by Kayt Miller
“With whom? Who have you invested with because it wasn’t me?”
“I’m licensed in the state of Illinois. But in answer to how I’ve made money… a few of my former classmates from Loyola and I started an Investment Club as soon as we graduated. We’ve been very successful.”
“Jesus,” he mutters standing up from the table taking his plate into the kitchen.
I smile over at Sarah who is beaming at me. She leans over and pats my hand, “Good for you, Cassandra. Good for you. A woman needs to be able to take care of herself before she can take care of the people she loves.”
I nod not really understanding what he’s talking about. My mom took care of herself, but only herself.
Declan nods with his mouth full of lasagna. Winking he says, “She’s right. Don’t let my chauvinistic son get to you.”
That comment makes me giggle. David can be a chauvinist. He can’t seem to help himself. Maybe I can teach him a new way of thinking. “Well, if he thinks I’m going to stay home barefoot and pregnant…”
I look up and see David re-enter the dining room with a look of pure venom on his face. “Cassie! Enough! No one said anything about forever.”
“Yeah, you’re right. You’re absolutely right. Nothing is forever,” I say very quietly. “Wow, all of a sudden I’m not feeling well. Will you please excuse me?” I say looking at Sarah and Declan. I stand up and leave my plate on the table. I think I ate one bite, but that’s all I can handle right now anyway. I smile at Sarah and Declan and excuse myself from the table. They nod at me then turn to glare at their son.
I walk to my bedroom, shut the door, and press the lock. Sitting on my bed, I wonder what my next move should be. Things with David have moved too fast. Sure, we’ve known each other ten years. It’s just this notion that one minute he wants to be a couple, that he loves me, and the next he can’t think ‘long term’.
Chapter 23: Cassandra
I slept in my own bed last night. I didn’t leave my room even when David knocked and pleaded for me to come out to talk. “I’m sorry, Cassie,” he murmured through my door.
I didn’t give him the silent treatment. I responded, “I’m tired. Today was too much. I just want to get a good night’s sleep.”
I could hear the sigh on the other side of the door. “Okay. Sweet dreams, angel.”
Angel? Sweetie? Baby? Honey? Big Ass? I can’t seem to keep any of his terms of endearments from leaving a bad taste in my mouth. He’s all sweetness when he’s got me on all fours. When we’re in public, it’s different. I’m supposed to be the submissive there too, I guess.
The thing is, David’s going to have to accept that is not going to happen. I watched my mom lose herself in my dad. He’s a good man; don’t get me wrong. He just expected her to be home to cook for him and raise the kids while he worked the farm. She had a degree from Iowa State University. She had goals and dreams too. She just handled it all wrong, that’s all. I bet she wishes she hadn’t left us but pride kept her away and that’s too bad for her. She missed out.
When the morning light touches my face, I sit up. I don’t think I slept a wink. There’s too much information running through my head. I hear his shower running as I look at my clock. “Seven.” He should be out the door in thirty minutes. All I have to do is sit tight until he leaves. Then, I can pack my bag and go home.
I miss my house. I’d saved up a hefty down payment before I started the house hunt. The minute I walked into the townhouse I now own, I knew. Even with the terrible décor, the dirty carpets, and the scuffed hardwood floors, I knew. It was a diamond in the rough, and it was my new home.
Since then, I’ve slowly remodeled. The first order of business was the kitchen. I had the cabinets refaced, a new tile backsplash added, and granite counter tops installed. The appliances were in okay shape, but they were black, so I traded those in on stainless steel. It wasn’t cheap, but the way I did it was the most cost effective way I could think of.
The bathrooms were next. I did the same type of thing to the hall bathroom, but I gutted the master bath. I wanted the steam shower, the giant bathtub, double sinks, and new tile throughout. It’s now a showstopper. I love, love, love my bathroom.
So, yeah, I miss my house. When I hear him walk past my door, I hold my breath. His footsteps stop right outside my door. I can just picture him standing there, weighing his options. Should he knock? Should he let me sleep? Luckily, he chooses the latter. I sigh in relief that he’s decided to move on. I tiptoe to the door and place my ear over it. I can hear him in the kitchen no doubt making himself a cup of coffee––something I’d been doing for him the last few days.
