25. Twenty-Five

Twenty-Five

Kendrick

Being home feels like a breath of fresh air. Cassidy’s excited voice fills the living room as she spreads out her materials for the beach cleanup project. She’s chattering away, explaining to me her plans to plant dune grasses to protect the shoreline and how excited she is to volunteer. I resist the urge to point out that she volunteered all of us, as I enjoy these family bonding moments, which have been few and far between recently.

Cass is in the next room, speakerphone on, discussing logistics for a small tour with Derrick. Snippets of their conversation drift through the wall—guest spots, opportunities, and the sharp edge of Derrick’s raised voice sounds increasingly frustrated as Cass tries to hold his ground.

Cass finally walks into the room, looking a bit worn out. He gives Cassidy a warm smile and ruffles her hair. “Preparing for the Beach project, huh?” he says, trying to lighten the mood.

Cassidy nods enthusiastically. “Yep! We’re all set to volunteer tomorrow. It’s going to be so much fun helping to plant all the grasses. I can’t wait!”

Cass chuckles, glancing at me, but there’s a flicker of something in his eyes—an uncertainty he’s trying to hide.

“Actually,” he starts, hesitating. “Derrick just brought up something unexpected.”

I set down the tote bag Cassidy and I were organizing and give him my full attention. “Unexpected? What did he want?”

He clears his throat, looking uncomfortable. “There was a last-minute cancellation for a televised music special. Derrick says it’s a big deal, lots of exposure… live TV and all. It’s short notice, but he’s already told them I’d be there. I’d need to leave today, but it shouldn’t take longer than about three days, tops.”

My heart sinks just a little with disappointment. Cassidy had her heart set on doing the project as a family, but I force myself to mask it with a supportive smile. Cassidy’s already looking forward to tomorrow, and I’ve committed to doing this with her, even if Cass has to bail. It’s for a worthwhile cause, so I don’t want to cancel. But I also know Cass’s career demands these sudden changes, and I don’t want to stand in the way of something important for him.

“Oh,” I say, keeping my voice light. “You should go, Cass. We’ll be fine here. As you know, Cassidy volunteered us for the beach project. Cassidy and I will still be there.”

He pauses, studying my face, searching for any sign of hesitation. “Are you sure? I don’t like the idea of just… ditching you two.”

I offer him a reassuring smile, placing a hand on his arm. “Cass, it’s okay. This is your career. These opportunities don’t come along every day, and Cassidy and I will be here when you get back.”

Cassidy’s ears perk up, clearly catching onto the conversation. She looks crestfallen until she hears he’ll be on live TV. Instead, she beams at him. “Go, Dad! You’ve gotta play for everyone. Besides, I can’t wait to watch you on TV!”

Cass gives a grateful nod, his shoulders relaxing a bit. “Alright, I won’t ask Derrick to cancel. Thanks. Both of you.” He bends down, giving Cassidy a kiss on the head, then turns to me. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Following him to our bedroom, I watch him pack his things. “Do you need a ride to the airport?”

“No, Derrick is sending a car,” he informs me. After he clicks the lid of his suitcase shut, he turns, pulling me against him. “It’s only two days, but I’m going to miss having you with me,” he whispers as his lips brush the soft area under my ear. I lean my head to the side, giving him more access, and I feel his lips caress the curve of my neck. Just as things start to get heated, Cass firmly sets me away from him and mutters, “We better stop this now, or I’ll miss my plane.”

My hands go around his neck, and I lean up to give him one last kiss.

“Hmm… maybe I should have Derrick cancel,” Cass says as his hands cup my backside with a lusty squeeze.

Right then, Cassidy’s voice is heard from downstairs. “Dad, your ride is here.”

“Damn! Trust Derrick to make sure everyone’s on time, for once,” Cass grimaces.

Cassidy and I wave as the car disappears down the drive. A faint unease lingers, inexplicable but persistent. Maybe it’s because this was so last minute or because I know Derrick doesn’t like us being together and would do just about anything to keep us apart.

I shrug off the unease, pasting on a smile as I turn to Cassidy. “At least it’s only for a couple of days.”

The next morning, Cassidy and I spend the day in the sunshine, surrounded by shovels, buckets, and volunteers. She’s beaming, and we throw ourselves into the project, carefully planting the grasses that will protect the shoreline from erosion. She’s so focused and enthusiastic, always throwing her heart into everything she does.

After a quick lunch provided by the organizers, Cassidy and I dive back into the planting. By the end of the day, we’re both weary but glowing with the satisfaction of seeing the project completed. The shoreline, now lined with rows of freshly planted dune grass, looks alive with promise.

On the way home, we swing by a drive-thru to grab dinner. As we finish up, my phone buzzes. I check it, expecting a text from Cass, Leah, or maybe Emily, but the screen flashes with a celebrity news headline that makes my stomach twist.

It’s Cass stepping out of a restaurant with Pixie Cane. Her arm is looped around his waist as they both smile for the camera. The headline screams, “Cass Wild Back With Flame Pixie Cane!”

Heat rushes to my cheeks, anger, and jealousy bubbling just beneath the surface. Pixie’s familiarity with him, the way her hand rests possessively on his chest, churns my stomach.

A voice of reason tries to push through the haze: it’s just another gossip piece designed to sell stories. But the image—the way they look together—feels too close for comfort. Memories of what I know about their history stir, and that bitter, unwelcome jealousy surges even stronger.

“Mom?” Cassidy’s voice snaps me back. She’s watching me closely, her head tilted with concern. “What’s wrong?”

