Serenity (Inevitable Book 5)

by Janet Nissenson

  He grinned at her as he unapologetically dunked a fry in ketchup. “I hope it doesn’t gross you out to look at this. I mean, I know you don’t eat meat or junk food.”

  She shook her head as she reached for her glass of iced herbal tea. “It’s fine, Casey. I don’t expect everyone to eat the same sort of diet I do. Though from something your father said the other day, it sounds like he’s reverted back to his unhealthy eating habits.”

  “Yeah, maybe a little,” admitted Casey. “And that’s just one of the reasons you really, really need to take him back, Sasha.”

  “Ah.” Sasha regarded him with a half-smile. “I was wondering how long it would take you to get around to that particular subject. I mean, there was only so long we could discuss your new school and what team you think is going to win the World Series - whatever that is. Should I assume your father doesn’t know you came to see me today?”

  “Dad has no idea I’m here,” assured Casey. “And if I had even mentioned the idea to him, I’m guessing he would have told me no.”

  She took a bite of her sandwich. “And yet here you are,” she pointed out.

  “Yeah.” Casey sighed and sipped his Coke through a straw. “Dad - well, he’s been through a lot these past few months. Actually, make that these past few years. Even before he and Mom broke up I could tell he wasn’t happy. He works so hard, and has so much responsibility at his job. And he always felt guilty that he couldn’t spend enough time with me and Hayley. Mom nagged at him all the time about that, like it was totally his fault, and she wasn’t very nice to him. And then, well, I guess you know about all of her, uh, boyfriends.”

  Sasha arched a brow in surprise. “Your father might have mentioned something about that,” she replied carefully. “But what do you know, Casey?”

  He shrugged casually. “Enough. I mean, I don’t know any details or names or anything gross like that. Eww. But Hayley made some comments about it after Dad moved out. At first I didn’t really understand what she was talking about, but after she explained it sort of made sense. Like why Mom wasn’t home very often, and liked to go away with her friends on the weekend all the time.”

  “I’m sorry you had to find that out,” Sasha consoled him. “Hayley probably shouldn’t have repeated those things to you, especially since you’re only fourteen.”

  “It’s not a big deal.” Casey swallowed a hefty bite of his burger. “I just felt bad for Dad. And knowing about Mom helped me understand why he wanted to get a divorce. I mean, part of being married is making a commitment to the other person, isn’t it? I guess my mother stopped taking that commitment seriously.”

  “Have you spoken to your mother since you moved in with your dad?”

  He nodded at Sasha’s question. “Once or twice. She’s not very happy with me right now, so we didn’t talk very long. Mom sort of blames me for everything that happened, says I shouldn’t have been eavesdropping.”

  Sasha squeezed his hand fiercely. “Do not let her blame you for any of this,” she insisted. “It’s not really any of my business, but she and Hayley should be ashamed of themselves for lying about something as serious as a pregnancy. And for deliberately trying to manipulate Matthew. You did exactly the right thing in telling your father what you overheard, Casey. I’m sure he feels the same way.”

  “Yeah, pretty much.” Casey grinned mischievously. “In fact, he was so grateful for me telling him the truth that he bought me a brand new laptop for school. Top of the line, too, with every feature you can imagine. If you come by the condo for dinner tonight, I’ll show it to you.”

  She smirked at him knowingly. “I like how you just snuck that last part in there, Casey. Very smooth. Unfortunately, I’m not about to fall for it.”

  “Please, Sasha.” Casey had dropped all hint of teasing or pretense, and was about as serious as she’d ever known him to be. “I know you’re mad at my father right now, and you should be. But do you think you can please forgive him, and give him another chance? Dad’s a really good guy, and I know he’s crazy about you. You’d make him so happy if you came back to him.”

