by Remy Landon
As she was pushing the wheelbarrow to the next stall, she heard the strumming guitar ring tone of her cell phone. Her heart fluttered. Would it be Carlo?
She fumbled in her pocket for her phone. Teal. Cassandra wouldn't be able to talk long, but she'd answer. “Hey.”
“Hey, girlfriend. What're you doing?”
“Shoveling shit.”
“Hashtag magical.”
“Oh, it is. How about you?”
“Driving to campus. Starbucks gave me the wrong drink and the wrong size, and now I'm feeling all murdery.”
“Hashtag annoying. What are you going to campus for?”
“I need to meet with my advisor to finalize my schedule.” A pause. “I really wish you were going back this fall, Cass.”
“Well, that's not going to happen. Can't afford it.”
“I hope you can someday.”
“Yeah, me too. So what's up?”
“I was just calling to see if you'd heard from your man.”“I don't have a man.”
Teal sighed in annoyance. “Okay...Carlo.”
“I haven't heard from him.”
“When do you think you'll see him again?”“I don't know. I'm not even sure I will.”
“Of course you will. It's obvious you have some...um, unfinished business.”
“The sex?”
“Yes. You know, I was thinking that it's really kind of sweet, in a weird way, that he stopped in the middle of things the way he did. Most guys would have just kept going, even if they knew it wasn't right for the girl.”
“I guess I'd agree with that. But I would have stopped him, anyway, before it went too much further.”
“Uh huh.”
“I would have! I told you, I'm not ready.” Cassandra tilted her head to cradle the phone between her ear and shoulder so her hands were free to hold the pitchfork.
Teal was undeterred. “And aside from the sex, you also need to get to know him. See if he could possibly be the one.”
“The one?” Cassandra snorted. “I've kind of given up on that. I think my track record with guys speaks for itself.”
“You do realize it's a reflection of them, not you? And that you deserve so much better than what you've had?”
Just like my mother. It suddenly occurred to her that her mother was not only cheated on but used, too: while her dickhead husband was out screwing around, she was still expected to be the dutiful wife—to cook and clean and wash his clothes.
Cassandra felt her mood begin to darken. No. She would not waste time on a poor excuse for a father and husband. “Hey, I'm going to have to go. It's hard being on the phone and trying to shovel one-handed.”
“Okay. I hope you hear from Carlo soon. And I hope you make plans with him. Just don't give up before it's even had a chance to start. And stop taking yourself so seriously. Have some fun in your life, for Christ's sake. Love you!”
Cassandra ended the call and slipped the phone back in her pocket. If—and this was a big if—she went with Teal's advice and made plans with Carlo (assuming he'd call), then she would just be on her guard. Maybe there was some way she could enjoy simply being with him and keep everything light, while still protecting herself.
And here was a light bulb moment: maybe these experiences in her life could be looked upon as making her strong, not weak.
You deserve so much better than what you've had.
She did believe that.
Just as she started to bring in the horses, her cell phone vibrated. A text, from Carlo.
Meeting running late. Can I call you after?
Cassandra didn't hesitate to respond. Yes. Smiling, she added, I'd like that.
chapter twenty ~ Carlo
Back from her two week vacation in Maine, Gianna was looking tanned and happy and like a teenage girl, her dark hair pulled back in a sleek, high ponytail. She and Carlo were having an early dinner at Massimo's which worked out well, since Cassandra was waitressing until around nine and had accepted his invitation to go out for drinks. Massimo's was a classy but casual restaurant, with authentic Italian cuisine. The trattoria had tigerwood floors, slate-colored walls and a sleek marble bar. Carlo made a mental note to bring Cassandra here.
Prying open the last mussel from the Zuppa di Cozze appetizer they had shared, Gianna gave a contented sigh. “Ohh, I love this place, Carlo. One of Mama's favorites.”
“Mine, too.” He raised his wine glass. “To our sweet and wonderful mother.”
His sister's eyes were glistening as she touched her glass to his. “To Mama.”
Carlo felt a thickness in his throat and swallowed. “So. How was Maine?”
