I stare at Cassidy for a good while after that, absentmindedly picking at my food as I do so. I love the easy relationship she has with my mother. They are a family, and I feel like a shithead for having kept my distance all these years.
The brunch goes on for ever, but Cassidy's presence makes time pass faster. Pretty soon, we're all filing out of the restaurant. I am once again assaulted by a barrage of cheek-pinching, gushing women.
I say my goodbyes until four of us are left – my mother, Brielle, Susie, and Cassidy. The three women chat while my mother approaches me hesitantly. I have to admit, it fucking hurts to see her behave with such caution, like she thinks I'm about to snap her head off.
I've done more damage than I thought. I hope there's still time to fix everything.
"Dom," she starts, a small hopeful smile playing on her lips. That makes me feel like there's still a chance to fix all the shit I've messed up over the years. A good look at my mother reveals she wants the same. "I'm very glad you came."
I look her straight in the eyes, my smile genuine. "I'm very glad to be here. You look beautiful, Mom."
It feels awkward calling her that, like I'm still a kid – but the smile that lights up her face in the next second makes me feel like it was worth it. I take her small hand in my own and grin.
"I can see you're happy. And I hope in the future, I get to be the one to put that smile on your face sometime, too."
She looks shocked, but happy, making me wonder if I am really such a jackass. Sure, I sleep around, I do stupid shit – but I always thought I still had a good grasp of what's right and what isn't.
Guess not.
I smile encouragingly at my mother as the other women join us in front of the restaurant. "Shall we go to the harbor for a walk?" Cassidy suggests.
My cousin sighs dramatically, waving a hand in the air. "Cassidy, I must get to your house. I forgot my notebook when we met for drinks the other day."
"Oh," Cassidy seems surprised, chewing her bottom lip. "Well, Adrian is there – are you okay with going on your own while we do some window shopping on the way to the harbor?"
Another sigh. "I guess." She searches for her cell phone and gives us all a wave. "Anyway, must dash. Have fun, ladies."
I give her a weird look as she saunters off, but then the rest of the woman start chattering and walking away. I look at them retreating, wondering what the hell I'm supposed to do. I sure as hell don't like window shopping, but for some reason, it made me feel better being in my family's company.
Cassidy turns around, looking at me over her shoulder. "Come on, slowpoke," she calls after me and I roll my eyes at her, walking over to them and exclaiming I will not partake in their shopping.
Secretly, I can't wait to spend more time with Cassidy, and my mom, too. Susie can be the comic relief.
Chapter nineteen
CASSIDY
The next few days pass in a flash – I have some projects to finish up at work, so I'm out of the house for the better part of the day. Dom stays out of the way and I'm not sure whether I like or hate that. Adrian and I spend time together in the evenings, but ever since Dom waltzed back into my life, I haven't been able to sleep with my fiancé.
He noticed. You bet he did.
Today, his mouth is set in a thin line as we go to bed.
"I suppose I'm not getting any tonight, either?" he asks with an annoyed expression, and I look at him with surprise. He's not usually this vulgar.
"Come on, Adrian," I say tiredly. "I've been working such long hours. Can't you wait a couple of days?"
"While you sleep with your stepbrother behind my back?" he asks with a raised voice and my eyes widen at what he's suggesting. He sighs, giving me a placating look, his arms outstretched. "I'm sorry, honey."
"You know what?" I ask, climbing out of bed, my slip feeling too revealing all of a sudden. "I'd prefer sleeping in the living room."
"Babe, come on," he says lamely, but I raise a hand to stop him, giving him a cold glare.
"You don't get to talk to me like that," I tell him. "Ever again."
I don't give him a chance to reply, grabbing up a sheet and heading downstairs and putting together the sofa bed. The fact that he doesn't come after me, even to offer me the bed so he can take the couch, is offensive and hurtful.