Parker: At least she's not afraid to claim me.
Me: What?
Parker: I have to get to the bus. I'm glad she got to see the game. Thank you for letting her watch it. Goodbye, princess.
What did he mean, I wondered? Was he saying I wouldn't claim him? I most certainly did. I'd admitted to being his friend so many times. Did he think I was embarrassed that we talked? What the hell did his words mean? Neither of us said another word after that, but his words played through my mind for the rest of the day and all night long.
When I showed up for work the next day, I was shocked to find James sitting at my desk waiting for me.
“My office,” he snapped out, and I didn't move. “Now!”
“Go home where you belong,” I said.
“I said now,” he said.
“Should a boss really be speaking to his employee that way?” I asked.
“This is your brother speaking,” he said. “Now get your ass in my office, or the entire company is about to hear a whole lot more than they need.”
“Fine,” I hissed, as I walked into his office. When he followed me in, he shut the door behind us. “Look, James. I really need this job, just until the divorce is final. I'll do exactly what I'm supposed to do. I won't cause any trouble, I promise. Then I'll pay you back for everything, including the second lawyer, and be on my way.”
“Enough,” he snapped out loudly.
I jerked back when he took a step toward me.
“Sit!” he snapped.
I instantly did as he demanded. It had been a very long time since I'd seen him the way he was right then. He hadn't even been that pissed when I'd shown up at his house or when I'd told him about Jeff and the divorce.
“I'm not firing you, Cassie. You actually do an amazing job,” he said, as he sat down in the chair next to me. “I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't. You'd just shown up, after years of not seeing you, with my niece, nephew, and a baby I didn't even know you had, and honestly, you were a total mess. There was no way I could tell you that my loser dad had another child and that Lance was married to her. You didn't tell us about the baby, and we forgave you.”
“That's different,” I said. “You're close to her. You all are.”
“She's been through a lot,” he said.
“That's what I keep hearing,” I said.
“From who?” he asked.
I just shook my head.
“I love you, Cassie,” he said. “You are my sister, and you always will be. Lauren is my sister too, but that doesn't mean I feel any less for you.”
“Listen, James,” I said.
“No,” he snapped. “You listen. I love you and those three kids more than you will ever know, and I am begging you to forgive me. I should have told you. I just didn't know how. If you're going to be mad at anyone, it needs to be me and me alone. I asked them to give me time to tell you on my own.”
“What about Lauren?” I asked.
“She was hurt that I wouldn't tell you,” he answered. “Thought I was embarrassed of her. Then she let me know how wrong it was for you. Said you deserved to know. You like her, don't you?”
“Not when I first got here,” I answered, remembering how she'd acted toward me. “She's okay, I guess.”
“Come on, Cassie,” he said. “Please don't leave.”
“I need time,” I said. “My world has been turned upside down these past six months. I can't even think straight anymore.”
“I know,” he said. “I'm so damn sorry I wasn't honest from the beginning. I love you.”
“Love you too,” I said.
“You can work here forever,” he said. “I'll leave you alone. Just please think about staying.”
“How's Sammie and the baby?” I asked.
“They're both great,” he answered.
“I want to meet him,” I said. “I want the kids to see him too.”
I stood up, opened his door, and walked out to my desk, feeling horrible that I wasn't there for him when his son was born like I'd wanted to be. When I sat down, I saw a message and thought it was from Parker, but it wasn't. It was from my grandma.
Grandma: We're leaving. We all love you, and we will be right there with you when you come to Michigan for the divorce. If you think you'll get by us on that, you won't, so don't bother. That gives you three months to get to forgiving. Love you!
Reading her message brought a smile to my face. I loved my grandma so much, and I regretted the fact that I'd wasted the little time she'd been there.
Would I forgive them? Of course I would. That's what you do for family, right?
Chapter 24
Parker
When I'd gone home the night Cassie had found out about Lauren, I took my jeans off and pulled a folded piece of paper from my pocket that I'd totally forgotten about. When I opened it, I laughed. It had a phone number on it with the word grandma above it. She was the glue that held that entire family together. Each of them talked about her like she was the one person they'd love no matter what, and it was true, I'd seen it with my own eyes. She was special to each of them, and they were special to her. She'd take in anyone that one of her own cared about. I'd seen that with Lauren, but more than that, I'd seen it with Lance, Lucy, and their family. If they hadn't told me, I would have thought they were her own flesh and blood. She made it easy to forget that they weren't.
I grabbed my phone and entered her name and number into my contacts. If she was offering me a spot in her very important group, I was taking it without question, and I was pretty sure I'd also be utilizing her number a lot.
The next three months were super busy. I talked to Cassie and text her often. I'd even spent time at her place with her and the kids when I didn't have mine. We were friends and nothing more, but I missed her, and she missed me too. She never said it, and neither did I. Each time I left, she'd ask when I'd be back, but that was it. We were definitely getting closer. She'd say we weren't, but she'd be full of shit. If I went a whole day without communicating with her, I'd get a worried message, and then I'd answer, to put her mind at ease.
