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11
Reid’s silent treatment continues for the rest of the day and even at dinner in his mom’s presence, not adding to our conversations.
As my eyes flutter open from the bright sunbeams pooling into the room, I sit up and stretch my hands, ready to take on the new day.
I reach for my phone on the nightstand, realizing it’s past nine. Aunt Helena has probably left for work, but Reid…
“Crap!” I quicken out of bed and hurry into the bathroom to wash up. He’ll probably take off to avoid me, and I want to keep trying to fix things.
I haul on knee-length shorts and a tank top, then bustle downstairs, steadying my racing heart as I knock on Reid’s door.
Please still be here.
Seconds pass without an answer. I knock again, but he doesn’t open the door.
Genevieve appears from the corner then. “Oh, morning, Cassie. Reid isn’t in his room.”
My stomach dips, and my voice comes out low as I confirm, “He left?”
“He went for a run in the neighborhood,” she explains with a kind smile, probably noticing my disappointment. “Waffles for breakfast?”
“That sounds good. Thank you, Gen.”
“No problem, darling.” She drapes her arm around me as we walk down the passage. “He’ll soften to you, Cassie. He hasn’t changed that much. Give him time.”
My body relaxes at her words. “Hope so. Maybe being clingy is only pushing him further away. I’ll scale it back and let him naturally warm up.”
She gives my arm a loving pat.
Veering into the kitchen, Genevieve treats me to a full plate of hot waffles, adding syrup, strawberries, and butter.
I devour the delicious breakfast in no time, feeling stuffed afterward and needing at least an hour before playing on my skateboard.
My phone rings as I’m heading for the stairs. Mom flashes on the screen.
“Did you know Dad lied?” is how I answer.
She sighs. “I’m sorry, baby. It wasn’t my truth to tell, and he made me swear.”
“Wow.” I enter the bedroom and close the door. “Mom, things could have been different for Reid and me. Even if Dad was at odds with Aunt Helena, they could have let us remain close.”
“Your dad wasn’t thinking about that, honey. He was hurt. I know it’s still terrible, but he just wanted to take us away from it all.”
“What was the last straw?” I finger comb my curls into a loose bun and sit at the dresser, staring at my reflection in the mirror. “You guys never discussed it with me.”
“Your grandfather wanted him to take over the business. Live a dream that wasn’t his. Your dad wanted peace and the freedom to make his own path. He was miserable at the estate. He didn’t want us dealing with the same thing, especially you.” She catches her breath and continues. “When he refused, your grandfather shunned us. He said you didn’t deserve an inheritance. He gave everything to Helena.”
I release a deep sigh. “I’m sad I had to leave Reid, but Dad is much happier in Philly. More content.”
“He is, honey. I know he hurt you, but I hope you can forgive him for the lie in time.”
“Time.” I hum softly. “We’ve lost so much.”
“Have you and Reid spoken about it?”
I throw my hand up even though she can’t see me. “Barely. He’s upset. I think we’ll be all right, though. We did something together yesterday, and if it continues, I’m sure he’ll come around.”
“That’s good. Day by day.” I can tell she’s smiling from the tone of her warm voice. “Well, talk later, honey.” She quickly adds, “Love you.”