I hear the front door open then close. The lock engages as he uses his key to lock me inside. I wait a few minutes before I open my door, just to be sure. When I peek out, I see the coast is clear. Sighing, I step into the kitchen to grab a mug when I see the note.
I’m sorry, Cassie. I was an ass. Forgive me? -D
I pick the note up and fold it in half. I slide it into the waist of my sleep shorts. Sipping my coffee, I start to pick up my things. I’ve left books, newspapers, hair ties, and lots of other things all over his place. “God, I’m a slob.” I carry it all back to my room and set it on the dresser. I strip off the sheets for the laundry. I grab a second set of sheets I found in the hall closet and remake the bed. Mom always taught me a guest always picks up after herself.
I lift up my suitcase and load everything inside. It’s a tight fit, but I get it zipped up. Next, I bring up my Uber app and set up a pickup time for the early afternoon. I shower and change into clean clothes, toss the sheets into the washer and take one last look around.
Rolling out the door, I peek back one last time. I’ll miss being here with him, but I need to be home.
Chapter 24: David
It was hell, but I didn’t let myself call or text Cassie today. I knew she needed time to forgive me. I’m an asshole. When I heard her tell my parents that, essentially, we were now a couple, I lost my shit. I wasn't ready for the world to know. And believe me, if you tell my mom anything, the world will know.
Instead, I worked quietly in my office avoiding everyone. Well, everyone that would let me. Gretchen interrupted my solitude so many times I’m positive I got nothing done. She had questions about everything from the number of copies she should make of a memo I needed to be sent out. My answer? “None. Email it. Why waste paper?”
“Oh, right,” she giggled.
The next few visits were just to see if I was hungry or thirsty or if I needed a break. “No,” was my response all three times. She’s never going to take the hint. I’ve accepted it now.
The final time I nearly came unglued. I was in my bathroom sitting on my toilet when I heard the nob jiggle. Then a key slide into the lock. I watched with unblinking eyes as she opened the door and peeked her head in. “David?” she giggled.
“Get out of my bathroom, Gretchen. Jesus, I’m on the toilet.”
“I don’t mind,” she says stepping inside.
I place my hands over my privates and blink. I almost feel a tear––my eyes are burning. I know there’s no video in the bathroom, but there’s audio, so I make sure to enunciate every word. “Gretchen. Get out of my bathroom. Now! I’m taking the key away from you as soon as I’m done here. You’re no longer allowed to use keys to enter my office or private,” I emphasize ‘private,' “bathroom. This is entirely inappropriate. Now, get out!” I shout.
“Fine,” she says exasperatedly. “Whatever. You’re no fun.”
I know if I take her keys, she’s just going to get another set, but I need to do it, and then I need to document it. If she finds another set of keys after I’ve asked her not to come into my office and bathroom, then that shows intent on her part.
I finish up, wash my hands, and walk into my office. When I step out, I see Lester sitting in my chair. A little startled I say, “Lester. How are you?” I do my best to smile, but it’s not happening. I remain i
n the doorway of the bathroom hoping the audio device picks up this conversation so I can have the best possible audio video for this conversation.
“I thought we should have a little chat.”
“About what?” This time I muster up a small smile.
“For starters, Gretchen. She said you’re going to take her keys away.”
“I am.”
“You can’t. She’s got a set of master keys. I gave them to her. I want her to have them.”
“Lester, she just came into my bathroom when I was sitting on the john. It’s inappropriate.”
“It was an accident. She said she wanted to make sure you had supplies stocked up in there. She didn’t know you were in there.”
“The door was locked.”
Lester shrugs, “She keeps her keys.”
“Fine. What else do you need?”
“What are your thoughts about Beranger Aeronautics?”
“Who?” Okay, acting dumb isn’t the way to go but I had to think fast.
“Oh, come now, son. I know you’re aware they went public last week.”