Cassie was talking to her family again, all of them, including Lauren a bit. Things weren't perfect, but they were getting better. The kids were still in daycare, and Sammie hadn't picked them up once since she'd had the baby. She'd offered, but Cassie wasn't having it. It was her job to take care of her kids. I'd offered to help. I'd even asked if I could take them to play ball, but I always got the same answer Sammie did. I was proud of Cassie and the amazing mom she was, but her stubbornness drove me so damn crazy.
I was sitting in a team meeting, and I felt the vibration of my phone in my pocket. When I took it out and read the message, I replied without thinking.
Princess: I'm selling the vacation home.
Me: Are you sure?
Just as I stuck the phone back into my pocket, I felt it vibrate again.
Princess: What? Do you want me gone?
Shit! I was trying to concentrate on the coach, and I hadn't taken the time to think about my damn words. Of course I didn't want her gone. I just didn't want her to stay and end up regretting it later.
Me: That's not what I meant. It's just, if you stay, I want it to be because that's what you want.
Princess: It's fine. You're right. I'll think on it some more.
Fuck! I shoved my phone back in my pocket.
“Right, Parker?” I heard the coach ask.
Shit! I'd totally missed what he'd just said and had to ask him to repeat it, which earned me a very dirty look.
As soon as the meeting was over, I pulled my phone back out and hit the call button next to her name, but she didn't answer. I wasn't home and wouldn't be for a few days. What was even worse was that her divorce would be final by the time I got back to Pennsylvania, and I didn't want to wait that damn long to talk to her, not at all.
When Cassie didn't answer, I pulled up my messages and sent one to the only person I could talk to about her, her grandma. I'd u
sed the number she'd given me right away and had been using it ever since too. The more we talked or text, the more I got it. She was definitely the glue, and she was amazing. She loved every person she considered family with all of her heart, and she was hilarious too. She'd even text after games to either tell me congratulations or to give me shit about the mistakes I'd made. That woman paid attention.
Me: I messed up.
It didn't take long for me to get a reply.
Grandma: What did you do now?
Me: You know how she is, right?
Grandma: I do. She's just like the rest of the stubborn bunch, but what did you do?
My next text explained exactly what had happened while we were sending each other messages during my meeting.
Grandma: So, just because you asked if she was sure, she thinks you don't want her.
Me: Yes.
Grandma: Now she won't answer the phone so you can explain.
Me: Exactly. The damn woman would change her mind and move just to prove something to me.
Grandma: You do know her family, right?
Me: Yes.
Grandma: Just give her time, Parker. Don't give up on her. Tell her how you really feel. Type that shit out if that's what it takes. You know she'll read it, even if she doesn't answer.
I was walking through the hall, toward my room, and when I didn't reply right away, she sent another message.
Grandma: How do you feel, Parker?
A second ding came right after the first.
Grandma: About my girl?
Me: I don't know.
Grandma: You like her as more than a friend, don't you?
Me: I'm not sure.
Grandma: How can you not know after all this time?
When I didn't reply, she got me again, except the next text had my emotions going wild.
Grandma: Maybe she isn't the one for you.
Me: I didn't say that.
Grandma: You didn't say she is either. You'd know if she was, Parker.
Me: I've been through some rough shit.
I couldn't help but defend myself. Then I realized who I was messaging.
Me: Sorry!
Grandma: That's okay. She has too, Parker. That's why she's so afraid.
Me: I'm a good guy.
Grandma: I know you are, but she thought Jeff was too. Now look at him. I never liked that asshole, but I never thought he'd be the man he really is, and I'm usually a good judge of character. That slippery sucker even got by me.
Me: Why would she put me in the same category as him?
Grandma: Because you're gone often, and she's seen how it can be. She's also heard her own uncle telling her brother how it is for guys like you. How many women are you around? It's a lot more than one, and that was all it took for him to cheat on her. He was nothing special. You are, and she knows lots of ladies will drop their panties for a Pirate.
Me: I've never had someone not like me because of what I do. It's always been the opposite. Just because women will drop their panties, doesn't mean I'm going to take them up on it.
Grandma: Doesn't mean you won't. She's afraid she won't be good enough, just like she wasn't for him.
Shit! Did Cassie really feel that way, I wondered?
Me: She's very materialistic. From what I've heard, she always has been.
Grandma: I disagree.
Me: Why?
Grandma: I don't think that's the real her. I think that's who she thought she was, but she's changed. Cassie is an amazing woman. She just needs to find her place, where she belongs. I've seen the way she looks at you. I'm no fool. I've known since Christmas night.
Me: How?
Grandma: When you text her goodnight. I didn't know it was you, but I knew she liked whoever had sent that message. Then, the next day, you showed up, and she said you were there to see James, which was total bullshit. You called her princess, just like the guy had the night before. That was when I knew who she was in love with.
Me: She does not love me. She points out that we're friends every chance she gets. I was there to see James.
Grandma: You say you're friends too. And, yes, you did see James, but that was not why you were originally there. They may all believe that shit, but I do not. You are just as much of a pain in the ass as she is. If you didn't feel the same way about her, you never would have put your career in jeopardy for her.
Me: What are you talking about?
