Following Your Heart (Love Conquers All) (17 page)

“Cassie, do you love him?”

Cassie turned around and fought back the tears that were about to break loose.  “Scarlett, we have a connection that even time can't erase.  When I met Seth, I knew that we would have a bond together and I discovered I was right.  Yet, sometimes things can change and the moment I chose to leave...I knew what I was doing.”

Scarlett shook her head, “It's funny, because when I asked that question...Seth was the one you referred to.  Yet, I was talking about Chad.”  Cassie just stared at her friend.  “That only proves one
thing; you have a lot to consider.  Seth is a great guy and I know that I have only briefly met Chad, but you don't light up the way you do when you talk about Seth.  It's just a plain observation.”

“I
got to go, I'll call you and maybe we can get together before I leave.”  She hurried out of the room before Scarlett could say another word.  When she got back to the room she stopped as she saw Chad standing next to the tree.  “What are you doing?”

“Oh Cassie, I was just looking at the names.  I found yours...and Seth's.”  He laughed as he turned around and looked back at the tree.  “I guess I shouldn't be surprised since I knew you both were so close...still hurts.  I paid the bill...
want to leave?”

“Yes.”  Cassie grabbed her jacket and purse and they left the restaurant.  She suddenly was nervous with spending the night in the same room with him.  There were still a lot of questions that needed answers.  She was just worried that she was the one that would be put on the spot.

____________________

“Cassie, talk to me.  I know that something's not right and we will never get passed any of this...if we don't communicate.”

Cassie had just gotten dressed for bed and the last thing she wanted to do was talk about everything.  “It's getting late.  Maybe tomorrow?”

“No...
We should be able to talk with each other.  I am sorry that I messed up your trust, but it happened and we have to move on.  What happened between you and Seth?”

“What?”

“I saw the way he was looking at you and I feel that maybe I interrupted something this morning.  If I did, then it needs to be out in the open.”

“You didn't.”  Cassie looked away, “Besides...do I really need to defend myself?  If something would have happened last night, you wouldn't be able to say anything about it.”

“You're right...I suppose.  It's just that, I think that everything should be out in the open right now.  Don't you?”

“Okay, last night something could have happened.  Seth and I were talking, reminiscing and things could have gone too far.  We kissed...that's it.  I wouldn't allow anything else to happen, because it wouldn't have been fair to him...or you.  We stayed in the same room, but that's as far as it went.  I have no secrets.”

“Today when we left...I saw him watching out of the window.  It didn't appear that things were over between you two.  Am I reading too much into it?”

Cassie shrugged, “I don't know Chad.  I'll be honest, when coming back
here; I didn't expect the feelings I would have for him.  I can't deny the love we once shared and I don't think I would want to.”

“So, you do still love him?”

Cassie just nodded, “I do, but I feel I might owe it to you to see if I can get past everything.  Even though I am hurt that you didn't feel you could come to me and tell me you were cheating; I know that that doesn't change the fact that I love you.”

“So...you do still love me?”

Cassie nodded, “It would be so much easier if I didn't.”

She laughed when she saw the relief cross his face.  “You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that.”

He leaned in and they kissed.  Cassie ran her hands through his hair as she allowed the kiss to briefly linger.  When they parted, she bit her lower lip.  She saw the desire in his eyes and she gave him an apologetic look.  “I just can't allow letting my guard down.  Do you understand?”

“I do and I wouldn't pressure you to do anything you didn't want to do.”

“Maybe I should get another room,” Cassie replied quietly.  She turned and reached for her suitcase.   She closed her eyes when she felt his hand on her shoulder.  “It might be easier.”  She turned to look at him as he traced her face with his hand.

“We're two grown adults, there's nothing to be worried about.”  As his fingers landed on her lips he traced her lips.  He kissed her slightly, but then pulled away.  Grabbing a pillow off the bed, he smiled.  I'll sleep on the chair.”

“Are you sure?”  Cassie asked; her voice cracking.

“Of course, we have a lot to work out and I don't think sleeping in the same bed would be the best way to get through the problems.  I don't know if I would be able to control myself.”

“Thank you Chad.”

He nodded, “No problem.  Have a good night's sleep Cassie.”

She crawled under the covers and didn't take her eyes off of him.  She wasn't sure when exactly she fell asleep, but as she watched Chad and then heard the faint sound of his snoring; she didn't know what she was feeling.  She just needed to decide where her heart was.  Was it with someone that she had known for a couple years and had found out he was cheating on her?  Or...was it with the one guy who had never let her down and she could truly trust with her heart?  The answer seemed so easy, and yet...it was going to be one of the hardest choices she ever made.  She needed a sign!  Praying to GOD to finally have the answers she needed, she finally drifted off to sleep.