  Sasha shook her head. “It’s not that simple,” she explained gently. “And there’s more involved than what happened a few months ago. I understand why he felt the need to move back into the house, why he wanted to help your sister - even though it turns out she didn’t actually need his help. There’s – well, part of it has to do with me, Casey. Because of some stuff that happened to me when I was younger, I have a hard time trusting people. And while I know your father is sorry for what happened, it doesn’t make it easier for me to trust him again.”

  “He was really, really unhappy when the two of you split up,” Casey blurted out. “About as sad as I’ve ever seen him. And I started feeling guilty after awhile. Because as great as it was having him back home again, I didn’t want my dad to be sad. And he’s still not really happy. I mean, he likes having me around, and he’s totally relieved to be away from my mom again. But I don’t think he’ll ever really be happy again unless you come back to him.”

  She closed her eyes briefly, scolding herself for letting Casey’s pleading sway her feelings this way. “Casey, you need to give me some time, okay?” she told him a bit more sternly than she had intended. “It’s only been a few days, after all. And it’s wonderful that you care about your father so much, he’s so lucky to have a son like you to look out for him. But this isn’t an easy decision for me to make.”

  “Why not?” challenged Casey, who was obviously not going to back down quite so easily. “I thought you loved my Dad.”

  “I do, of course. But there are other things to consider, to - ”

  “No.” Casey gave a stubborn shake of his head. “That should be the only thing to consider. You and Dad love each other. You make him happier than anyone in the whole world. He was miserable without you, hardly ate, didn’t sleep, didn’t take care of himself. You have to go back to him, Sasha. Please.”

  “Casey,” she protested. “Don’t put all of this on me. Please. Of course I love your father, and want the best for him. But I’ve got myself to consider, too, and what’s best for me.”

  “Dad is the best person in the whole world!” declared Casey. “He’ll do anything for you, Sasha. And he needs you so much. Look, my mom wasn’t - well, very nice to him. She never did stuff for him or looked after him or took care of him the way you did. He was always trying to make her happy, giving her stuff, and letting her have her way. She made him really, really unhappy, so he deserves someone now who’s going to make him happy. Please don’t put him through this. My dad deserves to be happy more than anyone I’ve ever met. And being with you makes him happier than anything.”

  Sasha sighed, holding up her hands in silent surrender. “You’ve made your point, Casey. And believe me, no one wants your father’s happiness more than I do. Matthew is the most wonderful, amazing man I’ve ever known, and the months we were together were the happiest I’ve ever been. It’s just - I just need a little more time to be sure.”

  “You don’t have to make a decision yet,” coaxed Casey. “Just come over tonight and have dinner with us. Seven o’clock. I’ll tell the concierge that you’re coming over so he can send you right up. Look, you don’t have to give me an answer now, okay? Think about it this afternoon. But seeing you would make my dad smile again. And he hasn’t been doing much of that lately.”

  She scowled at him. “You really have the art of the guilt trip down, don’t you? I’ll think about it, Casey. That’s all I can promise.”

  He grinned as though it was his birthday, Christmas, and a trip to Disneyland combined. “You’ll be there. I can tell. You can’t stand the thought of hurting someone’s feelings or knowing that they’re sad. And my dad is so, so sad without you, so - ”

  Sasha placed a hand over his mouth. “Okay. Quit while you’re ahead, kid. Now, no more trying to con me into coming over. Let’s finish our lunch, and I’ll consider your
invitation this afternoon.”

  Casey obeyed, but he seemed entirely too pleased with himself for Sasha’s liking. He abided by her wishes, though, and didn’t bring the subject of Matthew up again, even when they went their separate ways after lunch.

  Once again, Matthew was all she could think about that afternoon during two massage appointments, and then while she was running errands. She put away the groceries and other things she’d bought, then started a load of laundry. The big, multi-storied house was empty, since her other roommates were at work, and for once Sasha wished that Julio was around to give her some unwanted advice. She wondered if Tessa’s flight to Italy had taken off yet, if there was still time to give her a quick call. She mused the wisdom of calling Linda for the second time in five days, since she already knew her aunt would urge her to go to Matthew. She was almost desperate enough for advice to call her mother, even though she would regret that move as soon as she made it.

