Page 93 of Common Grounds

I clutch at my chest as my breath comes in gasps. Cass and Vi, who are now sitting across from me, are barely controlling their laughter.

“Dammit,” I curse. “How long have you been sitting there?”

“Like five minutes,” Vi wheezes between fits of giggles. She clutches at her birthstone necklace as she folds over herself into another fit of laughter.

“You were really in the zone there. We didn’t want to interrupt.” Cass is doing a much better job of keeping a straight face, but her eyes are sparkling, and her belly is bouncing silently.

I take in a few more big gulps of air as my heart slows down. “And you thought scaring the shit out of me would be a better idea?”

Luckily, it’s noon on a Wednesday, and there aren’t many people in the place. I hear Donna’s chuckle from the front, which must mean she was in on the whole thing from the start.

“Eh,” Vi says. “You could probably use a little kick in the pants.”

“Little do you know,” I taunt, “I’ve already had several in the past seventy-two hours.”

“Yeah.” Cass draws out the word as if this statement does not surprise her one bit. “That’s why we’re here.”

They must have talked to Trevor. I don’t know why I hadn’t calculated that into the possible scenarios I’ve been mulling over. I’d feel betrayed, but I’m the one who has had my phone off since Sunday. I could have headed this off, but I decided to isolate myself instead.

“Don’t you two have jobs or somewhere else you need to be?” I try deflecting, even though I know it’s useless.

Vi shrugs. “Perks of freelancing.”

Cass points to her belly. “I called off for a doctor’s appointment this morning. Good timing.”

I groan, defeated. “Can I at least see an ultrasound picture?”

Cass reaches for her purse, but Vi holds out a hand to stop her. “Only if you’re a good girl and talk to us about whatever made you go dark this week,” Vi says.

“Ohh, tough love. Good idea.” Cass beams up at Violet, who looks down at her with googly eyes.

I’m pretty sure they’re about to kiss, which is a step too far for me in my current mental state, so I clear my throat loudly. They both snap their heads in my direction.

“Can you please say what you came here to say and leave me in peace?” I beg.

“Right.” Cass leans forward, her belly tucked underneath the table. “What happened between you and Trevor?”

I level a glare at her. “Since you’re here, I’m pretty sure you already know.”

“I know his side of the story,” she admits. “But I want to hear yours.”

“What’s there to tell?” I ask bitterly. “I said some stuff, his feelings got hurt, I left. It’s over.”

“I think he wants to see you,” Cass suggests gently.

“What’s the point? It was inevitable. This is what happens when you bang before getting to know each other. You end up finding out stuff down the line that you don’t like.” I grab my mug to take a self-satisfied sip, but I remember it’s cold and put it down.

“So, let me get this straight. You told him you left some thirst trap comments on an article, and you think that’s grounds for never seeing him again?” Cass seems incredulous. “It’s not that big of a deal.”

“Not necessarily. I’m saying it’s indicative of how these things go for me. I wasn’t meant to be with someone. Derek proved that. Hell, Mom and Dad proved that. The Gazette didn’t even want me in the end. It’s not who I am. I’m not like you two. I wasn’t built for long term.”

Cass’s features pinch and she slowly shakes her head. She looks at Vi, and the two of them share a look that contains a whole silent conversation. It’s the type of look only two people destined to be together can share.

Way to rub it in, ladies.

The glance ends with Cass tipping her head in Vi’s direction. Vi leans forward. Her turn to take over, it seems. I steel myself for Violet’s tough love.

I’m completely unprepared for what comes out of her mouth. “Cass and I hit a rough patch once.”

---