Over the next couple
of days, they went about as if nothing had happened.  They shopped in the small downtown stores, ate in the local cafe, and even took a night to go to the Avery Drive-In.  Chad did everything in his power to try to make it up to her.  Yet, she couldn't get past the thoughts that kept running through her mind.  Wondering what Seth was doing and remembering the moments his lips were on hers.  She was glad when she received a call on the Monday night from Courtney, asking for them to join the family for supper.  She knew that it, more than likely, was going to be one of the last meals they would all share before Courtney became a married woman.  Cassie stared at herself in the mirror; it was going to be bittersweet saying goodbye to her family.  It was not going to be easy, by any means.  However, she found herself looking forward to going back to her job and getting away from Texas.

As she was finishing her makeup, she heard her
cell phone ringing.  She looked at the caller id and frowned.  Ignoring the call, she went back to the task at hand.  “Who is it?”

She looked up and saw Chad standing behind her.  “It's not important.”  She tried to smile, but knew that it wasn't working.

“Seth?”

“I haven't heard from him since we left Thursday.  It's now Monday...I thought maybe he realized I wasn't coming back.  It doesn't matter, I'm here with you.  That's what matters.”  She turned around and planted a kiss on his lips.  “The past few days have been great and I don't want anything to spoil that.”

Chad smiled, “I am pleased to hear that Cassie.”  He pulled her closer and their lips connected again.  When they parted she took in the scent of his cologne.  “You know...maybe we wouldn't have to go to your parent's house.  After all, I'm not ready to share you again.  Having you all to myself...it's been nice.”

Cassie chuckled, “If things progress the way they have been, we will have the rest of our lives to be together.  I need to do this, for my sister.”

“You're right.  I love you so much Cassie.”

Cassie swallowed hard, “I love you too.  I'll be ready in a few minutes.”  By the pleasing look on his face, she knew he heard her say the 3 words.  It was the first time since he had cheated that she allowed them to be spoken.

“Okay.”  He walked out of the bathroom, leaving her to her thoughts.  She let out a sigh and then turned back to her reflection.  It was tearing her up inside that she couldn't fully get over what he had done.  She looked at her phone as the light came on showing that she had a voice-mail.  She looked out of the bathroom and saw that Chad was busy on his laptop, so she closed the door and pushed the button to hear what he had to say. 

“Cass, it's Seth.  I don't know if you'll listen to this, but I just had to get it off my chest.  I love you and you know that.  Every ounce of my being is dying inside, because you are not here with me.  Yet, I don't want to make this decision harder for you.  If you honestly can say that you are happiest with Chad, then he has to be the one you choose.  I just want you to be happy, and if that means losing you...I am ready to live with that and I will walk away.  Just remember me and know that if you need anything I am here for you.  I love you Cass, but I am ready to let you free to make up your own mind.  Take care!”

As the call was disconnected, Cassie stared at the phone.  It was her decision, she always knew that.  It just didn't seem like Seth would be so quick to let her make it.  “Cassie, are you coming?”

She jumped when she heard Chad's voice.  Putting the phone in her pocket, she hurried out of the bathroom.  “Sure, let's go.”  She tried to ignore the message repeating through her mind as Chad took her hand and they left the hotel.

____________________

When they arrived at the house, Cassie was surprised to see the extra cars in the driveway.  She figured that she was in for another surprise and she didn't know that she wanted to face that.  Chad squeezed her hand as they walked up the walkway.  “I wonder who else is
here.”  Cassie turned to Chad as if he was going to be able to answer her question.  She tried the door and saw that it was unlocked.  “Hello?”  Courtney came out of the living room with a smile on her face.  “Hey...who else is here?”

“Cassie, I was going to tell you.”  Courtney smugly replied as she met them at the door. 

“Court...what's going on?”

Cassie looked over at Chad and raised her eyebrows.  “Bradley's family is here.”

Cassie had to process the information and then the light bulb went off.  “Rebecca?”

Courtney nodded, “You would have to meet them sooner or later.”

“Who's Rebecca?”  Chad asked; Cassie nearly forgot he was still there.

“Seth's ex-
fiancée, long story.  Where is everyone?”

“Since the weather's nice they're out back.  Dad is preparing a barbecue.  I'm sorry Cassie,
but...it was bound to happen.”

“Chad...do you mind leaving me alone with my sister?”

