by Robyn M Ryan
“Is this an invitation?”
“Whenever you’re ready, baby. You have the key.”
Cassie shared the acceptance package from the university in Toronto with Lauren as soon as it arrived from Vancouver.
“I promised Mom I’d ask your opinion. Do you mind?”
“Of course not. Could you leave it with me? I have a client conference call in thirty minutes—I don’t want to rush through this, Cassie.” Lauren placed the package on the counter.
“That’s perfect. Thanks—I have a couple assignments to turn in this afternoon. Take your time—I’ll work in the screen porch. Sunshine’s calling.” Cassie collected her laptop and textbooks, then organized her workspace.
Amelie’s ringtone sounded before she opened her laptop. They hadn’t seen each other or communicated by text since “that day.”
“Hey, Amelie. How are you?”
“I’ve missed you. Stuck in classes while you and your hot doc enjoyed a mysterious vacation.”
“Eh…how did you know? I didn’t get the chance to call before we left. Last-minute decision.”
“When I couldn’t reach you, I tried to contact Lauren, then Caryn. I know things were crazy getting ready to go to the All-Star weekend. Caryn returned my call and mentioned that you and Tom had plans.”
“Hmm, yes, the best surprise. I’m sorry I didn’t get your call. What did you need?” Cassie’s kept her voice friendly, yet neutral.
“I didn’t need anything. I wanted to ask you if I should give details about how Danny got to the pool…Now it’s probably not important.”
“You didn’t need my permission to tell Caryn and Andrew what happened. I still don’t know how Danny even got near the pool,” Cassie said. “Did you tell them?”
“Not until I could speak with you. I wanted to be sure our stories matched.”
Cassie took a deep breath. “Stories match? That doesn’t matter. I told them everything I could. Caryn and Andrew deserve as many details as we can provide. I think Lauren has your phone…she said the screen showed numerous texts received.”
“I wish I’d known before I got a new phone. Oh well, no big deal.”
“Were you texting when Daniel disappeared? Is that why you didn’t notice?” Cassie tried to tamp her anger.
Amelie took a moment before replying. “The truth is that I don’t know. Yes, I had a couple texts, but he was beside me making car sounds as he lined up those little cars. Jenna started acting silly, climbing on me—we were laughing. Next thing I know, you’re asking me about Daniel.” Her voice hitched a bit. “I feel so guilty, I have trouble sleeping.”
“Tell me about it. I think you should talk to Caryn and just tell her what you just said,” Cassie said. “It’s not about blame, Amie. Caryn and Andrew need to make sure Danny or Jenna never get to the pool unsupervised again.”
“Will you tell them?”
“No, you should answer their questions, Amelie. The twins were my responsibility, and I made a poor decision by allowing anything to interfere with keeping them safe. All you’re going to do is fill in some blanks for them.” Cassie paused a long moment. “Everyone knows that what happened to Danny was an accident. They’re not pointing fingers. Maybe you’ll feel better if you talk to them.”
63
Lauren joined her niece on the porch later that afternoon. “Working on math?” Cassie made a face while she dug in her bag for a folder. She pulled out a sheet of paper and handed it to Lauren. “Your latest test? Seventy-three’s passing, right?”
“It is when I’m testing out of remedial algebra.” Cassie couldn’t hold back her smile. “I decided this morning to just try that test one more time. I was going to wait until Dave’s here to tell you both.”
Lauren hugged her. “Congratulations! I won’t say anything to Dave—I’m so proud of you.”
“I feel like this huge boulder just fell off my shoulders. Now I can complete the core courses, then decide on my major.” Cassie rolled her eyes. “Maybe double major if I can’t decide.”
“You can do anything you put your mind to, Cass. And it looks like my alma mater believes in you, too. That’s an impressive acceptance package.”
“You sound like Mom.” Cassie looked at her nails. “I really need a manicure.” She shrugged and met Lauren’s eyes. “I’m supposed to discuss Toronto with you. I told her I had enrolled here and already started classes…she just waved that aside as if Tampa doesn’t count.”
