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Casey’s stomach dropped as jealousy roared in her veins. “He really felt something for her.”
“But that’s just it, Casey.” She leaned forward, resting her elbows against the aluminum table. “Austin has never really had feelings foranywoman before. I mean, he’s dated... like, a lot, but everyone’s just been a fling. And then out of nowhere, he just professes these deep feelings for Mavis. He’d hidden her away for a long time.”
Casey swallowed, regret filling her heart at her eager willingness to hear all of Austin’s secrets.
Lauren shook her head and gripped Casey’s fingers again. “I’m so sorry. I’m scaring you.” She squeezed, tugging her hand. “But it’s different with you, I swear. I can see it already. He cares for you too.”
And now you’re placating me...
Casey tugged her hand from Lauren’s grasp and reached upward, yanking out her ponytail. “Oh, umm. Yeah, no worries. I mean, we’re still really new.” Pulling the hair tie from her wrist, she secured the mop of curls again. “And Mavis kind of already warned me.”
She squinted. “Warned you?” Lauren’s brow furrowed.
“She’s just being protective of me, that’s all.”
That’s not all and you know it.
Lauren tilted her head, her gaze boring into Casey. “You know, sometimes I wonder if Mavis...” She shook her head and dropped her gaze to her lap.
“Still has some feelings for Austin too.” Casey completed her thought.
She nodded. “For a lot of reasons, Casey, I’m really glad he moved here. Glad he found you.” Lauren smiled. “A part of me wishes it was permanent.”
Her stomach rolled, sloshing around the beer in her gut. “Permanent?” Casey squinted and pressed a hand to her belly.
“Well yeah, once he’s got this office established, he’ll be made a partner at the law firm. And he’ll move home to Rosewood.”
An invisible hand reached into her chest and squeezed her heart, crushing it with the force of a steamroller to fresh pavement. The blood drained from her cheeks as the truth spilling from Lauren’s lips settled into her soul.
Of course, he’ll move back to California. It’s his home.
“Are you okay?”
Casey forced a smile on her lips and coughed. “Oh! Yeah, sorry! Just swallowed funny...” She dragged her fingers along her throat. “This beer isn’t very good.”
“Actually, I love it! I never drink this stuff!” She drained her cup and set it on the table with a grin. “This place is a lot of fun! You’re a lot of fun, Casey. Thank you for bringing me here.”
Casey nodded as Lauren poured the first drink from the second pitcher. “Oh, for sure... good times.” She swallowed the rest of her cup and pushed it toward Lauren.
Enjoy it now, Lauren, because it’s apparently just temporary. I’m just temporary.