Quickly, I slip my phone into my bag and summon a practiced smile. “Oh, nothing important. Just silly news.”

She frowns but doesn’t press, returning to her fries. I try to shake off the unease, but Pixie’s coy smile and how Cass leaned toward her lingers in my mind, an image I can’t unsee.

When we get home, Cassidy heads off to shower, and I pace the living room, debating whether to call Cass. The picture and headline gnaw at me. I grab my phone and hit call before I can talk myself out of it. It rings three times before Derrick’s cold and clipped voice answers.

“What do you want, Kendrick? Cass is busy at the moment—with Pixie.”

The name stings like a slap. I fight to keep my voice calm. “I just wanted to talk to him—“

Derrick cuts me off with a smug sigh. “You know Kendrick, Pixie Cane is a much better choice for Cass than you. She doesn’t come with a kid, and playing house with her won’t ruin his image.”

“Derrick, I–”

He cuts me off. “You really need to give him some space. Don’t call again.”

The line clicks dead before I can even respond. Derrick’s words settle over me, heavy and biting. My grip tightens around my phone as frustration bubbles over.

Later that evening, Cassidy calls, “Mom! It’s almost time for Dad to be on TV.”

“Be right there,” I call back, forcing cheer into my voice. I settle onto the couch with Cassidy, balancing a bowl of popcorn between us. She’s practically vibrating with anticipation, her eyes glued to the screen as she waits for Cass to make his entrance.

“Mom, I can’t believe Dad’s going to be on live TV! This is so cool!” Cassidy gushes, not even glancing at her handful of popcorn.

I smile, but the tightness in my chest remains, fueled by the image of Cass and Pixie and Derrick’s cutting comments.

The screen flickers, the lights dim, and Cass steps onto the stage. He’s magnetic, commanding the room with his effortless charm. Cassidy squeals, clutching my arm.

“There he is!”

I nod, swallowing the lump rising in my throat. Seeing him so at ease in the spotlight reminds me of the man I first fell in love with—the way he could capture a room with just his presence. But tonight, there’s a new edge, sharpened by the events of the day.

The crowd roars as Cass begins to play, his voice filling the room. For a moment, as Cassidy leans forward, completely enraptured, I let myself sink into the music. The barriers between us blur, leaving only the man I love.

Then, the host steps forward, announcing a surprise guest. My heart drops as Pixie Cane steps into the spotlight.

They launch into a duet—a love song. Their voices blend seamlessly, and Pixie’s gaze locks onto Cass’s, the lyrics dripping with emotion. My stomach clenches as she reaches out at the end, pulling him into a warm embrace. He returns it easily as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Cassidy glances up at me, her face bright. “They’re really good together, huh?”

I force a smile, willing my voice not to betray the storm brewing inside me. “Yes, they are.”

Once Cassidy is fast asleep, I step onto the deck, letting the ocean breeze cool my flushed skin. The house feels too quiet, too empty. My phone vibrates in my hand, a text message lighting up the screen.

‘Just wrapped up the special! I can’t wait to tell you all about it. I’ll see you tomorrow. Miss you guys.’

The message is warm and thoughtful, but it doesn’t quiet the doubts whispering in the back of my mind. Why did it take him so long to message me? The text is downright friendly, like something he would send to his sister. Why didn’t he mention Pixie? Or the duet? Why didn’t he warn me?

Jealousy burns hot and bitter, fueled by Derrick’s manipulations and the undeniable chemistry I saw on stage. My rational side insists it’s just PR orchestrated for the cameras. But the emotional side—the side scarred by Derrick’s meddling—won’t let it go.

Cass finally arrives the next day. His face lights up when he sees us. He pulls Cassidy and me into a warm hug, his arms steady and reassuring.

“It’s good to be home,” he murmurs, pulling me into a slow, lingering kiss. “The special was great, but nothing compares to being here with you.”

I want to melt into his touch, to let his words wash away my doubts, but I can’t stop myself. “Why didn’t you tell me Pixie would be there?”

His brow furrows, genuine confusion in his eyes. “I didn’t know she would be. The host planned it as a surprise. I wasn’t even given a heads-up.”

“I know,” I say, my voice quiet. “But you also had dinner with her. There were photos… you looked… very comfortable with her.”

“Pixie is a friend.” Cass’s sigh is heavy, a blend of frustration, impatience, and weariness. “Kendrick, it was a press setup. Nothing more. Pixie happened to be there. I didn’t plan any of it.”

“It was a love song, Cass. You–”

Cass interrupts, “Kendrick, these things happen. I already told you it was over between Pixie and me, but she’s a celebrity, and we’re bound to run into each other.”

His words are steady, but a flicker of impatience lingers in his gaze. He kisses me softly, a gesture meant to reassure me, but the doubts still claw at the edges of my mind.

“Cass, I trust you,” I say finally, though my voice wavers. “But Derrick… the headlines… seeing you with her—it’s not easy.”

His expression hardens, his arms tightening around me. “I know. And I’m sorry. I’ll handle Derrick. But Kendrick, you need to believe me when I say fame means nothing if I don’t have you.”

I press my forehead to his, clinging to the sincerity in his words. The jealousy lingers, but for now, I let his promises soothe me. But deep down, a small voice reminds me that Cass’s world will always be filled with flashing cameras, beautiful women, and others who want a piece of him–like Derrick. And I don’t know if I’m confident or strong enough to overcome the obstacles Derrick will continue throwing at me.