by Jeane Watier
IT HAD BEEN over a week since Cassandra had seen her aunt. She’d stayed in the city the past weekend with a legitimate excuse, a friend’s birthday. She planned to leave for the summer house in ten days and truly wanted to spend more time with Sophia, wanted to hear more of her intriguing wisdom. But scheming to find a way to see her while avoiding Jace, was unacceptable.
She’d made her decision. Tired of the lies, she was ready to face the music as Tanisha had suggested. Nevertheless, she stared at the phone for nearly five minutes before working up the nerve to call her aunt.
“Hi, Aunt Sophia. It’s Cassandra.”
“How nice to hear from you, dear.”
“Aunt Sophia, I need to tell you something,” Cassandra blurted.
“What is it, dear? Is something the matter?”
“I’ve done something,” she confessed. “And I’m not very proud of it.”
“Well, well,” Sophia laughed. “Haven’t we all?”
Encouraged by her aunt’s lighthearted attitude, Cassandra continued, “It’s about your neighbor, Jace.”
“Go on.”
“Daddy told me you’d hired your neighbor to drive you around and…no wait,” Cassandra faltered. “Let me begin before that. When I came to visit you the first time, several weeks ago, I ran into a young man in your building. Actually,” she laughed uneasily, “he ran into me. I was leaving and he was coming in…” She described the incident to her aunt. “I know I was in the wrong, but I had this image of him knocking you over. I got mad at him, and of course he got defensive because I’d been the one going out the wrong door. Anyway, that was our first meeting.
“The next morning, as I left your building, I noticed him staring at Daddy’s car. I was still mad at him for being rude the day before, and he obviously didn’t think much of me and…well, let’s just say we had words.”
“So you’ve met Jace.” Sophia sounded delighted, as if she hadn’t heard what Cassandra just said. “He’s such a nice young man.”
Cassandra hesitated, wondering how to continue. Her aunt could be so odd. She still questioned the old woman’s sanity at times. “That’s not all, Aunt Sophia. The following weekend, Daddy told me you’d hired someone from your building to drive your new car, and somehow I knew it was the same guy I’d met. We were worried about you because we didn’t know anything about him, and…well…my dealings with him had been…unpleasant.
“I jumped to conclusions. I know I was wrong, but I assumed he was the type that might take advantage of an elderly woman with money.”
“Jace would never do that, dear.”
“I know that now,” Cassandra sighed.
“How did you find out?” Sophia’s voice was still patient and loving, but there was a note of curiosity.
“Daddy suggested we get his name…to learn more about him. He wanted me to ask you a few questions so he could check into it further.” She took a deep breath. “Only…I decided to handle the situation my own way.” She told her aunt what had taken place between them at the grocery store and the coffee shop but omitted telling her how they’d parted. “I realized he wasn’t at all like I’d judged him to be,” Cassandra acknowledged. “And that’s why I invited you out to the Town House. I couldn’t go to your place in case I ran into him.
“Now I feel terrible. I hated telling all those lies.” She paused, relieved to have finally admitted her wrongdoing but still wanting absolution. “Aunt Sophia, I’m so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?”
“Of course, my dear. You were only doing what you thought was best. Don’t you worry another minute about this; everything’s fine now.”
“But Jace still thinks I’m Tanisha,” Cassandra objected. “It would be incredibly awkward running into him. Plus he’d hate me if he learned the truth. I’ve given him more than enough reason to.”
Sophia remained quiet on the other end, so Cassandra continued. “I’d really like to see you again, Aunt Sophia.” She left the statement free of suggestions, wanting to see what her aunt might propose.
“Of course, and I’d love to see you too, dear. We’re not done with our little project. We’ll work something out. Don’t you worry.”
Cassandra was filled with immense love for the dear old woman in that moment and didn’t hesitate to tell her. She felt lighter, having shed the burden of guilt. What would happen with Jace, she didn’t know. She hoped for a chance to ask his forgiveness one day. For now she was relieved to know that her aunt still loved her.
