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CHAPTER 26
CASSIE
Cassie closed the last box of clothes and looked over the guest room for anything she might have forgotten. “Ah,” she said, picking up the mythology book her mother had forwarded to her. The cover had a nineteenth-century painting of Eros holding a blissful Psyche in his arms while soaring up to Mount Olympus. And now, that same image would always be connected to her night with Leo.
It had taken a couple of weeks to help Margaret and Mrs. Mackay with the inventory, and tomorrow she was moving to a flat in Bedford Square. Was this the right time to call Leo?
Without overthinking, she picked up her phone and ignored the missed call from her father. Cassie scrolled through her contacts. Her finger hovered over Leo’s name. Calling him meant crossing a threshold into the unknown.
“Just do it,” she muttered, pressing the call button. With each ring, her heartbeat increased until it hammered in her chest.
“Hello?”
Thousands of butterflies fluttered in her belly when he answered. “Hi, Leo. It’s me, Cassie.”
“Cassandra.” Leo’s voice was deep and warm.
It seemed like forever since she’d heard him say her name.
“How are you?” He sounded a little nervous.
“I’m good. I’ve been super busy working all day and helping organize Beatrice’s estate in the evenings. How about you?”
“I’ve been busy too. I’m planning a new project, so there’s lots to do.”
Awkward silence hung between them.
“I want to see you,” she said, unable to conceal her excitement.
Leo let out a relieved sigh. “I thought you called to tell me to fuck off.”
She smiled into the phone, surprised by his honesty. “Why would you doubt yourself?
“I wasn’t doubting myself. I was worried about you.”
“Me?”
“Yeah.” Another sigh. “I expected you to kick me to the curb before I had a chance to explain. I have a lot to tell you. When can we get together?”
“I’m moving tomorrow, but I should be free by the afternoon.”
“Text me the address, and I’ll meet you there at four o’clock. Will that give you enough time?”
“More than enough,” she said, smiling into the phone.
“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I’m looking forward to it. Goodnight, Cassandra.”
“Goodnight, Leo.” She ended the call and held her phone to her heart.
There was a soft knock. “Dr. P?”
She tossed her phone down and opened the door. “Hi, Mrs. Mackay.”
Mrs. Mackay greeted her with a cheerful smile. “I was hoping you’d join Ms. Astley and me for dinner. Tonight’s your last night here, and I made a little supper to thank you for all your help.”
“That’s sweet of you. I’ll be right down.”
