by B. A. Wolfe
Moose stepped toward my frozen body, Aidan following close behind him. “Cass, this is Dan. Dan, this is Cass. Or, I guess, Cassandra,” Moose said, gesturing with his hands. He stood between us, waiting as we both stared. Not in a contest, not waiting for the other to blink, but in curiosity, question, and disbelief.
“Cassandra, are you okay?” Trish was by my side in an instant. Aidan’s eyes only grew wider the longer I gazed at him. I’d have to answer her, but how could I? My hand dropped to my stomach, holding it, bracing myself. “Aidan?”
“Hi. I’m, uh, Jase’s older brother.” His shoulders dropped and his facial expression looking pained.
What?! Why?! “Oh, God,” I muttered as I gripped the fireplace mantel behind me.
“Cass?” Moose asked, his eyes moving back and forth as if he were watching a tennis match.
“What’s going on?” Trish asked.
Question after question came, but I didn’t know how to respond.
“I d-don’t know. I’m confused.” My eyes ping-ponged between Moose and Trish. I shook my head and then locked eyes with Aidan. “What are you doing here, Aidan?”
Sooner than I could blink away my bewilderment, his six foot, four inch toned body stood before me. “They all call me Dan.” He reached for my hand. His eyes seemed to have a hard time staying on mine. “Cassandra . . .” His voice trailed off and I shook my head at him.
No! No, it couldn’t be. Someone upstairs was evil. Hateful, even. How could I have finally found someone I liked and then have this happen? My heavy heart had hit the brink of its capacity. It slowly slid down my body, falling so hard it went straight through the floor, and landed in the basement below. I peered at him as if he were a figment of my imagination. Absently, I placed my hand in his and a soft sigh escaped me at the feel of its familiar touch.
“Do you two know each other?” Trish’s voice brought me out of my trance and I realized Aidan’s hand was still wrapped around mine. I yanked it free and tucked it behind my back.
“You two okay? Something seems off here,” Moose asked, his eyebrows reaching new heights.
Panic coursed through my body. I couldn’t understand any of this. I swallowed and then bit my lip. “Um, uh, I need to go, uh, downstairs. I just remembered something I forgot to unpack.”
“You need help, Cass?” Moose asked.
More than you know. “No, no. I’ve got it. Trish, you got Jase for a minute? I’ll be right back.” I didn’t wait for a response. I rushed downstairs, flew through the door, and sprinted to the bed. I sat panting for breath as I shook my head. Grabbing my phone from the nightstand, I hit Melanie’s name.
She answered instantly. “What’s up, girl?”
“Melanie, get your ass down here right now!” I gripped the phone as I whisper yelled into it.
“What the hell? That’s a little demanding. Not even a hello?”
“No, not even a hello. There’s no time. It’s bad. I mean, it’s worse than bad. It’s wrong in so many ways.” A crack made its way down my heart.
“Slow down. How many cups of coffee have you had? And what’s bad?”
“What’s bad? Everything. It was too good to be true. I knew it was. Damn it!” Pools of tears held steady in my eyes.
“Slow down. What in the hell is going on?”
I lowered my head, slid down the bed, and sat on the floor with my knees to my chin. “It’s him. Mr. Rub a Dub Dub, Mr. Hottie at the Bar, Mr. Whisper Sweet Nothings Into My Ear.”
“So, you’re saying this has to do with Mr. Rub a Dub Dub? I’m not following. I thought you had a call of a lifetime with his fine ass? What seems to be the problem? And why in fuck’s sake would I need to go to Keaton for this?”
“Aidan. Aidan-fucking-Brad-ley, MELANIE!” I pronounced his last name slowly so she could fully grasp it.
“Oh shit. Oh big shit. Nooo. There’s no way, Cass. This has to be a mistake. Are you sure? Wait a second? How do you know this?”
With a long exhale I told her, “The perfect man himself is upstairs. Sitting, having a freaking chat with his mother!”
“I’m on my way. I should’ve gone with you. Damn it, Cass. I’ll be there.”
“Thank you.”
