Page 67 of Forbid It

“Oh, no. My assistant is sending someone.”

“Where are you going?” Sian asks, her face a picture of motherly concern and disappointment.

Away from your son.

“I want to go to that studio. I’m going to see if they have space for me.” I didn’t know that was my plan until I said it. I don’t want to go home, I don’t want to get back on a plane and open myself up to the criticism I know is waiting for me. I want to get my hands on a piano and hopefully get this concoction of emotions swirling under my skin out.

“The one in Monmouth?”

I nod. “That’s the one.”

“I can make a call to Ian if you like?” Iwan asks, already pulling his phone out of his pocket.

“That would be…” I swallow. “That would be amazing.”

Iwan passes me in the doorway, lightly touching my shoulder as he goes.

“Are you alright Cassie?” Gwen asks, tilting her head.

“Yeah, yeah.” I send them what I hope is a reassuring smile. “I’ve had the nicest time here, but I can’t impose any longer.”

“You’re not imposing, flower.” Sian gasps. “I wouldn’t like you to think that.”

My smile doesn’t reach my eyes. “Thank you for everything. If you guys ever want a ticket or anything, here’s my assistant Lane’s number. She’ll be able to sort you out.” I slide the business card across the kitchen island and ignore my trembling fingers. Why is it so hard to go?

I hear the pipes turn off and know it’s only a matter of time before Robbie comes downstairs.

“The kids have just gone to the shop with Arthur if you want to wait until they’re back?” Gwen asks.

“No, I…It’s easier if I just go.” My voice is thick in my throat. “My car’s outside.”

“Ian said they’re opening up the studio for you, Cassie,” Iwan announces as he comes back into the kitchen.

“That’s great, thank you.”

The door opens upstairs.

I wave my phone as if it’s been buzzing. “That’s my ride.”

“I’ll follow you out,” Sian says.

I say goodbye to Gwen and Iwan and turn for the front door. Sian follows.

A car is idling on the doorstep, and the driver jumps out at the sight of me, crossing to the back to hold the door open for me.

“Cassie,” Sian says, gently cupping my arm. “Are you sure about rushing off? You could stay and have breakfast.”

I swallow thickly. “I’m sure. Thank you, Sian. For everything.” I quickly gather her in my arms, her t-shirt soft underneath my fingers as I squeeze her. I let her go without a goodbye and rush to the car.

“Can we go quickly, please?” I ask him quietly.

“Sure thing, miss.”

He closes me in and wastes no time crossing back to the driver's seat. We’re pulling away from the curb before I can blink, and I wave my hand goodbye with a fake smile that I don’t feel. Sian waves from the doorstep until the car rounds a leafy bend, and she disappears from view.

And I finally let the tears fall.

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