“We’re going to stop and see Phil first.”
“Are we? Any news?”
“He left a message saying he messed up.”
“That can’t be good. Why are we going?”
“If I go alone he’ll blow me off, but he has to answer to you.”
“No he doesn’t.”
“He will. He’s got a weakness for pretty girls.”
“So do you.”
He laughed. “I do sometimes.”
“What time do you get off?”
“Six.”
I heard a shuffle. “No, I’m not giving you my—”
“Cassidy?” An older male voice came on the line.
“Yes.”
“It’s Bob from the store. You can have Leo anytime you need him.”
“Oh… thanks.”
“So he’s all yours anytime.”
“You sound like my pimp!” Leo yelled.
“I’ll come get him for lunch.”
Bob laughed. “Good.”
Leo got back on. “Yeah, so that was fun.”
“I’m getting you at lunch.”
“Oh, are you now?”
“Yes. I’ll be there in a little bit.”
“Maybe I shouldn’t be annoyed at Bob.”
“You shouldn’t.”
“Should I be afraid?”
I laughed. “Maybe a little.”
“You’re fiery today.”
“It’s because of you.”
He chuckled. “I’m not alone, so I won’t comment.”
“I’ll see you soon.” I hung up.
I finished what I was working on and got right in the car. I still hadn’t been to the grocery store, so I knew I’d have to make a few stops before acting on my lunch time plan.
* * *
I pulled into the state park, parking legally this time.
“We could have saved five bucks going in my way.”
“It’s worth avoiding arrest, plus I don’t mind supporting the park.”
“Such a goody-two shoes.”
“I climbed on the roof last night.” I got out of the car and went around to the back.
“Yes you did.” Leo pulled the makeshift basket from the trunk. “I can’t believe you actually packed a picnic basket.”
“Didn’t think I could be that domestic?” I pulled out a blanket I’d luckily had in my car.
“Wait, did you make everything?”
“No. Bought it all, but I should get points for presentation.”
“You get points for thinking of a picnic in the first place.”
“I like your point system.” I walked ahead to a trail, knowing he’d follow.
“Should we go back to the same place?” I asked.
“That works.”
“But if it’s too far…”
“I can handle carrying a basket.” He flexed his arm.
I laughed. “Ok, point taken.” I was excited to go back to what I’d always view as ‘our spot’ and see it during the day time.
We continued down the trail, switched onto another, and then walked up on the pond.
“You know this place well.”
“I’ve had a lot of free time.” Leo set down the basket. “Thanks for this.”
“You haven’t even seen what I brought yet.” I laid out the blanket.
He smoothed out the other side of the blanket and took a seat. “That doesn’t matter. It’s still nice.”
I smiled. “It’s a nice day, and I was told I was allowed to come and get you.”
“Bob seems determined.”
“It’s not a bad thing.” I sat down beside him.
“He says my moodiness was annoying him. At least that’s his excuse.”
“I can’t imagine you moody.”
“I’m not moody around you.”
I pulled out the sandwiches and fruit I’d picked out. I also pulled out the bottled waters.
“What’s awesome is that you didn’t call to see what I’d want. You just decided. It’s hard to find people who will do that. You don’t overthink things.” He unwrapped his sandwich.
“You may be the first person who’s ever said that. Let’s hope you are still staying that when you take a bite.”
“Turkey. Perfect.”
“Glad it works.”
“This more than works.” He leaned over and kissed my cheek.
“I’m happy.”
“That’s good.”
“I’ve been happy all day. I did nothing but paperwork, but I smiled nearly the whole time.”
“That’s very good.”
“You’re a good influence on me.” I’d been looking at life through a different lens since meeting him.
“I can say the same thing about you.”
“Do you buy into the whole pumpkin obsession?” It was that time of the year when you couldn’t walk into a store without seeing at least a dozen pumpkin flavored items.
“All the coffee drinks and stuff?”
“Yeah. How everything is pumpkin flavored in the fall.”
“Not really. I don’t mind the hype, but it’s too sweet for my taste. I do love pumpkin pie though.”
“I don’t like the coffee, but I like the ice cream.”
“Pumpkin ice cream?” He wrinkled his nose.
“What? It’s good.”
“If you say so.”
“I haven’t seen it around here though.”
“We’ll find it.”
“Oh yeah? Suddenly going to search for it after wrinkling your nose in disgust?”
“What you want, you get.”
“I’m not like that. I’m not the kind of girl who expects a guy to get me things.”
“Which is why you’ll get it.” He kissed my cheek again before returning to his sandwich.
We enjoyed a quiet lunch together. It was cool out, but my sweatshirt was more than enough. It felt like fall. I loved the change of seasons. It made it feel like things were moving forward even if everything else was standing still.
We stayed there long after the last of the food was done. The company was the important part anyway. Eventually we packed up and headed back to the car.
“Does Phil work?” I asked.
“He does IT from home.”
“So want to head over there now?” We were already out, and I didn’t want to say goodbye to Leo yet.
