by J. M. Witt
The DJ took the microphone back as Cassidy hugged Jane and Cal in turn. She sat back down and I squeezed her hand as I leaned into her. “You’re amazing.”
She chuckled, “It sucked. Took me forever to write and it was lame.”
“It’s not lame. It was short and sweet. Everyone loved it.” I kissed her softly as she leaned into me. “I know now’s not the time, but we need to talk.” She looked deep in my eyes and nodded her agreement. “You should eat first and then I want to dance with you!”
After dinner and before the usual festivities I found Smith and chatted with him. “So nothing suspicious?”
“No. All my guys are here, but nobody’s seen anything.”
“I don’t like it. I have a bad feeling.”
“I know, me too.”
Sighing, “All right. Try to enjoy yourself. I don’t want Cassidy or Jane worried.”
“Will do.”
About that time was the cake cutting and Jane got Cal good with a fist full of cake to his face. He dabbed some icing on her nose and left it at that. They danced their first dance to two different songs. One that Cal picked and one that Jane picked, both god awful country, before Jane danced with her dad. I spotted Paul by the bar with Melissa and wondered if they’d come together. Ryan and Lena were nearby as the four of them began chatting. Looking for Cassidy, I spotted her with her father and Lisa.
I requested some songs and headed over to meet some of Cassidy’s family. I was given a quick round of introductions. Some chastised us for eloping and others encouraged our choice. Cassidy was uncomfortable with the whole topic, but just played along with it. Soon the DJ made an announcement as one song ended and another began.
“This song goes out to Cassidy. You’ll know who it’s from.”
She looked to me, confusion in her eyes as Miracle by Foo Fighters began to play. It was the song I’d played for her on the ride back to her place after the masquerade last year. I hoped she would remember the importance of the song. I put my open hand out between us as she excused herself and let me lead her to the floor.
She let me pull her in tight and started to question me. “James?”
“Shh, just let me dance with you, my miracle. You’re mine, Cassidy, I need you to know that.”
She looked into my eyes as I stroked her face before she closed her eyes as I leaned into her. I kissed her soft and sweet before she laid her head on my shoulder. Her breath was sweet as I dropped my lips to her temple. She held on tight as I sang some of the lyrics in her ear.
I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I knew we were supposed to wait till Monday, but she had to know how I felt. “I love you, Cassidy. I know, I’m breaking more rules, but you need to know. I don’t expect you to say anything in return. You’re the only thing I want and I’m so sorry for all the mistakes I’ve made. I hope you can see it in your heart to forgive me one day.”
The song was ending and she lifted her tear filled eyes to mine. “I forgive you. I forgave you long ago. I’m so sorry for the mistakes I made.”
I placed my finger over her lips, “I forgive you. I want us to have a fresh start, a clean slate.” She sniffed as I asked, “Can you do that? Just nod your head if you agree.” She nodded without hesitation. I motioned to the DJ and he played the next song.
“I don’t deserve you.”
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. You deserve more. Now kiss me.” I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz began playing. “I’m sorry I gave up on us so easily. It won’t happen again.”
“Me too.” She clung to me until the song ended and a more upbeat tune filled the air. “I’m going to go freshen up.”
“Ok. I’ll be waiting.”
As she walked away I saw Paul follow her. I took a deep breath and didn’t intervene. As far as I knew he still hadn’t told her that he was leaving town. I didn’t want him to go, not really, but I understood why he felt he had to go. When I turned toward the bar, Melissa was making her way toward me.
“Hey stranger.” She smiled as she asked, “How you doing?”
“Good, things are good.”
“You and Cassidy looked cozy. I hope that’s a good sign.”
“Me too. I think everything’s finally going to work out.”
“I’m happy for you. You were right, too.”
“Oh, about?”
“Cassidy. I like her.” I snorted. “Yeah, don’t get used to hearing that. I’ll never tell you that again.”
Laughing, I asked, “That you like her or that I was right?”
“I plead the fifth.”
~ PAUL ~
The month before the wedding had been exhausting. The only thing that kept me sane was work and the club. I worked from sunup to sundown and then overindulged in alcohol, women and I was ashamed to say, drugs as well. I knew I needed to reel it in and had cut myself off—from the drugs—cold turkey. Women, well, meaningless sex, was an older habit that I struggled to get out of. I knew Lena had expressed some interest, and I’d told myself to stay away, though I hadn’t listened.
I made it through the wedding and fought to keep my eyes off of Cassidy. Of course, she couldn’t keep her eyes off of him. I had been such a fool to think I’d come here to find her single and available. She hadn’t been either, but then I’d gotten my hopes up when it looked like things wouldn’t work out. I fucked it up with fucking, like I usually did. The one time I wanted more from a girl after fucking her—ok, second time, but same girl—and she broke my heart. I guess it was my penance considering what I’d done to her years ago.
I knew I had to tell her I was leaving. She deserved that. I knew she’d done nothing wrong, but I knew she felt otherwise. She walked into the hall while James stayed in the ballroom. I seized the moment and called after her.
“Cassidy. Wait up.”
