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Shit. Shit. Shit.
There’s something in his tone. An unspoken question.
Or you’re making it all up in your head, bound and determined to be caught.
No.
I take a deep breath and try to formulate how in the heck to circumvent this. I can hardly say well, growing up in a trailer park with an abusive alcoholic parent who chose any vice presented over caring for their child…
That wouldn’t give it away or anything.
I need to rein in my emotions. Especially my fear. I’ve got this.
“Where I grew up, it made me have a special appreciation for the homeless. One of my first days here, walking through Redville, I saw a mother with a small child. The little girl most likely had only one outfit to her name. A pair of holey pants, dirty shoes, and a tattered coat. Her only other possession, a raggedy teddy bear.” I take a sip of my water, trying not to cry, picturing the mother and daughter.
The story is true. Every bit of it. The little girl reminded me of myself, and that was like a knife through the heart.
Except I did have a home, a really shitty one, but it’s more than that little girl had.
“I hoped that the money I handed her would go toward food for the little girl.” I lower my head, shaking it back and forth.
The story might only be an alibi for Aiden’s sake, but it did have a hand in fortifying my decision. The fact it’s not entirely the truth bothers me.
The reality that I have to continue to lie to Aiden hurts.
“What about it made your decision?”
He’s a dog with a bone, picking apart my life and uncovering the layers of Cassidy.
“That moment made me question, if the system hadn’t let that little girl down, could things have been different? Could she be somewhere warm, with a fresh, clean set of clothes and food in her belly?”
He nods but doesn’t say anything. Something in his far-off expression makes me wonder… could he be thinking about me? About Pip at this moment?
“Anyway, I started volunteering at a local foster care agency and just saw more devastating situations. I heard horrific stories from the children there, and I wanted to make a difference.” I inhale. “So yeah… that’s why I’m here pretending to be your girlfriend,” I say, shrugging one shoulder. “I figure all the lies are worth it in the end.”
He swallows around a mouthful, nodding more.
“I think that’s an admirable goal. I have no doubt you’ll do well.” I hold his stare. “Children don’t deserve to be punished for the actions of adults. They deserve love.” His eyes drop to the table. “Unconditional love.”
I know he’s thinking about his mother and how horrible she was. He might’ve gotten out and made something of himself, but that didn’t make his life easy.
“Children deserve their parents’ time and effort. I hope to ensure that for many children, including my own one day.”
Aiden’s eyes darken in a way that sends liquid heat pooling low in my belly.
“I’m sure your parents are proud, Cassidy.”
I can’t contain the humorless laugh that bubbles up. “I doubt that. Good or bad. I’m on my own. I have been for a long time.”
His eyes narrow. “I’m sorry if I hit a nerve.”
“You didn’t and don’t apologize. You did nothing wrong.” I place my fork on my half-eaten plate and stand from the table. “I’m gonna clean up. You should get ready. It’s about time for you to watch your game films.”
And with that, I pick up the plate and walk away from the room, needing space from Aiden.
That conversation got a little too real.
25
