by Kris Bryant
While we discussed the events with the captain, the paramedics checked Noah thoroughly. Brook hovered over them, peeking over shoulders, encouraging him to cooperate. He was whiny and confused, and Brook insisted they take him to the hospital for a full workup. She directed one of the paramedics to check me out even though I was only cold. I didn’t breathe in any water, and my body temperature was fine. I was uncomfortable, but not in danger. Patrick started a fire, and soon I was almost too warm.
“I’m fine. Really. Just worry about him,” I said.
They brought in the stretcher and strapped Noah in. Brook disappeared for about thirty seconds and returned with some warm clothing for me and a pair of pajamas for Noah. Before leaving with the ambulance, she gave Patrick instructions to look out for me. Once the flurry of activity left the house, Patrick sat down beside me and took my hand.
“You saved that sweet little boy,” he said.
“It’s my job.” I shrugged like it was no big deal, but I was still shaking with adrenaline. What if I hadn’t gotten to him in time? What if he’d been under too long and had brain damage?
“How about a hot cup of tea while I make soup? Or is there anything else you’d like?”
“That sounds perfect. I’ll go put on these dry clothes.”
He stood and helped me up. “You got this?”
I nodded. “I got this.” I walked slowly to the bathroom. When I finally took off my wet bra and panties and dried off, I felt better. Even though what Brook gave me to wear wasn’t sexy at all, it still felt intimate. I was wearing her clothes. The sweats were too short, but the thick socks reached halfway up my calves. I found a hair dryer in the closet and used my fingers as a brush. By the time I returned to the kitchen, Patrick had a cup of hot tea waiting for me and soup on the stove.
“That smells wonderful. What is it?”
“It’s a creamy mushroom soup. I’ve diced some chicken that I’ll add if you want.”
I nodded. “I can’t believe how hungry I am.”
He pulled out a plate of cheeses and small breads from the refrigerator.
“This looks delicious.” I grabbed a piece of raisin bread and spread cream cheese on it. Thankfully, Patrick had seen me eat like a starved wolf before, so I didn’t have to be on good behavior. I shoved the entire piece in my mouth and moaned at the taste.
“I’m so glad you were here tonight. We couldn’t have saved him without you,” I said.
“I’m glad you saw him out there. I can’t think about what would have happened if—” He was getting choked up.
I grabbed his hand. “It’s all right now. Everything’s okay. Let’s eat, and then you can go home and spend time with your family.”
“I called them. They’re fine without me for one night.”
“I’m completely okay. After we eat, I’m kicking you out for the night.”
He laughed. “We’ll see.”
We sat at the counter and ate soup and laughed. It was nice. He told me about his culinary-school experience, his first marriage, and the time he and his friends got kicked out of Vegas. The entire city.
“No. They can’t do that. Can they?” I asked.
“Have you ever been to Vegas?”
I shook my head. “I never really had the desire. I mean, I probably should have when I had the money, but now I need every penny I make.”
After dinner Patrick made me sit in front of the fire and brought me another hot tea. “Brook just texted that Noah’s lungs are clear.”
“That’s a relief.” I finally was able to relax.
“I’m going to clean up. Do you need anything else?”
“You’ve spoiled me already. Thank you, I’m good.”
Fifteen minutes later, ten of them reassuring him I was fine and healthy, Patrick put on his coat. “If you need anything at all, here’s my number. You did an amazing thing today, Cassie. We’ll always remember this. Now, go get some rest. I’ll set the house alarm when I leave. Brook texted that they should be discharging Noah soon.”
I was tired, but this wasn’t my place. I needed to go up to my apartment, put on my clothes, and go to sleep, but a fire was still burning. I couldn’t just leave. I missed fireplaces. I snuggled down on the couch, and before I convinced myself to get up and go home, I fell asleep warm, safe, and alive.
