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9
I wander around the house, growing restless as I await Reid’s return. Before I know it, the gray smog of evening is sweeping through, and Genevieve flicks on the lights.
At the sound of the front door, I scurry from the living room into the passage. “Can we…” My voice trails at the realization it isn’t Reid but Aunt Helena.
She saunters over, studying my appearance. “Is something the matter, Cassandra?”
I have to hear her side. “Um, were you ever against Reid keeping in touch with me?”
Her low hum answers me before she says the words. “Not at all. It hurt me to see my son so sad. Jeff’s resentment affected you and your cousin.”
I swallow before admitting in a soft tone, “Dad said it was you who didn’t want us communicating. That Reid wasn’t interested either.”
“Huh.” Her reaction is a mix between disappointment and understanding. “You know, I honestly don’t fault my brother. He did what he needed to do for his family.”
“It wasn’t fair,” I murmur. “Dad lied.”
She releases a lengthy sigh. “Can’t change what happened. None of us are without blame. But if we want peace, we can’t dwell on the past.” She looks around, asking, “Where’s Reid?”
I shrug. “We went into town earlier. He left after driving me back.”
“I see.” From the tightening of her lips, I can tell she isn’t pleased with him. “Well, I’ll join you in a bit.” She continues past me up the stairs.
Sweet flavors gradually permeate the air, and I follow the aroma into the kitchen. Leaning against the island, I watch Genevieve stir a pot on the stove. “Smells so good.”
She twists to me with a smile. “Baked salmon and miso sauce.”
“Ooh. Sounds yummy.”
“Hmm.” A slight pinch forms between her brows. “Feeling any better, dear?”
“I will once Reid stops being cold.”
At the click of the door, I snap my head in the direction. As Reid enters the kitchen, his presence incites a soft tug in my belly.
He barely holds my gaze before speed-walking towards the doorway as if determined to escape me.
“Stop!” I yell.
Surprisingly, he halts at my voice, slanting as I march over. “What is it?” He sounds and looks annoyed.
I place my hands on my hips and raise my chin. “Listen, Reid Radcliff. We’re all at fault. You can’t blame only me, and you can’t keep a wall between us. I won’t let you.”
“What?” He faces me fully.
“You heard me,” I grit with confidence.
Low chuckles resound behind me from Genevieve. I’m sure she must find this entertaining.
My cousin is over six feet tall. Meanwhile, I’m trying to seem tough looking up at him from my short five-feet-two frame.
I poke his shoulder with my index finger and declare, “I’ll stick to you like glue for the entire summer. We’ll be friends again, Reid. We will.”
He utters a rumble laced with unmistakable annoyance and combs over his hair. “Look, I’m not in the mood. So just leave me alone.”
“Reid!” Aunt Helena scolds. I glance across as she comes down the stairs.
“I’m going to shower.” He peels off before she gets the chance to say anything else.