  But Sasha knew that this was a decision only she could make. No amount of advice or opinions from her family or friends - not even Casey’s appealing pleas - could make it for her. She was going to have to do some intense soul searching, and do it fast, since seven o’clock was quickly approaching.

  Matthew eyed his son with mingled curiosity and concern. “You okay there, buddy? You’re acting kind of weird tonight, almost like you’re worried about something.”

  Casey laughed nervously. “Um, no. Everything’s okay, Dad. I’m just anxious for the food to get here is all. As usual, I’m starving.”

  Matthew shrugged, even though he was far from convinced that all was well. “Whatever you say. The food should be here any minute. And if you’re that hungry there should be plenty of snacks in the kitchen.”

  Casey shook his head, and resumed pacing around the living room, as he’d been doing on and off for the last twenty minutes or so. “I’m good. I don’t want to spoil my appetite for the pizza. You know that Amici’s is my favorite.”

  “Yeah, I know. Though ordering two extra larges plus a medium might be overkill, even for you,” joked Matthew.

  Casey gave another nervous laugh. “Leftovers. Pizza always tastes better the next day.”

  Matthew rolled his eyes. “You’re going to have enough leftovers for about three days. And what’s with ordering a Margherita? You usually only eat pizzas with meat, meat, and more meat on top, not tomatoes and cheese.”

  “Just sounded good for a change. Oh, cool. Sounds like it’s finally here.”

  Casey practically flew across the room at the peal of the doorbell, leaving Matthew to chuckle at just how hungry his son must be. It had been wonderful to have Casey living here with him, a dream come true to be together again. Matthew reflected on just how much his life had changed in a scant two weeks - his long-contested divorce from Lindsey was finally going to happen; he had permanent custody of his son, something he should have fought for from the start; and he’d begun to make discreet inquiries about the possibility of selling his company. There was only one more thing - correction, one more person - who was missing from the picture in order to make his happiness complete. He knew he had to be patient, to give Sasha the time she’d begged for, but it was hard, so damned hard, when all he wanted was to have her by his side, to hear her soft, sweet voice say his name.

  “Hello, Matthew. I hope you don’t mind my joining you this evening. But, well, I was invited, after all.”

  Astonished, his gaze flew in the direction of that voice, and his heart immediately starting beating double time when he saw Sasha standing just inside the entryway. Her multi-hued hair curled riotously about her face, those green-gold eyes sparkling with silent mischief. She wore a floaty cotton sundress of blues and lavenders, a dress he recognized as one he’d bought for her during that blissful vacation to Kauai. As usual, she’d slipped off her shoes the moment she’d walked through the door, and he wanted to drop to his knees and kiss her bare, dainty feet in adoration and gratitude.

  “Sasha. My God, you’re really here. How - why?” he asked, vaguely aware that he was babbling.

  She smiled, that lovely, warm, serene smile that he’d missed so much. “I told you - I was invited. By your new roommate. Is that all right with you?”

  In answer, he surged forward until he was close enough to swoop her into his arms, lifting her up until her feet left the ground. She made a small sound of surprise, but merely looped her arms around his neck, holding on tight as he twirled her around in a circle.

  “Do you really have to ask?” he murmured as he carefully set her back down. He gave her a soft, sweet kiss, not daring to do more for fear he wouldn’t be able to stop. Then he gave his son an inquiring look. “The pizza order makes more sense now - both the quantity and the vegetarian one.”

  Casey grinned. “I wasn’t sure she was going to show up, you know. Though I did my best to convince her at lunch today. Guess my guilt tripping worked, huh?”

  Sasha rumpled his hair playfully. “It didn’t hurt, kid. But in the end I just decided to follow my heart. And it led me here, to the person I was always meant to be with.”

