Chapter 5

Jared

"Jared, I thought you liked working together," my dad says. I can see the frustration on his face because up until Cade came back, I did enjoy working alongside my father. He's a bit old-school and sometimes stuffy, but he and I have always gotten along well with one another.

I run my hand across my face while I try to come up with the words to explain how I'm feeling. "Dad, I just don't think I can continue to work here in the same office as Cade. I'm sure that Mom filled you in on my date with Cassidy last night. We're dating and that might be awkward for her if she comes into the office and runs into him, and he pulls what he did on me last night."

"What do you mean?"

"He accused her of being his sloppy seconds, Dad," I growl out. I swear, I don't know who I am any more, but she brings out a side of me that I never knew existed.

"She's a good girl. She's always been a good girl. Wayne and Maureen raised her up right," he replies. "Don't know what your brother was thinking saying something like that unless he was just trying to rile you up."

"Well, it worked. Not only that, but I genuinely don't like Estella. She's a bitch, Dad, and looks down at everyone who walks through our doors. We've never been pretentious, even though we've got money, yet she acts like everyone that comes in is out to steal our ‘fortune' or something!"

He chuckles then says, "She's good at what she does, Son, and she's never overstepped. At least not where I can hear, anyhow. So, you want to go out on your own, huh? That might help me out more than you know. Got cases I've had to turn away because I simply don't have the time, even with Cade coming back. You opening up your own office means that all those coming from that county would stay with you, you know?"

I nod. "I know our business has picked up significantly. I've got court in an hour, then thought I'd take Cassidy over to see the house and maybe drive around and see if there's any available office space."

"Good plan. Of course, you know I hope it continues to go well with her. She'd be a great addition to the family."

"Kinda early days for that, Dad," I state. "But yeah, she'd fit right in."

"Go to court, Son. I'll see you tomorrow."

"I'll let you know how it goes."

* * *

Well court was a total shit show. My client, charged with his fifth DUI, tried to plead no contest despite my counsel. The judge threw the book at him, which I secretly agreed with, and then his family said they would be suing me for false representation. Whatever. The asshole is fortunate that when he chose to drink and drive that no one was on the road he was going the wrong way on. Otherwise, he'd have probably had a few more charges. Sighing, I pack my briefcase and head into the office to drop off the paperwork for the final billing. Regardless of what they think, we did the work, so they need to finish paying.

"Heard about Muzzo," Cade says as I walk into the office. "Sucks to be him. Doesn't he realize that he's faced the same judge three times already?"

I chuckle because despite how I feel about my brother, he has a good point. "Yeah, he reminded him of that fact, too," I reply.

"I bet he did. Thomas doesn't fuck around at all when it comes to that kind of case."

"Can you blame him?" I ask. "He lost his wife and two kids to a drunk driver. I honestly don't know how he can hear DUI cases anymore, but he's always fair regardless of how he personally feels about the situation. Muzzo deserves what he got, plain and simple. Driving on a suspended license, DUI, operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, driving the wrong way, causing property damage over five grand. Yeah, He deserves his time in jail, that's for sure. Maybe this time, he'll utilize the rehab program and actually stick to it once he gets out."

"Who knows? You got plans for the rest of the day?" he asks me as I hand the paperwork to our clerk who handles the billing.

"As a matter of fact, I do," I reply. I don't mention Cassidy because it's none of his business and I still want to throttle him for what he said the night before.

"Ah, okay. Just figured maybe we could go grab lunch and talk or something. Clear the air," he says.

"Nothing to clear. You know where I stand on that particular subject."

"I never meant to hurt her, Jared."

"I'd like to believe you, Cade, but the fact that you were seeing other girls when she thought y'all were exclusive says otherwise. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to run."

I drop my briefcase in my office and lock my door, then head home to change.

Cassidy

"Mags, he wants to date me!" I exclaim over the phone.

"Why wouldn't he? You're beautiful, smart, and funny as hell," she replies.

"You have to say that, it's in the best friend code," I state.

