Page 62 of Be Your Somebody
“No shit, Cas. What is it doing here?”
“It's your new cat. I believe you know her? She currently goes by the name Mauve. Although, I’m sure you’ll change it to something else, Binx.perhaps?”
“Y-y-you got me a cat?” she whispers. I nod my head and she flings herself into my arms. “But why? I didn’t do anything to deserve you doing this for me.”
“Because I wanted to and because I love you. You believe in me. You see me. Avery, you wrote a fucking song for me. I know you wanted a cat, but couldn’t do it for yourself. So, I went out and did it for you.”
“I—” she chokes out.
“I didn’t mess up, did I?” I ask, suddenly feeling insecure.
“No, you did not mess up. Cas, this is incredible. The best thing anyone has ever done for me in a long time. A thank you seems too insignificant, but thank you.”
She walks over to the cat, picks her up, and cradles her in her arms. Avery is nuzzling the kitten, making her purr. I hurry up and snap a photo before speaking. “You don't have to thank me. I’d do anything for you. Now, what do you say to watching that movie and cuddling your new cat?” I ask.
“You meanournew cat,” she corrects me. That wordourdoes something to me.It’s a simple, yet powerful word that pushes straight into my heart. The sound of my phone buzzing in my back pocket bursts thehappiness bubble I was just in. Avery is in the kitchen making popcorn, so I can check who the messages are from.
Unknown: You think you can threaten me, Cassidy? Think again. I think it’s time to up the stakes here, hmm?
Unknown: If you don't help me out of this mess, I’ll have to pay sweet Avery a little visit. The guys wouldreally like her. She always had such a sexy little figure. Are you fucking her yet? *images attached*
I stare at the messages, my body frozen like an animal that's been spotted by a predator, my good mood completely gone. All these texts so far have only been about me. It’s one thing to go after me, but he crossed a line. My blood turns to ice when I stare at the photos attached.
They are all of Avery.
My body feels like it’s been thrown into one of those electric fences. Suddenly everything falls into place, the constant fight or flight, the feeling of someone watching me, no,usfor months. I take a deep breath. Icannothave a panic attack in front of Avery. She’ll want to talk about it and I can’t get her involved, it’s not safe, so I put on my biggest smile before turning towards her. Of course, she sees right past my fake smile.
“Cas, hey, what's wrong?” she asks.
I bring my hands to her face, doing my best to persuade her that everything’s okay when it’s not. “Freckles, Ipromiseyou I'm okay. Just going to get some rest. I’ll come over after so we can play with the cat, and then maybewecan play a little.” I know she isn't convinced, but I’m relieved when she lets me go.
I make my way back to my house almost tripping over the Amazon package on my doorstep. I quickly grab the package and run upstairs, needing to be alone when I respond to him. As much as I want to ignore him, he’s changed the game. This time he’s added Avery into the mix and I can’t have him anywhere near her. Now that I understand what happened to me, I know what those men are willing to do. My dad doesn’t give a flying fuck about anything other than getting high. I either bail him out, putting myself in harm's way, or avoid him entirely and put Avery in danger. The decision is easy, giving me the courage to reply to him.
Me: Don't you dare lay a finger on her. Touch Avery, and you will live to regret it. Tell me when and where to meet you and how much to bring. After all of this is done, don’t ever fucking contact me again or I willgo to the cops and tell them everything. Including what you let those men do to me. You think I don’t remember, but I do. I remember everything now. I’m no longer going to keep protecting you. You don’t deserve it.
Chapter 38
Avery
Mini boudoir session
Something’sgoingonwithCas. And from the look on his face yesterday, it’s something terrible. He acted weird at Uncle Tito’s Taco Joint and again when I returned with popcorn ready for our movie night. I just have to trust that in time, he’ll tell me what’s going on when he’s ready.
It’s the face he made before he noticed me coming from my kitchen that is burned in my brain. I can’t shake the feeling that something terrible is about to happen, but I push the thought down. Clearly, I’m overreacting.
Thesound of meowing startles me and all those anxious feelings melt away. Cas went out of his way and adopted a cat for me.A cat.The little creature saunters toward me and cuddles on my stomach, headbutting my hand for pets. When he took me to the shelter yesterday, I was devastated that she was adopted. Of all the cats I’ve grown attached to over the years, she’s been my fave. Then, Cas carries me upstairs, and what’s waiting for me? A freaking cat!
I scratch underneath her chin, her purrs vibrating against my finger, and my love for Cas flows through me. How is it that one person can provide both stability and spontaneity all at once? I wanted to show him my thanks that same day, but he had other things on his mind.
I have noideawhat to do to thank him, but I know of the perfect person to ask. I place Binxnext to me so I can reach for my phone and dial Bri’s number.
“Hello?” she answers, her voice coated with sleep. I glance at the time. Shit. It’s 6:00 a.m.
“Damn it, Bri, I didn't realize it was so early. I can call back later,” I say, feeling slightly guilty.
“Bitch don't you dare apologize. What I want to know is why areyouup so early? Did someone get some last night? Say hi to Cas for me,” she teases.
“He’s not here, Bri. I, um, it’s easier if you come over,” I plead.