“What if this had come last year?”
“I’d have been on the next plane to Toronto. Across the country from Mom…but things have changed in a year. I don’t want to leave Tampa.”
“You don’t want to leave Tom,” Lauren corrected gently.
“Is that wrong?”
“Have you mentioned this to him?”
“Since I don’t plan to accept, what’s the point of telling Tom?” Cassie stared at the lake behind the porch.
“Full disclosure…if he finds out later, he may assume you hid the information because…”
“He might encourage me to accept the offer,” Cassie completed the thought. “Okay, I get it. I need to tell him, but I don’t want to go to school that far away. How often would we see each other? His schedule already limits our time together. If I go to Toronto, we might see each other two or three times a year. Plus, I’d have that work-study.”
“True. Remember, Tom and Andrew grew up in Toronto. Their parents live there, also.”
“Lauren, do you think I should accept this offer? Leave Tampa and freeze my butt off in the ‘cold, white north?’”
She watched Lauren’s eyes—they revealed nothing. “Cassie, I’m playing devil’s advocate. Tell me this—if Andrew and Caryn ask you to continue as the twins’ nanny, would you accept?”
Cassie stood and walked toward the side of the porch closest to the water. “Thought I saw an alligator, but I guess it’s a turtle.” She turned to look at her aunt. “They haven’t asked me to come back, so don’t you think it’s irrelevant?”
“Not necessarily. I’d be surprised if Caryn doesn’t, so you really should consider that possibility.”
Cassie shrugged. “Give me some reasons why I might want to accept the university in Toronto?”
She watched as Lauren thought for several moments. “I’m just speaking from my experience. I didn’t have someone like Tom in my life to consider. I learned how to function independently for the first time in my life. I enjoyed the freedom of deciding what and when I wanted to take classes, go out with friends, enjoy a party or two. I met my best friend, whose boyfriend introduced me to Dave…I’d go back and do it all over again in an instant. Those four years were the best therapy for me after all that crap at home.”
Cassie walked back to the table and hugged Lauren before she sat next to her. “I’m beyond happy you got away from home and had those experiences. I’m in awe of everything you’ve accomplished. Maybe I’d have a similar experience there…or maybe I’m already experiencing it in Tampa—or even at those colleges I’m researching in Fort Myers. I’m just not ready to commit to accepting that scholarship.”
“You have time—isn’t the due date in April?”
“I think so.” Cassie picked up the packet and looked through it again. “I guess you’re right, though. I’ll tell Tom. He said that no matter what I want to do, he’ll wait for me…even if I just wanted to travel, have new experiences…”
“Told you he’s a keeper.”
“The thought of leaving him for three years—at least—scares me, Lauren. I love him. I want to be with him, not over a thousand miles away…”
“I do understand that, honey, and I am not pushing you to go to college in Toronto. Just some suggestions to consider, okay? Then, you make the right decision for yourself.”
Tom knew Cassie had something on her mind. Not exactly distracted, his rainbow girl’s personality felt muted, like a beautiful bird whose wings had been clipped. Still not at peace with w
hat happened with Daniel? Feeling pressure from her parents? Undecided about her future? He resolved to give her space and wait for her to share.
With the Suns out of town and Lauren joining Caryn, Kelly, and Terri for a “girls’ evening” at Caryn’s home, Cassie invited Tom for dinner, Chez Martin.
“I’ll come directly from work, babe. But don’t worry about dinner. My turn to cook.”
Cassie laughed. “You count picking up takeout as cooking, doctor? I haven’t prepared a home-cooked meal in weeks.”
“Studying for mid-terms gives you extra latitude. You’re done, right?”
“Thank heavens. I had a nightmare last night about the math exam, woke up in a panic, and then remembered I’d tested out of the course. I think I really do have a math phobia.”