She told me she loved me, and then just as fast as she answered, ended the call. I put the phone back on the nightstand, rested my arms on my knees, and leaned my head against the bed. I was right. Nothing at all could have prepared me for meeting Jason’s brother. Nothing.
A light tapping drew my attention in front of me. “Care to explain?” Moose filled the doorway, his arm resting against the frame, a confused yet playful expression on his face.
“No,” I answered. I wouldn’t even know how to start.
He strode in and knelt in front of me. “What’s going on, Cass?” He swiped a few strands of hair from my face. “Is it Dan? Was it tough seeing him?” He lowered his voice. “He tried to come down here, but I told him to stay upstairs and let me talk to you first. I didn’t think about it. I’m sorry.”
Aidan tried to come down? I wanted to grin knowing that was the type of guy he seemed like. But now I didn’t know who he was and I was back to wanting to cry.
“Talk to me, please.” Moose’s eyes reminded me of a sad puppy as he begged.
It was killing me, listening to him plead. “Okay.”
A pleased grin swept across his face. “Good. I can’t help if I don’t know what’s going on.”
I scanned the bedroom. “Oh, Moose. I don’t think you’ll be able to help with this one.”
I peered over at his narrowed gaze. “Try me.”
My fingers wouldn’t stop fidgeting with themselves as I thought about how to put everything into words. “Uh, you remember the guy I met at the coffee shop and then the restaurant?”
He remained silent and nodded, probably putting together a plan as I spoke, ready to kick his ass.
“Well, he isn’t really . . . he actually . . . he knows . . .” Nothing came out right. The words were replaced with gibberish.
Moose cocked his head. “Did he do something? What’s going on? I’m not understanding, Cass.”
The longer I took to answer and figure out what to say, the more I realized this was a girl problem. He wouldn’t understand. Not only that, but the truth was on lockdown; my pounding heart was protecting itself. Aidan hadn’t come out and said anything. Maybe I shouldn’t either. Mel would be down soon and she would know what to do. I wouldn’t tell him. Not today.
“He won’t call me back and I think he’s not really who he seemed. It’s over. I just got upset.” I almost rolled my eyes at my own lie. But it was true; he wasn’t the guy I thought he was.
“So you ran downstairs because of that? I love ya, Cass, but women are just strange. Y’all will never make sense to me.”
We were a complicated bunch, but only because of the male species. They never made anything easy on us women.
Moose stood and reached for my hand, helping me up. “He doesn’t deserve you, if that’s the case. Let it go. The right man will come along, and when he does you’ll know. You and Jase both will.”
“Thanks, Moose.” I threw my arms around him and hugged my friend.
“How about you come over for dinner at my house tonight? Get you and the little guy out of the house for a bit.”
That was a great idea. “Yes, please.”
Cassandra
THE FIVE-MINUTE DRIVE back to the Bradley’s after dinner was enough time to help me decide to yell at a certain someone. Melanie had texted and said she would be here tomorrow morning, something about finishing a presentation. I told her that was fine, but that left me alone with the scariest thing of all—my own thoughts. I had to talk to Aidan, or yell rather. I couldn’t wait for Mel on this. I grabbed Jase’s car seat out of the back and headed inside.
Trish was sitting on the couch with a book in her hands when I set Jase’s car seat down. “How was dinner?” Her lips formed a warm smile, unintentionally m
aking me feel guilty for leaving.
“Dinner was great. Sorry I didn’t stay.”
She shook her head. “No worries, Cassandra. You’re free to do your own thing,” she said, her voice chipper and sweet. I didn’t realize how much my ears had missed her delightful voice.
“I better go put Jase in his pajamas. He’s out cold.” I took Jase out of his seat. “He had a busy night.”
It wasn’t hard to notice how quiet the house was as I headed downstairs. It wasn’t late, but I’d fully expected to see the whole family here when I returned. My eyes continued to search the house, but there was nothing. After changing Jase into his jammies, we made our way back upstairs. Trish was still in the same spot with her book.
“Have you seen Dan?” I asked, starting the swing for Jase.
“I believe he went for a run. Why?”
