Page 9 of Protecting Gina

Cassandra took another bite of her food, but narrowed her eyes as she stared at them. “It’s something more. I may be young, but I’m not that young. What is going on?”

Wave glanced around, seeing that there were people sitting close to them. “Later, at home, if Gina feels okay talking to you, we can speak about it there. Not here. Too many people.”

Cassandra rolled her eyes. “No one cares.”

He shrugged. “Maybe, but I always assume someone is listening when I’m out in public.”

“Mom was right about one thing. You are paranoid.”

He chuckled. Her words should sting, but they were true. “It has kept me alive so far.”

Gina shook her head. “So odd.”

“What?” Cassandra asked.

“That he has to think that way. If I didn’t know he was in the military, I would be worried about his mental health. But with the job you have, I’m sure you do have to worry about people wanting to hear what you’re talking about to your work colleagues.”

He nodded. “It’s something you get used to.”

Cassandra shook her head. “That’s not something I’d ever want to get used to.”

Wave nodded. “I hope you never have to.”

They all concentrated on their food after that. Maybe he needed to be softer toward his sister. But she was smart and had time to plan her future. He’d opted for the Navy because he needed fast money to take care of himself and then later to send home to his sister. He didn’t regret joining the Navy. The training made him who he was, and he wouldn’t change that for anything.

He finished his food, then pulled out his phone and sent Gina a text with their address. “I just sent you our address.”

She flashed him a smile. “Thank you. I’ll be by in a couple of hours.”

“Good. We can go over more information then.”

Cassandra’s lips screwed up to one side. “Still want to know.”

“Later, Cass,” Gina said.

“Thank you for not treating me like a child.”

Wave wanted to say something but kept quiet. If anyone was listening, they wouldn’t hear him expressing his thoughts on Cassandra or what she’d said. This wasn’t the time or place to air their dirty laundry.

CHAPTER SIX

Gina hated that Pete kept showing up like a bad penny she wanted to get rid of. He didn’t believe her. She worried that soon, he would break into her apartment and attack. A man like Pete couldn’t be trusted.

She had to run a few errands after lunch, and then debated with herself about going to see Wave and Cass. It took her over an hour to decide to go.

When she pulled up in front of Cass and Wave’s house, she glanced around, realizing they were in one of the older neighborhoods. The place was big, with a large yard. Some of these houses had detached mother-in-law suites at the back of the property. This one didn’t, but from looking at the satellite view on the map application, she could see there was more than enough room to put one in.

Were they putting the house on the market? There was no reason to keep a house in the area if they weren’t going to be here.

It made her sad to think that they would leave, and she would never see them again. She tried not to get attached to the families who visited the hospital, but sometimes she developed feelings for them. It was hard to stay detached when someone like Cassandra spent so many hours at the hospital.

She got out of her car and glanced around, not seeing anyone watching. Having to check for someone tracking her every move sucked. So far, Pete hadn’t learned where she lived, but it was only a matter of time.

The door opened, and Cass ran out to meet her. The girl really was special. She’d been through so much already and deserved some happiness. Gina hoped she could find it living with her brother.

“Hey, you came.” Cass squeezed her tight.

She smiled to herself as she squeezed Cass back. “I did. It’s good to see you.”