“Sure. Sounds good.”
“Great.” I’d accepted I might never hear the tape, but that didn’t mean I didn’t want it back. I’d been so close to hearing it, I couldn’t believe it could be lost.
We made the drive in record time. There was almost no traffic, and this time I wasn’t nervous pulling into the driveway.
I walked with Leo over to the garage.
“Not standing ten feet away this time?”
I shook my head. “Not a chance.”
Phil opened the door. “Hey…”
“Hey, yourself. What’s with the sketchy message you left me?”
“You’re not going to be happy.”
“I don’t care.” Leo walked in, so I followed. I wasn’t nervous this time.
“Look, I’m sorry.” Phil glanced at me.
“Did you find it yet?”
“That’s the thing.”
“What’s the thing?” I could feel my patience slipping away.
“I kind of accidently gave it away.”
“Uh, what do you mean by that?”
“I got the tapes mixed up. They had the same shells. It was an honest mistake.”
“And where is the other one now?”
“With a girl I hung out with at a show the other night.”
“Ok, ask for it back.”
“I don’t know her, know her.” He rubbed the back of his neck.
“You gave a tape to a stranger?”
“She’s not a stranger. It’s someone I’ve been into but only see at these shows.”
“Ah, so you gave it to her as a gift.” Leo g
ave him a knowing look.
“Yeah, but I don’t have any way to contact her.” He shrugged. “Lame I know, but I never asked for her number.”
“Ugh, I hope she doesn’t listen to it.”
“Why not?”
“Because it’s me singing. No one should hear me singing.”
“Wait.” Leo’s lips twisted into a smile. “It’s of you singing?”
“Yes, with my friend.” I buried my face in my hands.
“That’s kind of adorable.”
“It’s not.”
“I’ll get it back for you if I can.” Phil fidgeted.
“I should have left it in the basement.” Maybe it was meant to stay buried.
“No, you shouldn’t have.” Leo shook his head.
“But now someone random or more than one is going to hear it.”
“Who cares? Like they know who you are?”
“Good point.”
“And I’m glad you wanted to fix it.”
“Oh, of course. Sorry. I wasn’t saying I regretted meeting you—”
“I know, but I was reminding you that changing any one thing would change others.”
“Butterfly effect,” Phil jumped in.
“We aren’t talking time travel.”
“But still, same idea. Every small change…”
“Makes others. Exactly.”
“Wait. I have an idea.” Phil grinned.
“What?”
“She goes to every Not Quite Y2K show. They’re playing tomorrow night in Brooklyn. I’ll ask her for it back then.”
“We’ll come,” Leo volunteered.
“Yes. That way I can ask her for it back myself. Maybe she’ll be more likely to take the time to get it back for me that way.”
Phil shrugged. “Suit yourself. It’s at nine at the Clarence.”
“What’s her name? Maybe you can find her on social media somewhere, ask her to bring the tape.”
“She’s not on social media. She’s like me. She’s against how it’s degrading society and destroying real relationships.”
“Seriously?” This guy was something else.
“Yes. Plus I don’t know her last name.”
“Fine. We’ll beg her for it tomorrow night.”
“Thanks, and sorry again.” He stared at his feet.
“It’s okay.” I wasn’t angry. I was on such a Leo high that nothing else could get me down.
“See ya, man.” Leo took my hand and walked back out of the garage.
“We have plans two nights in a row.”
“And we went out last night.”
“Looks like we’re making a habit of this.” I got in the car while Leo walked around to his side.
“Some habits are good.” Leo leaned over and kissed my cheek.
“Yes, they are.” I pulled out and headed back the way we’d come.
Eighteen
I’d never been so nervous to see my brother. It was crazy really, but after hearing so many bad things about his new girlfriend I was apprehensive. What was I going to do if she was as bad as everyone said? At least Clay had warned me in advance that they’d be there.
“You okay?” Leo asked as we walked up the front steps to Clay’s house. It was a cute ranch a few miles from his shop.
“Yeah. Fine.”
“All right. We’ll leave as soon as you want to.”
“Great.” I took his hand. If I was going into this event, I was going in with him.
I didn’t recognize anyone at first. I didn’t even see a few familiar faces that nagged at me. I guess Clay ran with a completely different crowd now. But then I saw one I definitely remembered. One of my high school math teachers.
He noticed me too and walked over. “Cassidy Lawton. Wow, you’re all grown up.”
“Hi, Mr. Cody.” I avoided direct eye contact. I’d had a crush on him in high school, and I still felt funny about it.
“It’s Tom. You’re older than I was when I taught you.”
“Way to make a girl feel old.” I attempted to break the tension. I was sure people saw their old teachers all the time, but I wasn’t used to it.
“I didn’t mean that—”
“Don’t worry about it,” I interrupted.
“I don’t believe I’ve met your date.” He held out a hand to Leo.
Leo shook his hand. “Leo. Nice to meet you.”
“I was Cassidy’s math teacher a long time ago.”