She turned and smiled when she saw it was me. Putting her hands on her hips, I knew she was trying to play it cool. “What’s going on?” I walked closer, but not too close. “Everything ok?”
I shook my head and stuffed my hands into my pockets. “Yeah, everything’s good. Well, considering.”
She started chewing on her lip as her hands began to fidget. She was so damn easy to read. I was going to miss that. She looked down to the carpet and softly said, “I’m really sorry, Paul. I know I hurt you. It wasn’t my intention.”
I took a step closer and fought the urge to touch her. “Hey. I should’ve known better. You’re married, he’s an old friend. I just couldn’t get you out of my head and believed that we belonged together. It was too much pressure, for us both.”
I could see her emotions start to get the better of her as she struggled to apologize again. “I really fucked things up for all of us. I’m sorry I got you caught in the middle.”
“I let myself get caught in the middle.”
“I hope you know that you’ll always own a piece of my heart, but he occupies my soul and I can’t let him go.”
“I know. I won’t be around to interfere anymore.”
Her head jerked up as she exclaimed, “Why does this sound like a goodbye?”
“Because it is. You shine brighter when he’s around. I knew it the minute I saw you two together. I fought for what wasn’t mine and he won.” She started crying and I couldn’t watch her do that and not console her. I pulled her into my arms and reveled in the feel of her one last time. I had to let her go, had to let go of us and the dream of her being mine. “You’re going to be ok.”
“I’m not worried about me.”
She pulled away as I looked down to her face. “I’m going to be fine.”
“Where are your going? Am I allowed to know?”
“My family’s in Atlanta. My brother’s running the business, but I know he could use my help.”
“Does Cal know?” I just shook my head. “He’s going to be bummed.”
“I know. I’m bummed too.”
“You don’t have to go.”
“Yes, I do.”
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “When do you leave?”
“Sunday.”
“You’re not going to tell him are you?”
“I, I don’t know. It’s not like I won’t stay in touch.”
“Paul…”
“Everything ok?” James walked up and took in the situation. He took a possessive stance close to Cassidy and I took a step back.
“Did you know he’s leaving town?” He didn’t say anything as she put the pieces together. “James Benedict. If you had anything to do with this…”
“Cassidy, it was my decision.” She looked between us both, trying to decide what to believe. “I should go find Cal and Jane.” I turned and walked away.
“Paul,” I turned back to face him, “I meant what I said. You’ll always have a job here if you want it.”
I nodded, “Thanks, man. I appreciate it.” I walked away from them knowing full well I had no intention of ever returning. The only way to move on was by staying away.
~ CASSIDY ~
Paul walked away and James smiled at me, concern across his face. “You ok?”
I nodded and took a deep breath. “Yeah. I really hurt a lot of people. Why don’t you hate me? I hate me.”
He was a little rougher than he intended as he gripped my shoulders and began rubbing them when I winced. “Don’t say that! I don’t hate you. I could never hate you. Cassidy, you’re my world. Please tell me you believe me.”
I was shutting down, drained, so tired and I just wanted to go home. There were still a few hours left in the night and I prayed I could hold on. He leaned down to meet my eyes and I just smiled and nodded. “I believe you.”
I could tell by the look on his face that he didn’t believe me and I didn’t care. He walked me back through the ballroom and out to the terrace. Everyone was gathered down in the garden or on the terrace. Judging by the crowd it was clearly time for the fireworks to begin. James stood behind me, his arms circled around my waist. I placed my head back against his chest and he easily supported me. I knew without a doubt he loved me and I loved him. Why did life have to be so fucking complicated? When the first firework boomed overhead, I jumped. He squeezed me tighter and kissed my temple before we enjoyed the rest of the display.
Cal and Jane were next to us and when the fireworks were over she pulled me into a hug. “Thank you so much. This night has been wonderful.”
“You’re welcome. It was my pleasure.”
“Really, Cass. You did wonders tonight. Thanks, sis.”
“Imagine what I could’ve done had I been given more than three months to plan!” We all laughed.
James chimed in, “Hey, I wanted to give you guys something without all the theatrics.” He pulled an envelope from his pocket and handed it to Jane. “I hope it’s not taken the wrong way. I just want my family close to me.”
Jane looked at the envelope and back to James before Cal said, “Well, open it.”
Even I was clueless as to what James had gifted them. Jane unfolded a piece of paper and scanned her eyes over it. Looking up to us, disbelief in her eyes, “James? Are you serious?”
“What is it?” Cal and I asked in unison.
“It’s land.” Jane’s voice was barely audible.
“Land. For what?” Even I understood, Cal was clueless.
I squeezed James hand and smiled up at him. He was amazing. “I have all that land out by the cider mill. I thought it’d be nice if you guys built a house, too. We’d be neighbors.”
I knew from the look on Cal’s face he was worried about the cost. Living on his salary had never been easy. “Wow. That’s, well, wow. Thanks, Benedict.” My brother and James shook hands and then Jane gave James a big hug and thanked him again. Cal made eye contact with me just as I noticed Paul hovering nearby. I motioned toward him and Cal turned to see him.