“Sounds like it, but don’t obsess about it. With any luck, you’re done with college math.” Tom paused a beat. “If you haven’t already shopped and begun preparing dinner, let me bring it tonight. The end of mid-terms calls for a celebratory meal.”
“In that case, the kitchen’s all yours. I’ll provide the drinks and…dessert.”
Tom loved the seductive tone, promising a sweet after-dinner treat.
He shopped at Whole Foods on the way home. He took his time selecting a variety of seasonal vegetables—all locally grown. He looked forward to the community garden at the hospital reopening for planting. He hoped to bring Cassie with him also. She’d asked many questions about the produce he brought home last summer and said she had wished to live on a farm when she was young. Of course, her vision of a farm included chickens, cattle, pigs, and other animals raised purely as pets. She told him she wouldn’t care if rabbits shared some of the produce—she’d just plant more if necessary. With those thoughts in mind, he planned a vegetarian meal of roasted vegetables and air-fried sweet potatoes, and then picked up a bottle of wine and fresh flowers.
As if she’d been waiting at the window, Cassie opened the front door and rushed to the car seconds after he parked in the driveway. She opened his door, grabbing his hand as if to pull him up and out of the car. He caught the spark in her eyes and quickly released the seatbelt.
“I missed you so much!” Cassie said, jumping into his arms as soon as he exited the car.
“Perfect welcome after a double shift.” Tom lifted her off her feet, so they were eye-to-eye. “I missed you, too, Princess Cassie.” Their kiss may have continued indefinitely had not another car slowly passed the house. “Later,” Tom said, brushing his fingers across her cheek.
He reached into the car and gave her the large bouquet of spring blooms, followed by the bottle of wine. “To celebrate successful mid-terms.”
“And an entire weekend off for my hot doc.” Cassie looked up at him as she smelled the blooms. “No changes in your schedule?”
“None.” He kissed her cheek. “Get the flowers in water—I’ll meet you inside, babe.”
Cassie’s conversation with Lauren had replayed in her mind all week. She needed to talk with Tom but feared he’d encourage her to move to Toronto. I don’t want to totally rule out Toronto, but do I want to live so far away from family and Tom? Truly on my own? How did Lauren do it? She had no support growing up, but she thrived once she moved so far away. Between growing up as a “Daddy’s Girl” and Mom smothering me and never wanting me to grow up, the only time I did something in my own—“disappearing” for twenty-four hours at a four-star hotel—colossal fail. Then, as soon as I graduated, I moved to Tampa knowing I’d have Lauren and Dave nearby. That rapidly expanded to the Chadwicks…especially Tom.
Cassie arranged the flowers in one of Lauren’s vases, then carried it to the table she’d set overlooking the screen porch. Maybe she needed to admit that it frightened her to think of putting herself thousands of miles from her support system. She’d checked—Toronto was over thirteen-hundred miles from Tampa; about twice that to Vancouver. Pretty scary if anything happened.
Couldn’t she learn independence living on campus in Tampa or moving three hours away to Fort Myers…or even the University of Florida or Florida State? Adulting’s so much more complicated than I imagined. I loved my job, Tampa, and beginning classes downtown. Then everything changed.
She felt Tom’s hands grip her shoulders and pulled her back against him. “Where’d you go, Cassie? You look like you’re a million miles away.”
She leaned her head back against his shoulder and angled her face to smile at him. “No, I’m right here with you. Need help with dinner?”
“Under control. Join me for a glass of wine?”
“Of course.”
64
Cassie continued her internal debate through dinner. Tom deserved to know her options for school, but what if he agreed with her mother that the Toronto offer overshadowed all other school choices and made them insignificant?
After they’d cleared the meal and each carried a glass of wine to the porch, Tom broke the ice. “Babe, what’s weighing on your mind?”
She leaned to kiss his cheek before sitting on the wicker loveseat beside him. “That obvious? I’m sorry if I’ve seemed distant…I do need to get your opinion on something. I’ve been putting it off. Nothing serious; I’m just confused.”
He took her hand. “Maybe I can help, sweetheart. Or just listen.”