Grandma: Come on, Parker. You didn't all leave together, to come back seriously late, just from going to the bar. Not to mention the way your hand looked. That asshole didn't just magically give her everything she'd asked for. He had help with his decision. I'm damn proud of all of you, but of you the most. You weren't her family. You weren't even her boyfriend, but you were there for her, and she doesn't even know it.
I didn't know how to reply. Did I admit it, or did I deny it? She was no dummy, and she also didn't make me make the decision.
Grandma: She's different with you.
Me: How's that?
Grandma: She doesn't cower to you and do as you say.
Me: Yeah, she's cocky and says shit she shouldn't. The woman drives me crazy. Sometimes I wonder why I go back for more.
Grandma: Because you don't want someone that's going to do as you say.
Me: It would be nice every once in a while.
Grandma: One of you has to take the chance, Parker. If you both let whatever it is that's between you go, I think it will be a huge mistake.
Me: What about the guys?
Grandma: What about them? They'll get over that shit, or I'll knock them out myself. You're a good man. I know you are.
Me: I'm glad someone does.
Grandma: Fix it, Parker. Be honest with her.
Me: I will, but I'm going to do it face to face. I'll do it as soon as I get home.
Grandma: It'll be fine. I know it will.
Me: Thank you for being there for me.
Grandma: Hey, you're one of us.
Me: Not really.
Grandma: You are. You'll see.
Me: You'll be there, right? When she goes to court.
Grandma: Oh, I wouldn't miss it. That asshole is going to feel my presence. You don't touch one of mine and get away with it.
Me: I feel like shit. I want to be there so damn bad, but I can't be. Guess I wasn't honest when I said I'd always be there.
Grandma: You don't worry about a thing. I've got our girl. I'll be right there by her side. You just worry about getting home and putting it all out there.
Me: Thank you for being there for her. I know it's going to hurt when she signs away the life she had. She'll need all the love she can get.
When I finally set my phone down on the nightstand in my room, I picked it right back up again. I knew there was a huge chance Cassie wasn't going to answer me back, but I needed to try.
Me: When are you leaving tomorrow?
I was so shocked when I heard the buzz only seconds later.
Princess: Around noon.
Before I could reply, there was another message.
Princess: James and Sammie are keeping the kids for me. I don't want them anywhere near the situation. They haven't slept over there with Jillian in a very long time, so they're super excited.
I looked at her name and thought about her grandma's words. Was it worth the risk to put it all out there? Would I regret it if I didn't do it? There was only one answer, and that was yes. As worried as I was about getting hurt and screwed again, I did believe deep down that Cassie wasn't the same person that had first moved to Pennsylvania.
I went into her contact and changed it from Princess to Cassie. Then I replied.
Me: Text me as soon as you get there.
Cassie: You'll be at the game.
At least she knew I was playing. That was a positive sign.
Me: Doesn't matter. I'll get it as soon as it's over.
Cassie: I'm sure you have more important things to do than to look at your
phone right after a game. I'll be fine.
Me: TEXT ME THE SECOND YOU GET THERE, WOMAN!
Cassie: OKAY!!!
Me: Thank you!
Cassie: You're welcome, wannabe!
Me: I got a new name, remember?
Cassie: Nope, not at all.
Me: You're such a pain in the ass.
Cassie: Then quit texting me.
Me: Not a chance.
Cassie: We're watching a cartoon, and popcorn is currently being spilled all over my bed. I'm going to clean it up so I don't get any surprises in the crack of my ass tonight. Goodnight, Parker.
Me: That was so unfair. Goodnight, Cassie.
I sat back picturing them all, on her bed, watching a show and couldn't help but see myself there with the twins too. That would be one crowded bed, but I'd love it.
“Shit!” I whispered. “Go to bed, Parker. That is the last thing you need to be thinking about right now.”
I got in bed and closed my eyes, but I couldn't get her out of my mind. She was about to go through some serious shit. It wasn't easy, I knew that myself. It would mark the end of one chapter in her life, but it would also mark the beginning of another, one that I knew I wanted to be a part of. I just had to figure out how to make that happen.
Chapter 25
Cassie
I let all three of the kids sleep with me. It was crowded, but I didn't care. I was going to be away from them for three days, and I was already missing them. Funny how that works. Just a year before, I was barely doing anything for my own kids. How I had ever let that happen, I didn't know, but I did know one thing, and that was that it would never happen again.
I watched them each fall asleep. Then I closed my eyes to try and get some sleep of my own, but a million thoughts were going through my mind. They were mostly about Jeff. I was wondering if everything would work out or if he'd pull a fast one at the last second. I was going to have a lawyer with me, and my parents and grandma too, but I was still so damn scared. He could honestly have kept it all if that was what it would have taken for me to keep the kids with me. Part of me couldn't help but wonder why he hadn't pushed for more. Another part of me was sure he had a plan, something to hurt me with at the last minute.
I stared up at the dark ceiling, and Parker came into my mind. I missed him so much. If he was there, he would have made me feel so much better. Everything always seemed okay when I was with him. He would have taken my worry away. The man could be a demanding pain in the ass, but I missed him. The more I thought about him, the more my body relaxed, until I was finally able to fall asleep.
Out of My League: Complete Box Set Page 33
