“I’m not here to cause a scene, Cass.”
“That’s not an answer.”
Rick stayed still and waited because some people needed to fill the silence, and Rick knew Cass was one of them.
Cass’s eyes flicked down the hall once, then back to him. Her expression softened a fraction. “Are you okay?”
Rick smiled slightly. “I’m fine.”
Cass studied him for another second, then sighed. She opened the door wider. “Come in. But… just—don’t be weird.”
Rick stepped into the room, smiling as he walked past. It was a standard hotel setup. The bed had been made, and the curtains were half-open, showing the city lights. Cass’ suitcase stood on the luggage stand, half open.
Cass closed the door behind him but didn’t lock it straight away. She stood with her hand still on the handle, watching him as if she was waiting for him to explain himself.
Rick took his hood down, but he didn’t take his gloves off.
Cass noticed. Her gaze dropped to his hands, then lifted again. “Why are you wearing those?”
“It’s cold.” Rick smiled and shrugged.
Cass’s brows lifted, but she let it go. She walked toward the window, then turned back, arms folding across her chest. “So. You saw me where?”
“Online,” Rick told her.
Cass gave a short laugh. “Of course.”
Rick’s eyes tracked her as she moved. She looked good. “How have you been?” Rick asked.
Cass blinked, thrown by the normal question. “Uh. Good.”
Rick nodded. “That’s nice.”
Cass shifted her weight. “I’m on tour,” she said, as if she had to fill the silence. “Or about to be. Rehearsals. Meetings. You know the usual stuff.”
Rick kept his face steady. “With him.”
Cass’s mouth twitched. “Jalen.”
“Yes.”
Cass’s eyes sharpened. “Is that why you’re here? Because you saw my name next to his and decided to check up on me?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“You didn’t have to.” She sighed and rubbed her forehead. “Jesus, Rick.”
Rick watched her hand drop. He watched the way she tried to stay calm. She always had that habit—keeping things smooth, keeping things professional, even when the person in front of her didn’t deserve it.
Cass glanced at him again, and her expression shifted. “How are you?”
“I’m working,” Rick said.
Cass nodded slowly. “Writing? Producing?”
Rick didn’t answer fast enough, and Cass saw it. Her face softened again, and there it was. A flicker of pity that made Rick’s stomach turn.
“I’m fine,” Rick said, sharper than before.