“Was she any good at it?” Leo smiled. He was enjoying my discomfort far too much.
“Not the best. Not the worst.”
“But memorable all the same?”
“Yes. Cassidy wasn’t the kind of student you forget.”
Leo gave me a funny look. “I bet.”
“Yeah, so it was great running into you.” I forced a smile. I wanted to find Clay and make our exit. I was already regretting the decision to show up.
“You too. Glad you’re doing well.”
I pulled Leo away before the conversation could continue.
“You’re memorable, huh?” Leo bumped his shoulder into mine.
“Yeah, not sure what that meant.”
“I’m not going to comment and get myself in trouble.”
“That’s probably a really good decision.” I made my way further into the living room in search of Clay.
He spotted me and walked over holding the hand of a guy I’d never met.
“Glad you two could make it. This is Aidan.” He gestured to the guy at his side.
“Hey, nice to meet you.” I held out my hand.
Aidan accepted my handshake. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Hopefully nothing too bad.”
“Mostly amusing stories. “
“Oh boy.”
“Your brother is here.” Clay nodded to the side. Sure enough Nile was standing there with a girl.
“I guess I should go meet Melinda.”
Aidan coughed. “Good luck.”
“You don’t like her either?”
“She’s a piece of work. I told Clay not to invite her, but he insisted.” Aidan rolled his eyes.
“I didn’t invite her. I invited Nile and hoped he’d use judgment.”
I sighed. “All right, I want to get this over with.”
“Maybe they’re exaggerating, and she isn’t that bad,” Leo suggested.
“Maybe,” I mumbled as we made our way across the room. “Hey.” I smiled at my big brother.
He looked over. “Hey.” After a startled moment he hugged me.
He pulled away. “Melinda, this is my sister, Cassidy.”
“Of course.” She smiled in a forced way. “It’s wonderful to meet you.”
“Same to you. It sounds like you are making my brother very happy.”
“I am.” She turned her head slightly. “And I’m so sorry to hear about your broken engagement.”
I tried to ignore the slight smile she wore. “Yeah, thanks. It happens.”
“But it had to have been humiliating. You must feel so mortified.”
I could feel my eyes bulging. “Why? I broke it off.”
“I’d feel like such a failure if it was me. A complete and utter failure. And to lose your job too.”
“I didn’t lose it. I quit.” There was a big difference between the two. I had absolutely no regrets about my decision.
“Same thing.”
“Not the same thing.” I looked at Nile. Surely he’d say something. He only shrugged in apology.
“And you’ve moved on already? That’s cute.”
Leo cleared his throat. “Wait, is this a joke?”
“What do you mean?” Melinda frowned.
“You’re meeting your boyfriend’s sister for the first time, and you’re treating her like garbage?” He turned to Nile. “And you’re letting her?”
“I’m being honest. Honesty is always the best policy. You can’t get anywhere in life without it.” She patted Nile’s arm.
; “Honesty?” I grabbed ahold of Leo’s hand to keep myself calmer. “You want honesty? Breaking off my engagement was the right thing to do. As was quitting my job. I couldn’t be happier with either decision.”
“Or at least that’s what you think now.”
“Melinda,” Nile whispered. “Come on, she’s my little sister.”
“You know she’s only back here so she can convince you to mess up your life. Your mom hates me and probably forced her to turn you against me.”
“My mom doesn’t hate you.”
She did, and she had every reason to feel that way. “I’m here because my family lives here.”
“Listen, you are welcome to mess up your life, but you won’t be taking your brother down with you. He’s on his way up, and he doesn’t need you.”
“Nile? For real?” I struggled to get the words out. I was in shock.
“Uh, maybe we should catch up later.” Nile took Melinda’s arm. My eyes stung, and my chest clenched. That was it? The brother who’d always been the first to stand up for me, who’d defended me against every bully and threatened every ex-boyfriend was going to walk away when his girlfriend called me a screw up and told me to stay out of his life?
“This is fucked up.” Leo tensed. “Your girlfriend just tore into your sister, and you’re ok with that?
“We’ll talk later.” Nile shot me a warning look.
I thought of a million things I wanted to say, but I’d regret them all. For once I kept my mouth shut when it counted.
“Aren’t you going to say something?” Leo pressed Nile. He was getting angrier, and I had to get him out of there.
I grabbed his arm. “I want to leave. You said we could leave when I was ready.”
“Now? Your brother needs to apologize to you.”
“Not now.” I was ready to cry, and I refused to let that girl see a single tear. “When you’re ready to talk to me like a human being let me know.” I spun around and dragged Leo with me. I didn’t stop until we were outside.
“Cassidy!” Nile yelled.
I turned around. “What?”
“I’m sorry.”
“You couldn’t say that in front of her?”
“No. I can’t have her mad at me.”
“You’d rather have me mad?”
He wrung his hands. “She’s here, you’re not. You’ll leave again and show up twice a year.”
“And that means I’m not worth something to you?” I didn’t bother to explain I planned to stay.
Life After Falling Page 17
