Page 77 of One of Them Girls

“Yeah, because I assumed you were going home.”

“You know what they say about assuming.”

She huffs, “I didn’t think about it. I should have invited you sooner. Get a bag ready, you can stay in Ryan’s room.”

I get up and walk to her. “It’s okay. I’m fine being alone.”

“You might be, but I want you to come. Honestly. Please?”

“If you’re sure they won’t mind.”

“They won’t. Get packed and pick me up in an hour.”

“You’re awfully bossy.”

She leans up, kissing me. “You love it.”

As I watch her walk away, I realize. I think I do.

13

Cassi

“Mom. Dad,”I call out as soon as we walk through the front door.

Dad greets us at the door. He smiles brightly, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

This is why I avoided home. I feel guilty for the pain they’ve felt.

“Hey, Cass. I’m so happy you’re home. Is this the young man you said you were bringing with you?”

He wraps his arms around me, looking over my shoulder, I assume staring down Xavier.

I pull back. “Daddy, this is Xavier. He’s my boyfriend.”

“Xavier, this is my daddy, Jerry.”

“Mr. Davis, it’s a pleasure to meet you. You’ve raised one hell of a woman.”

My dad instantly smiles, taking Xavier’s hand. “Thank you, son. We like to think we did an okay job.”

Just then, Mom comes out from the kitchen. “Cassi, you’re here.”

She walks over to me, also hugging me before turning her attention on Xavier.

“This is the boyfriend.” She pretends to whisper to me, but he can hear every word. “He’s cute. Good job.”

“Hey, woman,” my dad warns.

“Oh, hush. It’s great to meet you. Why don’t you go into the living room with Jerry while Cassi helps me in the kitchen?”

“Of course, ma’am.”

I chuckle, knowing he learned that from Jack.

Once in the kitchen, my mom turns to me.

“So how have you been? We haven’t seen much of you since school started.”

---