“I just—” I paused, unsure of how to explain what I needed him for. It didn’t matter. He went for a run. I couldn’t catch him now.
“I’ll watch Jase if you want to go for a run too?” She folded her book and placed it in her lap.
“Oh no, that’s okay.”
“I don’t mind. Go clear your head. I hear running’s good for the mind.” Her eagerness to get me to go was questionable. She didn’t know why I was trying to talk to him, did she? Before I could contemplate any longer, I was being forced to the bedroom downstairs. “Go, sweetie.” She flashed her motherly smile and with that, I was downstairs and changing into yoga pants, a light fleece, and my sneakers.
Trish assured me she was fine with Jase so I took my opportunity and stepped outside into the night air. Running, huh? I could do this. How hard could it be? Forgoing any stretching, I peered down the street. Where the hell was he? I chose to head right and with a slow start that was more like a fast-paced walk, I was off. I picked up my pace after a few minutes, my heart rate increasing as I did.
A tall figure in the distance caught my attention. He wore loose shorts and a dark colored sweatshirt, with the hood pulled over his head.
“Found you,” I muttered to myself in between breaths.
I sped up, changing the pace to a full-blown run, trying to catch him. I felt like a fox chasing a damn rabbit. He was quick, I’d give him credit for that, but I was a woman on a mission. The closer he got, the harder I drove my legs. I was impressed with my endurance. He was a mere ten feet in front of me, keeping a steady pace. Now was my chance. My panting increased as I forced my legs faster, harder. My chest felt the pressure I put on my lower half to run as my lungs worked overtime. I was only inches away now.
“W-we need to talk,” I blurted out, finally running up beside him and able to slow down from my sprint. Who knew I had it in me?
“Hey you,” he said, his voice unstrained as if he had full control of his body.
“H-hey,” I replied, almost out of breath.
“Skipping dinner, huh? Are you trying to avoid me?”
I almost tripped over my feet as the question left his mouth. “Maybe,” I answered, my truthful response shocking me. I sucked two desperate breaths back. “Aidan, this-this is horrible.”
“I know,” he stated quietly.
“I need to . . . ask you a question.”
He turned and faced me, jogging backward with no extra effort. Show off. “What’s the question?”
I shook my head and wiped a bead of sweat from my forehead. “How did this happen? This isn’t okay.”
His pace slowed and his skillful backward jogging stopped as he moved beside me, matching my step. He still wasn’t answering. The longer he waited the more frustrated I became. “Not to mention, I’ve been replaying this in my head all afternoon and you didn’t seem as shocked to see me as I was to see you standing in that house. Did you know? Did you know who I was?” I stopped, my heart pounding against my chest. The running, Aidan, my frustration—all brought me to a standstill.
He halted when I did, his lips forming a straight line.
“You knew it was me, didn’t you? How, though? I can’t figure it out. Jesus. I’m so confused.” I threw my head back, hoping the few tears that threatened would go back inside.
“Hey.” He inched closer. His hands cradled my face, forcing my head forward. “The way we met was pure coincidence. No one could’ve planned that.”
I stopped listening to everything he was saying. Our eyes connected and as I stared up at him, it hit me. His eyes, those eyes. “Wait,” I said, interrupting him. How I never put two and two together was beyond me. I knew exactly why he felt so familiar to me now. “Oh my god!” I stepped away from his hold and lifted my hand, holding my finger inches from his face as I pointed toward him. “You-you were the one who held me at his funeral?”
My mind traveled back in time. Suddenly, I was in front of a flower-draped casket and a set of strong arms took me in and held me until my labored breathing returned to normal. It was a moment I’d never forget. It was Aidan.
“You knew it was me and you never said anything.” I covered my gaping mouth.
He closed his eyes and sighed, giving me a non-verbal confirmation.
I needed to clear everything out of my head. Running. That was the answer. So I darted off, letting my legs lead the way.
His feet sounded against the gravel as they raced to catch up with me. “Cassandra, don’t run away from me,” his firm voice called out behind me.