“Beautiful, as usual. We had great weather—like one day of rain, which was fine because I wanted to shop in Bar Harbor anyway. It was so nice to be able to just relax...lay on the beach and go out on the boat. And have lots of sex.” She winked.
“Gianna. Behave. Did you have the mechanic check out the boat engine?”
“Yup. It's running great now.”
“The house need any maintenance? I could call Charlie.”
“None that I noticed. There was a loose screen in the sunroom, but Jordan fixed it.” She frowned at him. “I wish you'd taken some time to go up there this summer.”
“Too much to do here. I'm working on a new product release.”
“Here's where I'm supposed to ask what it is, even though I really don't care.”
He grinned. “I couldn't tell you anyway. Top secret. For all I know, you could be a corporate spy.”
Gianna shook her head, laughing. The waiter appeared with their dinners: Rigatoni for Carlo, and Penne Salmone for Gianna, who enthusiastically dug in. Carlo had to hide his smile; his younger sister enjoyed food as much as Cassandra did.
“New product or not, you work too hard, fratello.”
“It's what I do, sorella.”
“I still wish you'd make time for other things.”
“Moving on.”
Gianna sighed. “Oh, all right. But I'm not giving up. At least say you'll meet Jordan and me for drinks later. You haven't seen him in a while.”
“Sorry. Meeting with a prospective new end user. That work thing again.”
“Grrr...I was really hoping you could. Jordan would have been here for dinner, but he was doing a twilight photo shoot of a couple who just got engaged.” She put her fork down, her eyes shining. “And speaking of engaged...I have some news to share, but I can't believe you didn't notice.”
“Notice what?” Carlo's eyes widened in surprise as Gianna held her left hand over the table. There was a pear-shaped diamond solitaire on her ring finger, modest in size but sparkling and tasteful. “Jesus, Gianna...you didn't.”
She was beaming. “Yes, we did. He proposed to me during our vacation. It was so romantic, with the sun setting on the water...we wanted to celebrate with you later tonight, but you have plans.” She made a face.
“Well.” Carlo had his reservations, but he couldn't ignore that his sister looked absolutely radiant. Jordan was a good man, and while Carlo felt they might be rushing things, he would be supportive. He reached across the table to gently squeeze her hand. “I'm a little surprised, but I'm very happy for you. Congratulations.”
“Thank you. I know you think this is a bit soon, but honestly, it's one of those things where you just know. And when you know who you want to share your life with, you don't want to wait any longer.” Her eyes were soft and glistening. “I want that for you, too, Carlo.”
“I'm really happy for both of you, Gi. Please pass that along to Jordan until I can tell him in person. I'm sorry I can't meet you tonight.”
Gianna studied him solemnly and sighed. “Me too.”
Carlo felt a pang of guilt. He had disappointed her, and she didn't deserve this. He would do something to make it up to her. “I'd like to throw you an engagement party.”
She looked up in surprised pleasure. “That's very sweet, but you don't need to do that.”
“I
want to. I wouldn't offer if I didn't. We'll have to pick a date—you and Jordan can let me know what works for you.”
“All right. Thank you, Carlo.”
They split an order of tiramisu for dessert and were just finishing it when Carlo received a text from Cassandra. Allison offered to stay late so I'm getting out a little early. Where do you want to meet? Needs to be casual since I didn't bring my formal attire.
Carlo grinned as he texted back. OK on the casual. Bull Feeney's in 15?
See you there.
“Texting with your, um, prospective end user?” Gianna was looking at him with one eyebrow lifted.
“As a matter of fact, yes.”
“While smiling. Interesting.”
“He's a funny guy. And he'd like to meet me a bit earlier, so I'll settle up the bill and we'll get out of here.”
“Okay. Thank you so much for dinner. And the offer of the engagement party. Maybe,” she said, her eyes large and innocent, “you could invite your prospective end user.”
“And maybe,” Carlo replied as he stood up from the table, “you need to leave well enough alone.”
Gianna laughed. “I think you know me better than that.”