"Code-schmode, I'm dead serious right now. So, did he kiss you?"

I think back to the deliciousness that was his kiss and sigh. "Yeah."

"Oh my God, you sound sickeningly sweet right now. I bet you've got a dreamy look on your face too!" she squeals. "Hell, I think I need to have my blood sugar checked because I swear, you've given me diabetes."

I giggle. "What in the hell is a dreamy look?"

"You know, we've seen enough of them on those Hallmark movies we watch," she replies.

"You don't think it's weird or anything, do you? I mean, I dated his brother for two years."

"But you and Jared have always been good friends, Cass. So no, I don't think it's weird. And if the local biddies can't handle it, they can go get stuffed!"

My giggles turn to full-blown laughter at her words. "Mags, it's not that bad here."

"Says you. I remember how many times the things we heard made you cry. My memory is long, my friend, and I will never forget how some of those skanks made you feel."

"At least I didn't give up the ol' V-card," I murmur.

"This is very true. Because if even half the shit I've heard is factual, he dipped his dick into so many places, I wouldn't touch it if it had been bleached!"

"Mags! That's a terrible thing to say!"

"What's so terrible about it? I mean, if y'all had only been casually dating, that would've been one thing, but he gave you his fucking class ring."

"Mags? All water under the bridge."

"So, tell me more about Jared. Has he changed much?"

"He's gotten huge! I mean, not fat or anything like that, but all muscular. Plus, he's gotten a little bit taller."

"Girl, everyone's taller than you." I shrug because she's not lying. I'm barely five feet three inches tall.

"True, except Granny Fran."

"You must take after that side of the family or something, because your mom is tall for a woman and your dad was as well. I mean, for a guy, that is."

"I knew what you meant, silly."

"Are you seeing him again?" she asks.

I nod then remember we're on the phone and say, "Yeah. He's supposed to come and get me after court. No clue what we're doing, but Mags? I just like being with him."

"I'm glad, honey," she replies, her voice soft. "You deserve every good thing, y'know? So, how did your mom handle the meeting with them?"

"Mags, they got her such a huge settlement that she can literally buy a house and have no mortgage!"

"Good. She deserves to be able to do that and I know your dad would want that for y'all. I miss him, Cass," she says.

"You and me both, Mags."

My dad was such a good man; he was active in our community with the local Boys and Girls club, and we often had ‘extras' at our dinner table. He also helped spearhead several programs to enable the kids who were in foster care or who only had one parent be able to get the stuff they needed for school. Mom runs the shop now and I make a mental note to see if there's anything we need to stock up on for the kids.

"He'd like Jared for you, too," she continues, interrupting my thoughts.

"You think so?"

"I know so. Think about how he was whenever Jared would come around to get you to go work on his truck, or go fish, then remember how he acted when Cade would come pick you up."

I ponder her words and realize she's right. Dad would take the time to talk to Jared about the truck project, or tell him where to go to get the best bait for our fishing expeditions. When Cade would come by, he was civil, but never extended anything conversation-wise.

"You're right," I muse. "Why did I never see it before?"

"Because you were ‘in love' with Cade," she sing-songs.

I see a text come across and open it since I'm on speakerphone with Mags.

Jared: On my way, Cass. Wear something comfortable, I want to show you something.

Me: Okay. Will jeans work?

Jared: Perfect. See you in a few.

"Mags, I need to run, Jared is on his way," I say, interrupting her monologue about how she's going to be the best auntie to my future babies with Jared.

"Mmhm, well, keep me posted, chica. I miss you," she replies.

"Miss you more, girlie. Hurry home."

"Two more months, Cassidy."

"Good. Now, I'm out of here, Mags. I'll let you know how it goes."

Once I hang up, I quickly head into the bathroom and run a brush through my hair before braiding it. It's getting long, but I don't really know what I want to do with it, so other than the occasional trim, I'm letting it grow. Satisfied that I'm as ready as I can be, I grab my phone and slide it into my purse, giggling at the text that came through from Mags. She's such a goofball, but I adore her.