A PASSING WEEK helped Jace to get some perspective. He wasn’t as angry as he had been. Nevertheless, it was strange knowing the woman he’d kissed was Sophie’s niece. He doubted he’d ever see her again. She wouldn’t likely show her face near his building, and being from the city, not to mention a different social class, he doubted he’d run into her anywhere else.
That in itself brought up several questions. Cassandra’s obviously well off. But does she come from a wealthy family? Or does she have a high-paying job, rich friends, and a taste for the extravagant? Who knows, maybe there’s a rich boyfriend in the picture. Jace wasn’t ruling anything out.
It doesn’t make sense that her family has money, he reasoned. If so, why would they allow their aunt to fend for herself and live in this old apartment building? Not that Sophie was suffering in any way. She seemed to enjoy her way of life. And she was definitely happy.
Sophie said she’d had all that once, Jace recalled. Her furniture and china seemed to support her claim, and she spoke of the way rich people think as if it were knowledge she’d gained firsthand. Maybe they are one of the wealthy families of Port Hayden and for whatever reason don’t associate with their old aunt. The thought amplified his distaste for Port Hayden’s upper class.
People aren’t always what they appear to be at first glance, Jace. Sophie’s remark echoed in his mind. Her words had a way of returning to him at just the right moment and sounding as if she were somehow inside his head. He grinned. The old gal is getting to me.
It made him realize that he was judging her family when in truth he had only assumptions to go on. He was judging Cassandra, too, although in her case he had plenty of reason. The trouble was, as much as he wanted to despise her, he kept remembering his dream and the incredible kiss.
That kiss. As he lost himself in the memory of it, more of Sophie’s advice came to mind: You can feel what’s right for you. Jace had been confused about his feelings toward the girl he’d known as Tanisha. His mind was telling him one thing, his heart another. He’d been shocked when Sophie’s comment seemed to address his plight.
How can I feel what’s right, when what I feel is so mixed up? Thoughts of Cassandra caused desire to mingle with disappointment and anger, and if Jace was completely honest, somewhere in the mix was a little bit of hope.
CASSANDRA HAD arranged to pick Sophia up at her apartment, Friday afternoon. They would be traveling to the beach house together. She was pleased that her aunt had agreed to go with her to their summer home. It would be a change of scenery for Sophia, and Cassandra looked forward to spending a week with her favorite aunt.
Arriving at the Town House in a car she’d rented from the airport, she greeted the two old Great Danes and spent a few minutes with them. “How are my favorite dogs?” she crooned affectionately. Their response and subsequent tail wagging told her they were perfectly fine. The grounds keeper, Jerry, took great care of them. She looked up to see Jerry trimming shrubs near the front of the house. She called out a greeting, and he smiled and waved in response.
Her parents had taken the pup with them to the beach, and she was eager to spend time with him as well. Everything about the next two weeks excited her. She loved going to their summer home. It brought back cherished memories of her childhood.
As she walked into the house, she was greeted by Sarah who was dusting in the front entry. Smiling at the woman, Cassandra noticed an unexpected familiarity about her. She’d met the new housekeeper twice. This time, however, Cassan
dra was sure she’d seen her elsewhere. I wonder why she looks familiar? Maybe she used to work for another family, and I’ve seen her serving at a party or something.
“Your mother called to say that you’d be here today, Miss Cassandra, and since Mrs. Harper isn’t here, I wondered if you’d like me to prepare lunch for you.”
Sarah had addressed her formally, the way the older servants did, and for some reason it made her uncomfortable. “Oh, thank you, Sarah,” she replied. “But you don’t need to go to any trouble. I can pick up something in town.”
“It’s no trouble, miss.”
Cassandra agreed to lunch on the terrace and went outside to enjoy the lovely weather. When the housekeeper came out carrying a tray of food, Cassandra had to inquire. “Sarah, you look familiar. I’m sure I’ve seen you somewhere before.”
“I worked for the Linnells for four years before I started here,” Sarah offered.
Cassandra knew of the Linnells, although she’d never been to their home. An older couple, they’d recently moved to be closer to their children. “Are you from Port Hayden?” she probed.