Carlo paid the bill and hugged his sister goodbye. Bull Feeney's was an Irish pub about a mile away. He didn't plan on being there long; he wanted to have some alone time with Cassandra and keep things moving forward, especially since he expected Brock to progress rather quickly...and because he simply wanted some alone time with Cassandra.
He arrived first and was able to get a spot at the end of one of the trestle tables, away from the bar. Not exactly a private setting, but it had a noisy, friendly atmosphere without being too raucous—the type of place to put you in a happy and relaxed frame of mind, which is where he needed his date to be.
A waitress appeared with a bowl of popcorn and a cocktail napkin and told him she'd be back to take his order.
“No worries. I'm waiting for someone.” He gave a polite nod to the college-age couple seated next to him—a studious-looking man in glasses sitting beside Carlo, and a pretty blonde across the table who met Carlo's gaze and looked away, blushing. Her date noticed this and cleared his throat in a rather lame attempt at authority.
Carlo hid his smile and scanned the rest of the pub. The possibility of Gianna and her now-fiance showing up suddenly occurred to him; they liked this place and came here on occasion. He knew his sister suspected he was meeting a woman, so it wouldn't be a total surprise, but he'd rather not be peppered with the inevitable questions later.
From out of the corner of his eye, Carlo saw the pub's heavy doors open. It was Cassandra, wearing a white, off-the-shoulder, peasant-style blouse and faded jeans. He wanted to study her for a moment before she saw him. Her hair was pulled back in a low ponytail which brought more attention to her bare neck and shoulders. She had her chin raised in the demonstration of self-confidence that had become her trademark, but still, with her small stature and fresh-faced appearance, she looked like a young teenage girl trying to hide her nervousness. The result was immensely appealing.
Cassandra looked around the bar, pulling the strap of her purse higher on her shoulder. He was just about to signal to her when she saw him. Her expression was one of flushed pleasure, and seeing this touched something deep within him that he couldn't quite explain. His face broke into a slow grin as she approached.
She sat down across from him, dropping her purse on the floor. The blonde girl next to her shifted a little, a look of disdain on her face. Jealous, clearly. Carlo was amused that he and Cassandra had both managed to create a few snags in the fabric of this couple's relationship.
“You saw me come in, didn't you?” Cassandra was looking at him accusingly, but she was trying not to smile.
“I did.”
“And you just let me stand there.”
“Basically, yes. But I had my reasons.”
“And those are...?”
“I wanted to look at you.”
She blushed, rolling her eyes, and took a handful of popcorn. “I'm starving. Are you getting anything to eat?”
“I had dinner with my sister, so...no. But feel free to order something. I know how much you enjoy food.”
Her look of indignation prompted his laugh. She opened her mouth to retort when the waitress appeared with an apology for keeping them waiting.
Cassandra was quick to put her at ease. “Absolutely no problem—it's really busy in here tonight.”
The waitress flashed an appreciative smile. “It's been crazy. Can I start you off with some drinks?”
Cassandra skimmed the menu. “Smithwicks, please. A pint.”
“And I'll have a tall Yuengling.” He waited until the waitress left and grinned. “So, are all wait staff members in some sort of secret club? I noticed the two of you seemed to have some sort of mutual understanding.”
“Sorry, I'm not allowed to divulge any information.” Her eyes were sparkling mischievously as she reached for more popcorn. She appeared to be wearing minimal makeup, and the clean, natural look suited her.
Carlo studied her blouse, which had tiny blue flowers embroidered down the front, and pointed at her. “I hate to tell you this, but you have holes in your sleeves.”
She held her arms out over the table and looked down at them. “I paid good money for those holes. And it's called eyelet.”
“Your bracelet...does that have a special name as well?”
“No. Although if you think about it, why isn't it called 'wristlet?'”
“An intriguing question. And I like the bracelet. Classy in its simplicity.”
Cassandra spun it on her arm. “Thank you. It's an infinity bracelet. A ten dollar Etsy find.”
“Etsy?”
“Never mind. It's sooo not part of your world. Are there any other comments you'd like to make about me?”
Carlo paused for a moment and then leaned closer. “I can't wait to get you alone.”
He watched as her mouth parted slightly. Her lips were perfect. They shone with a hint of pink gloss, and he ached to kiss her.