Chapter Fourteen
Somebody was stroking my hair, softy, sweetly. For a moment I thought I was at Nana’s house. When I was growing up, she used to play with my hair until I fell asleep. When the fingertips traced my cheek and down to my neck, I knew it wasn’t Nana. I struggled to open my eyes, but I was so tired, and my body felt heavy. I heard footsteps walk away from me and return. Another blanket was tucked around me. Warm lips touched my cheek. The haziness was starting to clear. The memories of the evening flooded my thoughts, and I forced my eyes open.
“Hi. I didn’t mean to wake you. I just wanted to make sure you were warm.”
Brook was on her knees in front of me. The soft glow of the dying fire illuminated the room just enough for me to see her face. Her eyes were pink and puffy. Her hair was loose around her shoulders. She looked vulnerable.
I quickly sat up. “Is Noah okay?”
Brook put her hands on my knees and nodded. “We just got home. He’s completely fine. Already upstairs asleep.”
I rubbed my face and tried to wake up. “I should have gone with you. What time is it?”
“Just after midnight. Go back to sleep. We all have the day off tomorrow.” She smiled.
“I’m sorry I’m still here.” I stood and almost stumbled over.
“Sit down, Cassie. You don’t have to go anywhere.”
I not so gracefully plopped back down on the couch. “Thanks for giving me dry clothes.”
She touched my cheeks, her palms cupping my face. “Thank you for saving my son. I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t seen him fall in.” Tears welled in her eyes, threatening to spill at any moment.
“That’s why I’m here. That’s why you hired me.” I didn’t mean for it to come out as shitty as it sounded, but I was answering her question. And shit, I just woke up.
“Stop. Please stop. I’m sorry about earlier. I was just jealous and bitchy, and I wasn’t being fair to you.”
Maybe it was because we both had almost lost the one person who had brought us together, or maybe it was because we realized how lucky we were that he was still alive, but for once we weren’t guarded. She put her arms around my neck and let me hold her. She shook as the tears fell. I clutched her to me, hating myself for noticing how she was pressed against me instead of only comforting her. I waited until her tears and sniffles subsided.
“Wait. You were jealous? Of what?” I leaned back and brushed the tears from her cheeks.
She looked down, not able to meet my eyes. “Of how casual and comfortable you are with other women. It’s stupid, I know, but it just reminds me of how far removed I am from everyone. Remember when you saw me at the Pearl? That was my first date in forever.”
“That was a night of misunderstandings,” I said. Sort of.
“My date told me I was distracted. The night didn’t go as planned for either of us, because of us,” she said.
I looked at our fingers entwined and couldn’t remember who reached for who first. “Today was an emotional day. You have to be exhausted. Go upstairs and get some sleep. I’m going to my place and do the same.” I tucked a few tendrils of hair behind her ear. “Call me when Noah wants some company. Maybe I can bring over a gaming system, and we can play for a bit. I’m warning you now. He has a new friend, and his friend loves to play Nintendo Switch.”
Brook laughed through her tears. “Shit.”
I stood and carefully pulled her so she was almost flush against me. I put my forehead against hers. “I’m so happy Noah is okay.” Without even thinking, or maybe because it was always on my mind, I lightly pressed my lips against hers. They were softer than I imagined. She kissed
me back tenderly. When I felt her tongue touch my bottom lip, I knew this kiss had forever changed us. Ever so gently, afraid she would back away, I pulled her closer to me and deepened the kiss. Brook was in control of every aspect of her life, from the boardroom to the home, but right here, in my arms, she gave me control. She molded herself against me. I moaned when she opened her mouth to me. I ran my hands down her back and pulled her hips closer to mine and was rewarded with a gasp and a moan. This was the perfect first kiss. Before it got out of control, I pulled back.
“Okay. That wasn’t supposed to happen.”
Brook stood there and stared at me, silently.
“Not that I minded, because obviously I didn’t, but today was an exhausting day for all of us. Go to bed, Brook. Let’s see how we are in the morning.”
