“To Summerhill?!”
The driver chuckled. “You’re going to want me to drive you there. That’s a tough crowd.”
“Please, Mom.”
“Okay, fine. But school only.”
With a gigantic smile, Finn jumped into the car while I cursed under my breath. This must’ve been how Cinderella felt as the clock approached midnight. These luxuries weren’t going to last, and the impending slap of reality was going to hurt.
Tash, Bryce, and Tristan welcomed us into their home moments before our moving truck arrived with our belongings. Luckily, we didn’t own much, so we were able to store everything in their garage. I promised them it was a temporary measure, and I meant it. I refused to be a burden, and my first step toward that goal was finding a job.
Once settled, I set to work immediately. All of the jobs I applied for didn’t involve my unique skillset, but I wasn’t in the position to be picky. Death doulas weren’t the most advertised position, so I’d have to fall back into waitressing while I waited for the word to spread around.
While I stewed on my job prospects, I searched for houses close to Tash and Bryce. With my car in God knew what state, I didn’t want to be too far from family or Finn’s school in case we had to rely on buses. It wasn’t ideal, but the thought of having to buy a new car made me nauseated.
“You look stressed,” Tash said as she returned from the kitchen.
“Maybe we shouldn’t have come back here.” I closed my laptop with a sigh. I was hoping there’d be more rentals on the market in the new year, but I was wrong.
Tash handed me a coffee mug and curled up on the couch opposite. “It will be fine, Cass. You can stay here as long as you need.”
“Are you sure about that? You’re about to pop out another human, and Bryce doesn’t seem all that happy we’re here.”
“Oh, sugar. That has nothing to do with you.”
“Are you sure? He’s giving off some cranky vibes.”
“Things have been tense at work. They’re making a big announcement today, and well, you know how they play out.”
My stomach roiled. Those ‘announcements’ often led to job loss. “I’m sure Bryce will be fine,” I said with little confidence. Anything was possible under the reign of Harlow Corp.
“We’ll deal with whatever comes our way.” She rested her hand over her ever-growing bump. “We always do.”
“You’re so lucky to have each other.”
“Oh, Cass, I didn’t mean to rub our relationship in your face.”
“Oh, you’re not.” I never wanted her to feel that way. “You give me something to aspire to.”
“Well, I have a long list of suitors.” She grinned. “Once you’re ready, that is.”
“Tash…”
“You said once you get back, you’re going to make a go of it.”
“I know…but…” The ache in my heart deepened.
Tash grew quiet as she placed her coffee on the table between us. “You still have feelings for a certain drop-dead gorgeous billionaire?”
I stared at her, wanting to lie. “Is it terrible to say yes?”
“Oh, Cass…” Her brown eyes softened. “Of course not. He’s a drop-dead gorgeous billionaire!”
“Adam’s more than that, though…”
Tash exhaled as she turned away.
“I know, I know,” I uttered, acknowledging her clear disappointment. “He’s just done so much for us in the last few days, and it’s messing with my head.”