  Matthew looked from Casey to Sasha and then back again, a perplexed expression on his face. “Sounds like this is going to be a very interesting dinner conversation. Speaking of which, that must be the pizza.”

  Casey waved him off, and went to answer the door for the second time in as many minutes, leaving Matthew to turn to Sasha, cupping her cheek tenderly.

  “Does this mean you’re back for good?” he asked urgently. “That you’ve decided to give me another chance?”

  She gave a quick but decisive nod. “Yes, that’s exactly what it means,” she whispered. “We have a lot to talk about, Matthew, but at least I’m willing to start the conversation.”

  “Thank God.” He gave her another fast, hard squeeze before taking her by the hand and leading her over to the dining room table.

  Matthew intentionally kept the conversation lighthearted and casual during dinner, a fact that Sasha seemed grateful for. As usual, she proved to be a good listener, especially when it came to Casey. Matthew didn’t miss the way his son’s face lit up with pleasure when Sasha demonstrated a real interest in his stories, asking him specific questions that indicated she’d been paying close attention to what he’d said. Lindsey had always been too wrapped up in her own selfish agenda to bother much with either of her children, though at least she and Hayley had had more in common - fashion, makeup, celebrity gossip. For the life of him, Matthew couldn’t imagine his ex listening patiently as Casey almost giddily described the new school he would be attending, and what classes he would be taking. The thought occurred to him that Sasha, who’d yet to have children, had far more of a maternal instinct than Lindsey, the mother of two teenagers.

  He refilled her wine glass, causing her to glance up and meet his gaze. She smiled her thanks, picking up the glass of her favorite pinot noir, and taking a small sip. They had yet to discuss anything personal, or have even a minute just to themselves, and still every time their eyes met it felt like a caress, a promise of what was yet to come this evening.

  Fortunately, Casey seemed well aware of his father’s need to be alone with Sasha, and after dinner he tactfully retreated to his room, claiming that he was scheduled to play League of Legends with a group of his friends. Matthew typically didn’t encourage him to indulge in online video games, but he was more than happy to send Casey on his way this particular evening.

  While he and Casey had been clearing off the dining table, both insisting that Sasha didn’t lift a finger, she had taken the opportunity to slip out to the balcony. It was where Matthew found her a few minutes later, her curls being gently tossed by the late summer evening breeze as she leaned over the railing.

  “I’ve missed this view,” she murmured as he came to stand beside her. “It’s the condo’s best feature, in my opinion.”

  He smiled. “I agree. And it will be tough to find a comparable v
iew from the houses I’ve started to consider.”

  Sasha turned to look at him, her expression definitely interested. “You’re really serious about this, aren’t you? About moving out of this place and into a real home for Casey.”

  “Yep. Ian gave me the name of the realtor he used when he first moved to San Francisco, and I hope to start looking at some places next week. And while those places may not be able to offer a view like this one, they’ll have plenty of other features to make up for it. Including a much larger space where you’ll be able to do your yoga practice. And a separate massage room.”

  She couldn’t hide her delight at this pronouncement. “Really? It sounds like you’re looking for an awfully big place.”

  He shrugged. “Nowhere near as big and impersonal as the house in Hillsborough. But maybe somewhere along the lines of Ian and Tessa’s place. In fact, the realtor tells me there are several homes for sale within a few blocks of their house. Would you like that, Sasha - to live so close to your friends?”

  “Of course,” she replied easily. “But you should be more concerned with what Casey is going to be happy with. After all, this is mostly for his sake.”

  “Not entirely,” corrected Matthew. “Granted, the neighborhood is less than a ten minute drive from his new school, and there’s a park and shops and restaurants nearby. But Casey will be off to college himself in four years, so there’s more to consider than just his feelings. Besides, he’s such an easy kid that he’d be happy living most anywhere. As for me - well, anyplace that makes you happy, Sasha, is where I’d want to live.”

  She gave a slight shake of her head. “Don’t make this about me, Matthew. My feelings shouldn’t factor into a decision like this.”