She nodded and stepped away from me. I wanted to reach out to her, hold her, protect her, but we needed separation. Too much was at stake in the moment, and I wanted Brook to want me for me. Not because I saved her son, but because she desired me. She said she was jealous of Trina and Natalie, but was it for the right reasons? Was it because of me, or because she liked winning? I was definitely overthinking it. I needed sleep.
“You’re right. If you come over in the morning, I’ll make us breakfast,” she said.
“You can cook? All this time and I never knew it?” She laughed and walked with me to the garage. “Pancakes. Let’s see if you can make us pancakes.”
She playfully pushed me through the doorway. “Go to bed, Cassie.”
“Pancakes, Brook. Pancakes.”
She shut the door, but not before I saw her signature single nod.
* * *
I got out of the shower at nine and wanted to text Brook but remembered my phone was damaged. After our kiss, it was hard to fall asleep. I kept replaying it. The one thing I wanted, she gave to me so willingly, but was it out of relief or out of need?
I pulled on jeans and a school sweatshirt. It wasn’t sexy, but after looking like a drowned waif yesterday, I was sure I could get away with being comfortable. I pulled my hair back in a ponytail and dabbed makeup on. I looked tired, but at least I had some color in my face.
I knocked on the door only because it felt weird and too comfortable for me to barge right in, even though I did it every morning and Brook was expecting me. But that was my job.
“Come on in,” Brook yelled.
I marched in with my Wii. I was sure after almost drowning, Brook didn’t want Noah jumping around, so I only brought controller-based games. “Hey, buddy, how’re you feeling?”
“Good. Is that your Wii?”
“Good morning,” Brook said. She handed me a cup of coffee with cream and sugar. How did she know how I took my coffee?
I thanked her and tried not to stare. Her hair was down and still damp from her shower. She had on very little makeup and looked at least fifteen years younger than she did in business suits and heels. She was wearing yoga pants. Her toenails were painted a pale pink. I’d never seen her look so relaxed or vulnerable. I turned my attention back to Noah.
“Yes. It is, and I brought several games we can play.” Even though I had a class, I wasn’t going to miss quality time with them. We were probably going to review things for the final, but I’d call my study partner for notes. I emailed my instructor and told her there was an emergency and I wouldn’t be in. Because of privacy issues, I couldn’t divulge any information, but I doubted she gave a shit.
“Do you have Mario Kart?”
“I have all the Mario games, and I have an oldie but a goodie, Sonic. He’s a hedgehog, and you’ll have fun with him.”
“You get one hour of games. Make it count,” Brook said.
I hooked up the system in the living room and sat on the couch next to Noah, Brook sitting on the floor in front of him. I played a quick level of Sonic, much to Noah’s delight and Brook’s chagrin.
“Okay. You’ll have to tell me what’s going on here. I’m so out of touch,” Brook said.
“You have to collect emeralds as fast as you can. I just want to show Noah this one, but we can play Mario Kart. You can play together.”
“I’m going to make breakfast now. Would you like another coffee, Cass?”
That was the first time she’d called me that.
“Yes. A tad more cream, please.” I barely registered her presence when she returned with a cup because I was busy instructing Noah about how to play the game. When Brook returned with two plates of pancakes, I sat up straighter and paused the game. “You really made pancakes.”
She smiled and handed me a plate with a tall stack dripping butter and syrup. Her plate had only one pancake. Noah started the game back up.
“Where’s Noah’s?” I asked.
“He’s six. He ate at seven because he was starving and didn’t want to wait until you woke up.”
“So, you made me breakfast?”
She shrugged. “Well, you did save my son, so it’s the very least I could do. Oh, and here. I almost forgot.” She handed me a present wrapped in pale-pink paper with a white bow.
“What’s this?”
“Open it.”
I put my plate on the table and unwrapped the latest iPhone, along with a new case.
“Since yours got destroyed in the pool,” she said.
“You didn’t have to do this, Brook, but thank you very much.” Was this version even out yet? And how the fuck did she get me a phone already? “It’s beautiful.” I didn’t know whether I wanted to play games, eat, or call my cell-phone company and start my own plan.