I couldn’t grasp what was happening. Anger pushed my legs harder. “No!” I shouted. “You had plenty of opportunities to tell me, Aidan. You let me believe you were someone you weren’t.” My breathy voice was shaky as I ran from him.
Unfortunately, he was by my side in no time, stretching his hand out in front of me. “Stop. Please let me explain.”
I shoved his hand away. “No. You should’ve . . . told me . . .” I spoke in between heavy breaths.
He stayed steadily by my side, keeping up with the quick pace I set. “Listen,” he said with a soft voice. “I tried to tell you on the phone. When you called me. I tried.”
What? Words from our phone conversation whispered in my head. Damn it. He did say he had something to tell me, but Jase had started crying and I ended the call.
He continued, “I knew the minute I told you, things would probably change. But I realized I had to tell you. I tried. I did.” His voice sounded upset.
So he tried, but he didn’t try hard enough. “You’re right about one thing. It does change things. It changes everything.”
Whether it was my own fault or someone upstairs had a bizarre sense of humor, agony shot through my right hamstring. “Ouch. Holy shit!” I cringed as if it would help, and tried to push forward.
“Cassandra? What’s wrong?” Aidan jogged in front of me, frantically searching my body for a sign of injury.
“Cramp.” Damn, it hurt. I stopped, bent over, clutched the back of my thigh, and inhaled deep breaths.
His sneakers moved into view and were only a few inches from mine as I stared at the ground, trying to will the pain away. “You don’t really run, do you?”
I peered up at his concerned face. “Define . . . run.”
He rubbed his temple. “Damn it. You should’ve said something.” In less than ten seconds my body was being cradled. His arm was under my knees and the other behind my back. I snuggled against his fleece-covered chest and couldn’t help but inhale his scent. A mixture of wood and earth with a little hint of spice. I let the aroma grab my senses one last time before I finally realized what was occurring.
“Wait. What are you doing?” I tried to wiggle out of his hold. “Ouch.”
He kept his eyes forward as he answered, “I’m carrying you back. What does it look like?”
“I can walk. Put me down!”
“Why? Are you worried?” A smile tipped his lips as he gazed down at me. “I’m not going to drop you. I promise.”
“Put me down. Please.” My voice was so quiet I wasn’t even sure I heard myself.
His hold around me
tightened. “Hell no. You’re hurting.” More than he knew. “I’m carrying you back.”
“Please,” I begged once more.
“No. I’m not putting you down,” he said in a tone that meant I’d lost the battle. He lowered his mouth, and just as quiet as the world was around us, he whispered into my ear, “I’m sorry I didn’t try harder to tell you. I am. But you don’t have to hate me, Cassandra.”
I don’t. God, not even close. I wanted to hate him, but I couldn’t. I was pissed, I wouldn’t deny that. But it was the situation I was angry with, not Aidan. I’d finally found someone I enjoyed being around, someone I wanted to get to know on a deeper level, and for the first time, I couldn’t. He wasn’t someone I could ever get close to, and for that I was angry. I expelled a breath. “Aidan, please . . .”
“Just relax. I’ve got you.”
I’m sure he sensed the stiffness in my body as he held me. It was awkward. All of it, but I eventually gave in. The cramp had exhausted me and I let my head rest against his shoulder for the last few minutes that he carried me back. The only noise around us was the hushed breeze through the trees as we passed them.
“Thanks for the lift,” I told him as he set me on my feet.
“Don’t thank me. I didn’t mind. But next time maybe ease into the run first?”
I wasn’t sure, but I could have sworn he flashed me a wink. He reached for the door handle, but my hand topped his, freezing his movements. Even I wasn’t prepared for my actions.
“Listen. I’m not happy about the fact that you knew me and didn’t say anything.”
His eyes pierced into mine. “Cassandra, I tri—”
I shook my head. “Let me finish.”
He nodded, watching me with curiosity.
“I’m not happy about it. You should’ve tried harder. But . . .” I sucked in a deep breath. “We’ll be here together all weekend and I don’t want to do this. I don’t want to argue.” His shoulders dropped and his eyes slowly drifted to the floor. “Friends?” My mind was just as shocked as my heart when the word slipped out of my mouth.