“I seem to recall something about that, but I haven’t given them much thought.”
“So, you didn’t invest.”
“No. I did not.” I emphasized those last three words.
“Why not?”
I shrug, “Didn’t feel right.”
He lets out a scoff, “I thought you didn’t rely on instinct. You’re all about research.”
“I use instinct all the time. I just merge it with research. In this case, I didn’t feel it was a good bet.”
“Hmm, interesting. All right, if that’s how you want to play it,” he chuckles. “I’ll see you in the morning. Staff meeting.”
I groan as soon as he leaves my office. I watch the door open back up, and Gretchen steps in with a look that tells me everything I need to know. She won that round but fuck if I’m not going to win the war.
I look at my watch, and an idea hits me. I can kill two birds with one stone. “Gretchen, how’d you like to do a little shopping for me?”
She smiles so wide I think her skinny face may crack. “Of course. What do you need? A new tie?”
“No, I need a gift for my girlfriend.”
“Girlfriend? Since when?”
I ignore her question, “Something pretty and sparkly, I think.”
“Who is she?”
“Cassandra.”
She coughs like she’s about to choke. “Fat Cassandra?”
“Please don’t call her that.”
She lets out a laugh, “Why not? It’s true. You could do so much better. I had no idea you were into fat chicks. But, I guess I should have guessed it after seeing your ex-wife.”
“Jesus. You women are terrible to each other. What about sisterhood and all that shit?”
Gretchen runs her fingers through her straight hair, “We have to look out for ourselves. No one else is gonna do it.”
Oh, I think Lester is doing an excellent job looking out for Gretchen. Ending that conversation, I say, “Jewelry. A necklace, I think. Or earrings. Something classy and elegant.” I reach into my pocket and pull out a credit card. “Please have it gift wrapped.”
“Sure thing, boss.” She grabs the card out of my hand and leaves.
“Finally. Peace and quiet.”
Sitting back at my desk, I do a little research on Beranger. They haven’t released any more information about the tech breakthrough, and people are starting to get a little worried. One reporter claims to have seen a personal demonstration while another article speculates that there’s nothing behind the claims that they’ve revolutionized anything. I’m going with the latter claim.
As I’m clicking on a third story, my cell rings. I pick it up, “Mick, hey. What’s up little bro?” Mick is the youngest male in my family. My sister Emily is the baby. Mick started his own company, selling his own bottled alcoholic beverages. He calls his company Mick’sology. He’s been less than a year, but his products are slowly picking up momentum. A few of the chain grocery stores in Chicagoland have picked him up, but he wants to go national.
From time to time, he calls me to ask my advice. I’ve never launched a new product before, but I understand how business and the markets work. “Set a date yet?” Mick and Veronica or Roni as we all call her have been engaged for a few months now. Roni won’t set a date, and it’s making my brother uneasy.
“No, damn it. I’m just going to have to carry her to the justice of the peace one of these days or just do it in the backyard.”
“I’ll officiate.” Why did I just say I’d do that?
“You will? That’d be amazing, Davie. Thanks. It’s one less thing I need to worry about.”
“How’s the little guy?”
“C.J. is a spitfire, but you already knew that.”
C.J. is his son, Calum Jeffrey. “He is. He reminds me of you when you were little. You were always getting into shit.” I chuckle.
“Me? Nah, I was a perfect child. This is all Roni’s fault.”
We both laugh at that because it’s pure bullshit. “How’s business?”
“Ugh, slow. I need to figure out what I’m doing wrong, man. I was hoping by now I’d have at least made it up to Wisconsin. Those people love to drink.”
“Patience. It’ll happen. Have you considered bringing in another investor, a business partner who’s more in tune with the grocery markets?”
“Not yet, man. For now, I want to keep this in the family. Roni’s been doing a great job with marketing, but I need something big to happen.”
“I get it. Let me roll it around in my head a little bit––see if I can come up with something.”
“Sounds good. Best to Cassie,” he snickers just as I hear the phone disconnect.
