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He carries his gaze over me, slow and careful, throat bobbing at a hard swallow. “Cassie.” Even his voice is more profound.
At an onslaught of joy, I step forward to throw my arms around him.
Reid shifts away, making me recoil at the palpable annoyance now veiling his face.
He shoves his hands into his pockets and walks past me without a word. I slant and watch him march out of the living room, turning in the passage.
Well, damn.
What’s wrong with him?
That isn’t the boy I once knew.
Aunt Helena huffs and twists her red lips before telling me, “I’ll show you your room.” She crosses over to the stairs.
Hurrying to my suitcase, I grip the handle and manage to haul it up the steps behind her.
We continue down the hallway once we reach the top, and Aunt Helena leads me to my old bedroom, opening the door for me to enter.
“Genevieve prepared it for you,” she says.
That results in a broad smile. “Genevieve is still working here?”
She hums. “Her last year before retiring. I honestly don’t know what I’ll do without her.”
As I step inside, my eyes expand at the enormous space and contemporary style. Hard to believe I slept in here as a child. It’s at least three times the size of my bedroom back in Philadelphia, and I have an ensuite bathroom here.
“I’ve had work done throughout the house, including this room,” she explains, linking her hands before her. “Do you like it?”
“Yes, it’s…nice.” I’m so amazed that I can barely get my words out. “Thank you.”
I remember a purple theme back then. The new warm shade of gray is much better, and it works well with the white curtains, furniture, and dark hardwood. The flowery carpet is gone, except for a large rug in the middle beneath the canopy bed. That’s also new. I’ll probably drown in it tonight while I sleep.
“I hate to run, but I have to get to a meeting,” Aunt Helena says, sounding genuinely remorseful. “Genevieve will prepare lunch shortly. Settle in. I’ll see you later.”
She turns to leave, only to halt in the doorway. “Welcome back, Cassandra.”
“Cassie is fine,” I tell her, flashing a smile.
She gives me a soft one in return. “Let your parents know you’ve arrived safely.” She closes the door after stepping out.
I flatten the suitcase on the floor and continue browsing what will be my room for the following months.
My smile wavers as Reid pops into my head. He didn’t seem to care for my presence, and that hurts.
I guess I’ll have to wait and see how the rest of the day plays out.
