There’s a long pause on the other end of the line, which fucking hurts. She sighs, letting out the air she seems to have been holding in for the entire length of this conversation. "It's happening in July. We're having it in Newport."
I'm transported to four years ago. Newport...
"But that's so close to–" I begin, unable to stop myself, but Mother dearest cuts me off, her voice cold.
"Yes, Newport is not that far from the beach house."
Another long pause, but she breaks it and continues, my heart beating out of tune in my chest as she does so. I need to hear more.
"I would like it if you came, but obviously, you don't have to if you have other obligations."
I think it through, thinking of what that would mean. It might be the last chance to rekindle some semblance of a mother-son relationship. But then again, it would mean having to be near that place – the beach house is only an hour’s drive away.
"Fine," I say stiffly. "I'll come. Send over the date and information, and I'll catch a flight that week. Is there a hotel I can stay at?"
Mother waits for a long moment before answering. "You could stay in the beach house," she says. "It's available."
My heart is about to burst out of my chest at the mere mention of that place. I furrow my brows, thinking what that would be like. So many memories. And because I'm a stupid prick who apparently likes torturing himself, I say I'll do it and Mother gives me the date of the wedding.
I'm so busy thinking about the beach house, I don't even ask about the groom. Last I heard, she was seeing some guy her age, a car dealership owner who was loaded. Not that I care about money – I have enough myself.
I'm about to ask about the groom, try to be polite. But Mother finishes her speech with some ground-breaking information.
"Just so you know, Cassidy is also coming to the wedding and staying at the beach house. I'm sure you two will have enough space though, one of you can stay in the guest house – Cassidy had it built last year. You do remember her, don't you?"
Fuck.
How could I not remember her? Even though I've made it my mission to forget about her existence, she's always at the back of my mind. The one that got away.
"I have to go, Dominic – I'll send you the flight information after I purchase your ticket. It's the least I can do," my mother rattles on as my mind swims with far-away thoughts. "Talk to you later."
She cuts the connection and I lower the hand holding the telephone, staring at the receiver blankly.
‘Cassidy Lynn.’
It's the first time I’ve let myself say her name and it feels just as sweet on my lips as it did before... just as sweet as her mouth on mine.
What have I just agreed to? Am I ready to revisit the past I've been trying to escape for the past four years? Will it ruin all my hard work to stay in the place that started it all... with her?
I'm fucked.
Chapter 22
CASSIDY
A month later
Stepping back into the beach house is not as painful as it once used to be.
When Daddy died, I had two options. I could try to block out everything that happened that summer; could try and forget about his horrible illness and fool myself into thinking it never happened.
Or, I could celebrate his life, make sure he was remembered on every important journey, every big step of my life.
I chose the second option and never looked back. As I walk around the new guest house, I know I've made the right choice.
"Should be ready on time," one of the construction workers tells me, grinning at me.
My fingers slide over the beautiful Italian marble, my fingers digging into the rich, thick carpet. "Perfect," I nod, inspecting the room one last time to make sure everything is in place.
The place looks beautiful. When I decided to build the guesthouse, I knew what I had in mind – a similar look to what Valerie did when she and Daddy renovated. Even though the house has been remodeled since, the feel is still the same. I cherish being here every day, being reminded of Daddy with each step I take.
After my time away at school, I moved into the beach house permanently two years ago. I just didn't feel like staying in LA anymore, not with my absent mother. I decided to embrace my father's memory and live in my childhood home, instead.
Here, his smile will always be in my mind.
Other things, I chose to ignore. It's for the best.
But I know the past will be back to haunt me soon enough – Dom is set to arrive today. I've agreed to let him stay in the guest house, and mentally congratulated myself on my choice to be the bigger person.