“I didn’t know what color you had, so I went with silver. It’s the most neutral.”
“It’s perfect, thank you again, but you didn’t have to.”
My cracked iPhone was sitting in a bowl of uncooked rice. I knew full well it was destroyed, but I was optimistic. I picked up my plate. I knew I was going to eat every last bite, even if Brook only ate half her pancake.
Game time lasted over two hours, and Noah had a smile on his face the entire time. When somebody buzzed the gate, I assumed it was a delivery or the cleaning staff. I wasn’t expecting Lauren to show up. I was unhooking the game when she blew into the living room. I didn’t care if the cords were properly banded together. I grabbed the unit and controllers and tried to get the hell out of there quickly.
“I find out about this the next day?” Her voice was loud and so shrill that I winced.
“If you’d have taken my calls last night, you would have known about it then.” Brook was cool and calm and showed no emotion.
Lauren was livid and pacing back in forth in front of Noah. “You could have left a message or texted me 9-1-1.”
The look on Noah’s face broke my heart. I took his hand. “Hey, buddy. How about we go get a snack in the kitchen?”
“Don’t you dare touch my son. Leave him right where he is,” Lauren said.
I could take disrespect up to a certain point, but I wouldn’t let Noah get hurt. “You’re obviously mad, and it’s upsetting Noah. I’m just going to take him out of this environment while you two hash this out. He doesn’t need to hear this.”
The anger in Brook’s eyes changed to calm as she turned her attention from Lauren to Noah. “It’s okay, sweetie. Go with Cassie. You can see Mama in a bit.”
I didn’t hesitate. I grabbed his tiny hand and hustled him to the other room. We could still hear their elevated voices.
“You have no right to be rude to any of my guests in my house. And perhaps you should talk to your husband, since he and I spoke last night, and he knew exactly what happened.”
I realized the kitchen wasn’t far enough away, so I made a decision. “How about we go up to my apartment and play some Mario? Then we don’t have to listen to adults.” I rolled my eyes for effect. If I didn’t act concerned, he’d know it was going to be okay. “Oh, and that’s not even the best part. I think I have all the stuff to make fluffernutters. Remember them?”
His face f
inally lit up. “Yum. Let’s go.”
I wished I’d grabbed my new phone, but no fucking way was I going back into the living room. I scribbled a quick note to Brook and left it on the kitchen counter. Since Noah only had socks on, I lifted him, piggyback style, and walked him up to my apartment from the garage. He laughed the entire time.
“Your place is awesome.”
“Really? Is this your first time up here?”
He nodded.
“Awesome, huh? If you need to go to the bathroom, it’s that door over there. If you don’t, have a seat on the couch. I have to hook everything up.”
“Your television’s small.” He said it matter-of-factly, not condescendingly.
“It is, but it works. If I had a big TV, I wouldn’t study for school. I’d miss so much,” I said. It didn’t hurt to try to instill a quick lesson about how all-consuming gaming and television could be. “Okay, you ready?” I handed him a controller and sat next to him.
By the second game, Noah almost beat me. “You’re a pro at this!” I groaned and fell back on the couch.
“It’s easy.” He pressed start on game three, and I barely grabbed the controller in time.
The banging on the door startled us both. I opened the door to find Brook standing there, arms crossed over her chest as if we were guilty of something bad.
“Your game is loud. I’ve been standing here a while.”
“I’m sorry. Video gaming isn’t a quiet sport.” I stood back and invited her in. “And I’m sorry I took him, but I figured it was a good idea until things simmered down. He’s on the couch trying to beat me at a game he just learned.” I leaned forward and whispered so Noah couldn’t hear. “It’s very kid-friendly.” Brook surprised me by coming in and sitting next to him.
“I hear you’re a champ at this stuff.” She ruffled his hair as he tried to dodge her hand.
“Mom, this game is awesome. Maybe I’ll get a system for Christmas.”