The waitress returned with their beers and took Cassandra's order of fresh mozzarella with tomato and pesto. Fiddling with her bracelet, Cassandra seemed to be having trouble looking him in the eye. He studied her hands. They were small and fine-boned but strong-looking and tanned, with neatly-trimmed nails and no polish, which fit her. No doubt she'd mock professional manicures. Carlo imagined her fingers wrapped around his length and quickly halted the thought. Easy, big guy, he told himself. It wasn't the time for this type of thinking. But hopefully, soon.
“I hope your appetizer doesn't take too long. I'd like to get you out of here.”
“I thought we were just having drinks. That's what I had agreed to.” Her chin lifted slightly, and there was a childlike boldness in her eyes that both amused and aroused him.
“I know what you agreed to. But it's what you're not saying that interests me most.”
The couple next to them was silent and appeared to be paying close attention to the conversation. Cassandra glanced over at them; it was apparent she'd noticed this, too, and when her eyes met Carlo's, the two of them grinned in mutual understanding.
She frowned. “I almost don't dare to ask, but what did you have in mind?”
“I have plenty in mind, and I'd rather show, not tell.”
“So you're going to expect me to just go along with you somewhere after this?”
“In a word...yes.” He held her intently with his gaze and was surprised to see the trepidation in her face fade away. There was something that had passed between them just then—a warmth, almost. Looking into Cassandra's eyes, Carlo realized that she had felt it, too.
chapter twenty-one ~ Cassandra
After a quick trip to the restroom (mostly to check her teeth for popcorn kernels), Cassandra found herself in her car, following Carlo to God knows where. It was laughable, really: Have versus Have-not. Beach House versus Town
house. Mr. Mercedes Convertible versus Ms. Chevy Malibu.
As Carlo's car passed under the anemic glow of the streetlights, its top down, Cassandra could see the wind ruffling his hair and mused that maybe that's how he got it so perfectly tousled. He had asked her to ride with him but she'd declined, not wanting to be dependent on him to take her home. Not wanting to be dependent on him at all. She wanted to feel like she could leave when she wanted, instead of when he decided to allow it. Although seriously, who was she kidding? If Carlo wanted her to stay, would she honestly be able to refuse? She was fully aware of his convincing ways.
Cassandra fumbled in her purse for a package of gum, popped in a piece and chewed nervously. She was beginning to sweat, and goddammit to hell, she'd forgotten to bring deodorant with her change of clothes. Hopefully, she wouldn't have these armpit stains by the time they got to wherever they were going. At least the blouse was cotton and somewhat absorbent. She hadn't known what to wear, but Carlo had seemed to approve of her appearance, since his eyes had kept roaming all over her.
That's a very flattering blouse, he had told her. It makes you look sweet and feminine. And innocent. His eyes had smoldered when he'd added this, and remembering made her shiver.
Looks can be deceiving, she had tried to joke. I may not be any of those things.
Oh, but I believe you are. You are many things, which makes you so appealing.
Cassandra smiled, remembering the blonde girl who was sitting near them. She was clearly into Carlo (and who could blame her), so it had been quite hilarious to see her pretend not to listen when she sooo was. Maybe her nerdy boyfriend had picked up a few pointers from Carlo.
They had crossed over into Manheim. Carlo's right directional was blinking and Cassandra clicked hers on as well. He turned onto Mt. Joy Road, a two-lane highway flanked by cornfields, farmhouses and gentle hills. Suddenly, she realized where they were going. This was the route to Windswept Stable.
They drove slowly up the long, winding driveway that led to the barn. The moonlight silvered the leaves of the ancient maples lining the entrance, their huge branches draped gracefully along the path. Cassandra unrolled her window a bit to let in the sultry night air. Everything seemed hushed and muted—the only sound was the tires crunching on the gravel as both vehicles slowed to a stop in front of the barn. Sonya would have done close-up about an hour and a half ago, so the horses would be finishing the last of their hay. As she turned off the ignition and opened her car door, Cassandra could hear a low nicker from Brownie. She smiled. That horse loved company.