“Mom,” I groan. See? She’s already started spreading the word like a damn rash.
* * *
Gretchen finally returns five minutes before quitting time, thankfully. Her arms are full of packages that I’m sure I just paid for. I don’t care. I had two hours of solitude. Priceless.
She walks in and tosses a small square box at me that’s wrapped in glittery gold paper. “Here you go. One gift for your girlfriend,” she says ‘girlfriend’ like she’s talking about garbage.
Ignoring her, I reply, “Thank you. Have a good night.”
She stomps out of my office, grabs the armload of shopping bags and leaves. Shit, she’s still got my credit card. Before I leave, I call my credit card company and ask them to freeze the account. If she tries to buy more stuff, she’ll be declined. Serves her right. I work for a few more minutes myself grabbing the garishly wrapped gift as I go.
When I get to my condo, I pull my keys out and slide it into the lock. I open the door setting down my briefcase. “Honey? I’m home.” I chuckle at myself. Once I stop, I notice something strange. It’s odd. All I hear is silent. No television, no stereo playing. I don’t smell anything delicious cooking and I can’t really smell her anymore.
I step into the living room and see it’s all tidy again. The throw has been folded, and the pillows are all where they’re supposed to be. I quickly make my way to her bedroom and throw the door open. Empty. Her bed is made, and her suitcase is gone. I walk into the hall bathroom and see that her cosmetics are all gone too. No more Cassie. She’s fucking gone.
My shoulders slump. “I did this. I fucked this up.” I slowly make my way into the kitchen when I see her note on the counter.
David,
Thank you for everything. I appreciate you taking care of me and keeping me safe. My lawyer called and informed me that Jennifer had been served with the restraining order. The initial court date on the assault charges is also set for two weeks from today. She’s out on her own recognizance, but since she’s been served, I feel it’s safe enough for me to go home.
Talk to you soon, Cassie.
“Mother fucker.” I’m still clutching the gift I bought her as I stomp back out my doo
r. “The hell she is,” I mutter. I jam my finger into the button on the elevator and wait. “That woman is going to be the death of me.”
I step on the elevator and press the lobby button. It stops on three, and I watch as the blonde from a few weeks ago steps on with me, “Well, hello Dave. How are you today?” she asks getting so close to me I feel the need to back away.
“Fine. In a hurry to get to my girlfriend’s place.”
“Girlfriend? Well, that’s a shame,” she says running her long fingernail down my tie.
“Not for me it isn’t. I love her.”
“Does that mean we can’t play together?”
“Yes.” I take her hand off my tie and push her away gently. “That’s exactly what that means. I’m a one woman man.”
“Congratulations to you both, then.” She smiles as she exits the elevator. I wait for a second or two before I hop off. I step outside and flag down a cab. Listing off Cassie’s address, the driver speeds off. It gives me time to think. Why did she have to leave like that? Maybe she doesn’t love me? She didn’t say the words. “Damn. She doesn’t love me back.”
Before I knock, I give myself one more pep talk. “She does love me. I know she does. Hank said so.” I knock once then hit the bell. I wait a minute then repeat.
“Coming.”
I wait for the other three words.
“Who is it?”
“David.”
Her groan is loud enough for me to hear. “Open up, honey. We need to talk.”
The locks disengage, and the door opens up. I step inside and notice how tired she looks. “You okay?”
“Yeah. Tired.”
“We’ll get to bed early tonight.”
“David, I…”
“Shh, let’s talk.” I hand her the ugly gold box. “I bought you something. Picked it out special. I thought of you the minute I saw it.” Okay, that’s a lie.
“You didn’t need to buy me a gift.”
“I wanted to. Let’s go upstairs, and you can open it.”
I follow her into her little sitting room. She sits in her chair, and I sit on the sofa as close to her as I can get. She pulls the ribbon from the box and sets it on the table. She tears each side open then the back. She gives me a little smile as the paper falls to the floor. Looking down, she lifts the lid and gasps. She hasn’t taken a breath yet and her face has turned white as a ghost. Gretchen must have really picked out something great.