Page 119 of Bluffed By the Offense

“It’s no big deal.”

“To them it is.” My voice catches in my throat. I pull her in and release her.

She looks up at me, not stepping back, but dropping her arms. Her face says everything. She knows how it was for me. I didn’t have a bad childhood. My house was full of love. We had what we needed. Somehow we always made it work.

I don’t make a habit of talking about my background. Not to the guys. Not to anyone.

Bradley did his homework before the morning show interview. I’m not ashamed, but I didn’t want it dragged out in front of the whole state. At least I got to give my mom the credit she deserves.

“I might have a big heart,” Cass says, a look of mischief in her eyes. “But it’s nothing compared to the size of your ego.”

I laugh.

And just like that, she makes everything right in the world.

After dinner, Winona and Declan clear the plates to the kitchen.

“You two make yourselves comfortable in the living room,” Winona says. “You never get time alone together.”

She noticed. At least we have the excuse that I’m in season.

Declan’s in season too, but he makes time to see Winona.

I’d see Cass more if she’d let me. Maybe I’ll suggest it.

But first, I need to ask her a question.

Cass walks through Declan’s two-story hallway past the entryway and staircase and into his front room. This place is so opulent. It’s hard to imagine him growing up here. To me, childhood is sharing a bedroom with your siblings and fighting over the shower and the toilet.

“So,” I say when we’re both seated on the couch.

She turns toward me.

“What were you doing outside my house the other night?”

“Your house? I wasn’t outside your house. I thought you lived in the condos Declan’s dad built. And I haven’t been there since they went up.”

“My house,” I clarify. “On Cherry Hill.”