Chapter5
878 Words
Cassy's POV - The Long Wait
Luis grinned, stepping inside without an invitation. "Cassy, how have you been?"
"I've been doing well," I forced a smile, though my eyes flickered toward the door. "Where's George?"
Luis flopped onto the couch, stretching out as if he owned the place. "On our way here, he went back to grab a document from his car. He'll be here in a minute."
A knock sounded. This time, it was George. The moment I saw him, I stepped forward eagerly, reaching for his bag. "Let me take that for you."
He hesitated, then handed it over with a small nod. "Thanks."
Luis stretched lazily. "Man, work today was brutal."
"It was," George agreed, rubbing his temple. "I'm starving."
I smiled, my heart swelling with pride. "I made dinner.
"No, no. "You shouldn't have outdone yourself. "Luis and I had planned to eat out. "We only chose to return home first to freshen up," George said.
"You should both try it. If you don't like it, you can still head out to have your dinner, but I guarantee you'll love it."
Luis shot me a smirk. "That confident, huh?"
"Taste it and see."
"Do you both need to shower first?" I asked, but Luis gestured in the negative.
"Okay," I responded, and headed out to serve them.
They sat in the parlor battling for the popcorn when I informed them the food had been served, and they could come to eat. Luis raced to get the best seat and food as well.
"That was implied for him." I attempted to sound as amenable as I could when I told Luis, he was perched on George's seat.
"It doesn't matter," Luis said, uncovered the food, and started eating.
I looked at George for support, but he only asked me to ignore him.
"Thank you for the food." He held my shoulders before sitting to eat.
As they ate, I watched George closely. He wasn't just eating; he was enjoying it. This was progress. He needed me. Soon, he would realize it too.
I cleaned the dishes while they debated some football game, using the time to strategize my next move. I had planned to linger, long enough for George to suggest I stay the night. But Luis, the spoiler is around.
"I should head home," I announced, feigning reluctance.
"Aren't you staying?" Luis asked, ever the clueless fool.
"No, I have early commitments tomorrow." I smiled sweetly at George. "I'm just glad to see you're doing better."
But then Luis ruined everything.
"I'll drive you home," he offered casually.
"I brought my car," I said quickly.
George frowned. "Let Luis drive you. I don't want anything happening to you."
That should have made me happy. But the way he said it, it wasn't a concern. It was an obligation.
I forced a smile. "Alright. Let's go."
In Luis' Car
Silence stretched between us. I kept my eyes on my phone, hoping he'd stay quiet. But Luis was never one to let things go.
"You seem busy," he noted, nodding toward my phone.
"Just handling some things."
"Right." He drummed his fingers against the wheel. "Can I ask you something?"
I sighed. "What is it?"
"Why didn't we work out?"
My stomach twisted. I turned to him sharply. "What?"
"Back then," he clarified, "your sister introduced us." We had something going on." But then… nothing. I always wondered why."
I clenched my fists in my lap. "It just didn't work."
"Because you wanted someone like George?" His voice was too knowing, too smug.
Briefly, my heart flew into my mouth. How could he find out? I forced a laugh. "Don't be ridiculous."
He chuckled. "Relax, I'm just messing with you."
"What I implied was that you like a man like George, right? "You ought to have seen your face when I said that." He answered and giggled.
But his words lingered in the air long after we reached my apartment. I took a full breath, grateful that Luis didn't figure out that I preferred George. Someday, he would be watching George and I get hitched, but I needed that to happen on my terms.
I barely held back a groan. I needed to be alone to think, to plan. This entire night had been wasted.
I climbed out quickly, forcing another smile. "Thanks for the ride."
"Anytime," Luis said. But his eyes studied me longer than necessary, as if he was seeing something he hadn't before.
"Think about what we talked about, okay?" He winked.
I turned without responding, walking briskly inside. I shut the door behind me and exhaled sharply. That i***t needs to stay out of my way.
As I locked my door, I felt appalled. I had spent minutes conversing with Luis and it was very awkward. He has ruined the plans I had so painstakingly made. In any case, my vehicle was at George's so it was more motivation to visit him.
I was so close. George was beginning to trust me. To rely on me. But I had to be careful. Luis might have been joking tonight, but if he ever truly suspected me,
No. I wouldn't let that happen.
No one would ruin this for me.
Not even George himself.
- Writer