“You know my plans to take classes full-time next semester and hopefully live on campus…”
“Or we get an apartment,” he added.
“Mm, yes, that.” Cassie’s smile felt genuine. “Complication. My mom forwarded an acceptance package from the University in Toronto—scholarship and work-study.”
“Congratulations, Cass. That’s impressive. Are you excited?”
Cassie shrugged and made a face. “Honestly, not at all. I guess I’m flattered, but now all I feel is pressure to accept it.”
“How so?” Tom pulled her to his side, and Cassie snuggled against him.
“I thought I had everything figured out. Complete my core courses in Tampa, then decide on my major…I started looking at the universities in Fort Myers, too. Then this offer comes out of nowhere…My mom’s over the moon about it. She’s finally proud of me, and for once, I exceeded her expectations.”
“And you don’t want to disappoint her?”
“Not that so much. Lauren said leaving Vancouver for Toronto allowed her to live independently, make her own decisions, gain self-confidence, make new friends.” Cassie grasped Tom’s arm that held her securely against his side. “Moving to Tampa helped me to feel independent, but with security, knowing Lauren and Dave live so close. And now I have you.” She pulled away long enough to kiss him. “Just thinking about attending school in Fort Myers makes me anxious, but you’re only a couple of hours away. Moving all the way to Toronto terrifies me.” She turned to meet his eyes and read the empathy and concern.
“Do you want to visit the campus? I’ll fly up there with you—I need to see my parents soon. Would that help at all?”
“My parents will know I seriously considered it. You’d do that for me?”
“In a heartbeat.” Tom kissed her forehead. “I’d enjoy having the chance to introduce you to my parents, show you my old stomping grounds, see a few of my professors. You could tour the communication and education buildings, check out the dorms. Then compare it with your other options—it might help you make your choice.”
“I could do that. Can you get away for a few days?”
“We just need to coordinate our schedules. It may be in the middle of the week, but we can make anything work.”
Cassie reached for their wine and handed a glass to Tom. “Cheers to an upcoming Toronto adventure.” She took a sip, then smiled at him with a wink. “I think I’m ready for your dessert. What do you think?”
“More than ready.” He tapped his watch. “Lauren say when she’s due home?”
“She promised to call first.” She tapped his chest. “We can take All. The. Time. We. Want.”
Two weeks l
ater, Cassie’s enthusiasm for the trip increased when Tom mentioned that Caryn had arranged for her father’s corporate jet to take them to and from Toronto. He’d kept that a secret until they were driving to the airport.
“How long have you known this?”
“Confirmed yesterday. Caryn’s father had it on standby in case somebody needed to fly for business purposes. Caryn offered as soon as I told her about our plans—her parents enjoy helping with stuff like this. I’m sure you’ll meet them at some point.”
“They live in…Ottawa?”
“Yes, and I have another surprise—Caryn invited us to stay at her townhouse. It’s very close to campus. I check on things whenever I visit Mom and Dad, and Caryn practically shoved the key into my pocket. I hope you don’t mind?”
“Mind? My excitement level just rose ten times.”
Tom laughed quietly. “Wow, should I take offense?”
Cassie playfully swatted his arm. “Having you with me is so beyond any excitement level—I didn’t include that. It’s just the whole campus tour thing.”
“Good save, kiddo. So, no phobias about small jets?”
“If Caryn and Andrew use it to fly with the twins, I’m good. And I can’t wait to see their townhouse—I’ve heard it’s fabulous!”
“It will give us close access to the campus, plus the area’s very vibrant with shops, restaurants, sports bars. We may luck out on the weather—Mom said it’s not too cold right now.”
Cassie rested her hand on Tom’s leg. “Hope so—don’t want to have to buy a coat!”
Tom covered her hand for a moment. “I’m sure Caryn has several you can borrow. No need to invest in a coat.”
“Besides, you’ll keep me warm, doctor, won’t you?”
“Count on that, babe.”