“Yes, I am,” Sarah replied. “My husband was principal at Hillcrest Elementary School.”
She seemed talkative, and Cassandra enjoyed the company. Since Sarah had referred to his position in the past tense, she asked, “Is he retired?”
“No, he passed away several years ago.”
“I’m so sorry.” Cassandra instantly regretted having touched on what was probably still a painful subject. Not wanting to leave the conversation hanging awkwardly, she decided to inquire further. “Do you have family here?”
“I have a son,” Sarah stated proudly. “Jace is twenty-five. He lives here in town. Works at Stanton’s. It’s nice to have him close by. He’s been a real help.”
Cassandra’s heart skipped a beat. Jace isn’t a common name; what are the chances of two people with the same name, same age, working at a factory in town? She needed to know more. “Jace…” She kept her eyes down and her voice even. “That’s an unusual name.”
“Yes,” Sarah smiled pleasantly. “I read it in a book once when I was young. I always knew if I had a son I’d name him that.”
Cassandra swallowed hard. It was obvious now why the woman seemed familiar. Sarah was Jace’s mother; they had the same eyes, the same smile.
JACE BEGAN TO think about the weekend ahead as he sat down for his lunch break. Sophie had called the night before to tell him she was going away for a week. She hadn’t elaborated, and he hadn’t asked for details. All he could think of was that the car was his to enjoy for a whole week. Not that he wasn’t free to use it whenever he wanted and not that driving Sophie places was an inconvenience, but when she lived so close, he was constantly aware that he was in her employ and was careful not to take advantage of her generosity.
Chad joined him, pulling a large sandwich from his lunch box. He took an oversized bite and immediately asked, “Did you hear? Morry’s throwing a big party this weekend.”
Jace ignored his friend’s lack of manners, all too aware that his mother would have strung him up for talking with his mouth full like that. She was nowhere near, yet he could hear her voice in his head when he deviated from the acceptable rules of behavior she’d instilled in him. “Yeah,” he replied. “You going?”
“Mmm hmm,” Chad nodded, mouth still full. He chewed for a moment and then continued. “Morry’s sister’s gonna be there…bringing a bunch of her friends from college. Dirty Laundry is playing at The Brink, Saturday night, too. Maybe we could go there first and hit the party later.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Jace declared, liking his options. He was freer to enjoy himself now that he had the extra income from Sophie. He wasn’t as uptight about finances. He’d set aside his plan to take night courses. Even though it left him somewhat discouraged about his future, it was the right decision, at least for the time being.
He’d concluded that meeting Cassandra had been the main reason for his discontent. His sudden desire to better himself had been a subconscious attempt to be in her league, to date someone like her. It was absurd. He was not, nor would he ever be in her league. And given her behavior and lies, he was probably better off for it, anyway. It did, however, make him aware that he’d like to be in a relationship again. He’d grown tired of it and for a while had been content with parties and one-night stands, but that lifestyle just wasn’t satisfying him.
Cassandra may have left him wanting more, but he was okay with that. He realized that it wasn’t her, rather someone like her that he was looking for—someone more mature, more confident, more independent than the girls he met at the parties he and Chad frequented.
CHAPTER 10
CASSANDRA AND her aunt left for the summer house by mid afternoon. It was a two-hour drive, and the views along the coastal highway ranged from scenic to breathtaking. After twenty years, she hadn’t tired of them. It wasn’t hard to fill the time with pleasant conversation, yet she had a burning desire to talk about Jace. She questioned her motives, knowing she should forget him. The problem was, he was constantly in her thoughts.
“Remember, my dear, sometimes what you’re looking for is right in front of you.”
She knew she should be used to her aunt’s peculiar ways by now, but the woman’s comments were so random and unexpected, and they often addressed exactly what Cassandra was thinking. It was unnerving. “Aunt Sophia, you mentioned that once before, but I still don’t know what I’m looking for.”
Sophia didn’t respond. As Cassandra glanced at her, she noticed a smile on her face.
