. She admired the young couple who clearly were going to make doting parents.
‘Right, well, seeing as no one so far has applied for the job, I’ll take it off the website. We could start to train you now, if you like. It would make sense.’
‘Yes!’ Lisa agreed in delight.
‘To be honest I was worried about you housekeeping now.’ She nodded towards Lisa’s swollen abdomen with a smile. ‘How long to go?’
‘Three months,’ beamed Lisa. ‘And… thanks Cassie, this means a lot to me.’ She patted her bump. ‘To my family.’