“Paul! Where’ve you been buddy?” I looked to Paul who asked to talk to Cal and Jane. “Sure, everything ok?” The three of them walked off and I hoped everyone would give them some privacy for a few minutes.
“Why didn’t you tell me what you had planned for their gift?” He just shrugged his shoulders. “It’s amazing.”
“Really, I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. It was your idea, anyway. I have more land than I could ever need. I know how close you are to both of them. It was the right thing to do.”
Smirking, I said, “It’ll be like our own little commune.” He laughed as I tried to suppress a yawn.
“Cassidy, let me take you upstairs. You’re exhausted.”
“I can’t just leave. All my family is here.” He frowned at me, but I managed to hold on for another couple hours.
Cal and Jane left and decided to drive up to the cabin that night. She had to work on Monday so they only had a couple days alone. She gave me the key to her room and I assured her I’d get all her belongings home to her.
James and I were headed up the elevator and I pushed the button for the floor Jane’s room was on. He looked at me and I told him I wanted to get my purse from Jane’s room. I’d gone without my phone all day, and while it was liberating, I needed it back. We made the quick detour and walked into the bridal suite.
“You know, since Cal and Jane aren’t using the room, we could.” I looked at him and laughed. The room was very decadent, with a Jacuzzi tub, and a huge king sized bed.
“Mr. Benedict. I’m exhausted. Keep dreaming.” I threw myself back on the bed, still in my dress and my exhaustion hit me like a two by four. “Shit. I’m not getting up.”
He smirked and crawled on the bed next to me. He pulled me into his embrace and soon we were both asleep, he in his tux and me in my dress.
~<>~<>~<>~
When we woke it was early morning. I turned to look at him and he was wide awake, staring at me. I smiled, blushing while I stretched my body out.
“Stop looking at me.” He laughed and asked why. “Um, I probably have raccoon eyes and look horrible.”
“You’re beautiful.” He climbed out of the bed and offered me his hand. “You hungry?”
“Yes.”
“Get dressed and meet me in my room in thirty minutes. I’ll order breakfast for us.”
“Mmm, sounds perfect. I’m going to take a quick shower and I’ll be up.”
He kissed my cheek and said, “Hurry.”
He winked at me before he walked out the door. I gathered up my bags and pulled out my clothes from the day before. I hadn’t packed extras because I hadn’t anticipated being gone all night. The hotel toiletries would have to do. I checked and there was even a toothbrush and toothpaste. I was about to remove my dress when there was a knock on the door. He was relentless. What could he possibly want? One thing was my best guess.
I flung the door open and exaggerated my tone, “Yes, Mr. Benedict.”
Fear ripped me in half as I tried to shut the door, but it was too late. I started screaming and ran for the hotel phone. He pushed me back, the receiver in my hand, and he ripped the phone from the wall. I had to get away from him. I knew what he’d done to Melissa and knew in my gut he wouldn’t hesitate to do the same to me. He pulled a gun and put it to his lips and I hushed.
“One more scream and he’s dead, after I make him watch me kill you.”
“Dan, please don’t do this. He’s expecting me back in his room. He’ll know something’s wrong.”
He looked around and knew he had some time. “Guessing since the shower is running, clothes are laid out and you’re dry. I have plenty of time.” He stared at me and I started to get sick to my stomach as his eyes scanned my body. “Get up!” Slowly, I stood up and he motioned me closer. “Get a pad of paper and write him a note. Tell him you aren’t feeling well or something. I have plans for you before I involve him.”
My emotions were getting to me as my throat clenched and my voice cracked. “Dan, you won’t get away with this. Let me go and we’ll show mercy. My brother’s a cop, he can get you a lighter sentence
.”
He smacked me as he spit out, “Do you think I’m some kind of fucking idiot? Now do what I said, NOW!”
I tasted the blood on my tongue as I grabbed the pen and notepad off the side table. As I wrote the note, I remembered the safety word that Smith had put in place. All the security guards and James knew what it was. I just prayed it worked.
Dan grabbed the note and scanned it. “What the fuck is this?”
“I, he, we were supposed to go grocery shopping. If I give him a list it’ll keep him busy, give him something to do.”
He looked at me and at the note with the small grocery list and shrugged his shoulders. “He’s in for one hell of a surprise. Grab your shit. Let’s go.”
I grabbed my small clutch, knowing my phone was in there, but not knowing if it had a charge left. Smith had also installed a tracking app on my phone. Please God, someone help me. We walked out of the hotel room and he motioned me toward the stairs. It was very early and the halls were quiet, maid service not at work yet.
“You do ANYTHING to make anyone suspicious and they’re dead.” He put the gun in the front pocket of the hoodie he wore and walked behind me. We made our way down the dozen flights of stairs and were headed to the parking garage was my guess when he sneered, “You’ll get in your car and drive.”
I pulled my keys out of my purse as we made our way down the last flight of stairs and walked into the hall that lead to the garage.
“Cassidy! You’re up early.” NO! “You headed out?”
Dan lingered back in the stairwell as I held the door open. “Hey, Melissa. I was just heading home.” I had no idea what Dan had in store for me, but I didn’t want Melissa hurt anymore.