Did she know I was thinking of Jace? How is that possible? Her desire to talk about him suddenly escalated. “Did you know that Jace’s mom works for Mother and Daddy?” she began. “Mother just hired her as their new housekeeper.”
“No dear,” Sophia replied, not sounding surprised. “I wasn’t aware of that.” She paused and added,” Jace is such a nice young man.”
“There’s something else I didn’t tell you.” Cassandra was willing to be totally honest with her aunt, hoping the perceptive woman could help her. “…about my meeting with Jace.”
“What is it, dear?”
“It started as a way to get information, to prove he wasn’t the best person to be driving you around. But as we talked, I could notice my feelings changing. By the time he dropped me off…well…we kissed.”
“My, my,” Sophia smiled.
“It was all very innocent. It didn’t mean anything. At least I didn’t think it did,” she added.
“How do you feel about it now?”
“I don’t know,” Cassandra admitted. “I’m really confused. I mean, it could never work. We’re too different. Besides, he’d hate me if he ever found out who I really am.”
“Would he?”
“You don’t think so?”
“You meant no harm. You had my interest in mind,” Sophia soothed. “I’m sure he could see that.”
“I’d like to tell him the truth,” Cassandra acknowledged. “I’d like to ask his forgiveness. Even if nothing more happens between us, I’d like to clear the air.”
“I think that’s a good idea.”
“But when? How?”
“I could ask him to drive out and pick me up next weekend,” Sophia offered.
The thought of seeing Jace again made her stomach knot up, yet the yearning was hard to ignore. “I guess,” Cassandra responded hesitantly. “It would be so awkward, though. He thinks I’m a girl from the city named Tanisha. He doesn’t know I’m your niece.”
“Actually, he does, dear,” Sophia informed her. “He saw a picture of you in my apartment.”
“Oh no,” Cassandra groaned. “Did he say anything?”
“No, not really.”
“Aunt Sophia…” She had to ask. “Do you think anything could happen between us? I mean, do you think he could be the one?”
“It doesn’t matter what I think, dear,” her aunt replied loving
ly. “How do you feel about it? That’s what is important.”
“I like Jace,” Cassandra admitted. “But I don’t know if it’s him, necessarily. He has a lot of the qualities I want in a man.”
Her aunt remained quiet, so Cassandra continued pondering aloud, finding her aunt’s listening ear beneficial. “He’s easy to talk to,” she smiled, remembering their conversation. “He’s funny and down to earth. He doesn’t pretend to be someone he’s not. But I’m wondering if that’s part of the problem. I don’t know if we could each be who we are and still find common interests. Maybe we’re too different.”
Her last statement triggered a question that had been on Cassandra’s mind for a long time. “Aunt Sophia, may I ask you something?”
“Of course, dear.”
“I’ve often wondered why, when you have money, you choose not to enjoy all the wonderful things your money could buy you.”
“I have all I want, dear,” the old woman assured her. “I’ve lived a long life. I’ve known all the comforts, had every worldly possession I ever desired. I’ve traveled extensively, had wonderful relationships…”
Sophia appeared to be lost in thought, and Cassandra wondered whether she was thinking of her husband, who had passed away so many years ago, or whether there’d been someone else since. Suddenly she was curious to learn more about her aunt.
“Some of those appealed to me and some didn’t,” Sophia continued. “With all that I had, the one thing I lacked was simplicity. The desire grew as I got older, so I began to shed material possessions that, wonderful as they are, can start to weigh a person down after a while. I’ve probably gone to a bit of an extreme with my decision. I know people think I’m crazy. They don’t understand why I live the way I do. But doing without isn’t a bad thing if it’s by choice. I can honestly say that I have all I want, and I’m happy.”
Cassandra longed to stop the vehicle and give her a hug. She was filled with immense adoration and deep respect for the woman. Her aunt didn’t seem crazy at all. She was strong, making her own choices in life, doing what she wanted instead of following what others said was right or acceptable. Cassandra longed to emulate that in her own life. Maybe not the simplicity—she enjoyed what money could buy. It was her aunt’s strength of character and positive outlook on life that appealed to her in a powerful way.