“Not at all, I'll go say hello to everyone.”

Cassie waited
till he was out of earshot and then turned to Courtney.  “I know that it was bound to happen, I just hoped it would have been later and not when Chad was here.”

“I know, but...Brad wanted his family here and I didn't want to say no.  I'm sorry.”

“It's okay.”

“How are things between you and Chad?”

“We're getting there.  The past few days have been nice.  I'm not going to lie and say that it was like a vacation; after all we still have our issues that need to be dealt with.  I just think that maybe we could move on.  I didn't anticipate having to meet Rebecca, the other girl that held Seth's heart.”

“Cassie, let's get real.  She never truly had his heart, because he was still saving it for you.”

Cassie smiled, “Well...either way, it won't be easy.  I'm sure she doesn't exactly want to meet me.”

“I don't know Cass, I get the feeling she's okay that it all happened the way it did.”

Cassie shook her head; she couldn't believe that Rebecca would be fine with her near marriage ending due to her.  “I guess I will soon find out.”  As she was about to walk with Courtney out of the foyer, her phone started to ring.  She grabbed it out of her pocket and then looked at Courtney.  “I don't recognize the number.  I'll take it and see who it is.  I'll be out there in a minute.”  Courtney nodded and went out towards the backyard as Cassie picked up the call.  “Hello?”

“Hello, is this Cassie?”

“Yes...” her voice trailed off waiting for the caller to continue.

“Cassie, this is Valerie Stedwell.  We went to Avery High School.”

“Valerie Stedwell?  I don't recall...I'm sorry, I don't recognize the name.”

The caller chuckled, “Back then my name would have been Valerie Compton.”

“Oh yes...Valerie.  I'm sorry; I guess I wasn't expecting you to call me.”  Cassie waited for a moment and when she didn't speak, she continued.  “How's everything going?  It's been a long time.”

“Yes it has, it's been 10 years.  I'm married and I have two little boys, Samuel and Joseph.  We live in Dallas.  I heard that shortly after graduation you moved to New York?”

“Yes, I work at an advertising agency there.”

“Yes, I heard that.”

“You did?”  Cassie couldn't help but be surprised.  It wasn't as if they were close in school.

“Yes and I also learned that you're in Texas this week?”

“Yes, and I don't mean to be rude...but, I'm at my parent's house and we're about ready to eat.  I probably should be going.”

“Right, well I'll get to the reason I called.  I work in advertising in Dallas.”

“Oh...I didn't realize that.”

“Yes and we just happen to have an opening on our team and was calling to see if you were interested in applying for the position.”

Cassie nearly fell down as she heard Valerie speak.  “I'm sorry.  I don't understand.”

“We've heard good things about you and I mentioned to the boss that I might know someone that would be perfect for the job.  Cassie, New York City isn't that far away.  We tend to hear about things that are happening there and we pay attention to the slogans that have come out of that city.  I venture to say that you have had a part in the success stories.  My boss would like you to come in for an interview.  If you could put together a portfolio, she would like to see your work.”

“Valerie, I am flattered.  However, I just recently was offered a big promotion and I am leaving Texas in just a few days.  So, I couldn't possibly...”

“Will you think about it?  I know that Dallas isn't glamorous like New York, but it has a lot to offer.”

“Again, I am flattered.  Maybe just a little confused as to why I am all of a sudden getting this phone call.  It just seems a bit coincidental.  Did someone put you up to this?”  Cassie wouldn't have been surprised to learn that Seth had set it up and despite it was a little underhanded, it would have been sweet.

“Don't take this the wrong way.  If someone would have called us first, it would be up to you to actually get the job.”

Cassie snickered, “Understood.  Well, I don't think that it is something that I am interested in.  I have a life outside of Texas, but I thank you for thinking of me.”

“Wait...before you hang
up; just take down my boss' phone number.”

“Okay, just a minute.”  She went out to the kitchen and found a paper and pen.  “Go ahead.”

“555-4312, her name is Marty Jacobson.”

“Okay, if I change my mind.  She'll be the first one I call.  It was good talking to you Valerie.”

“You too Cassie, just give it some thought.”  They said their goodbyes and Cassie hung up.  Cassie stared at the number and almost threw it in the trash, but instead folded it and put it into her pocket.

“Who was on the phone?”

Cassie jumped and turned around and saw Chad enter the kitchen.  “You scared me.  Nothing important.”

As she was about to pass him and head outside he reached out and grabbed her arm.  “Cassie, you were on the phone for awhile.  Are you sure everything's okay?”

“You worry too much, you know that.”  She kissed his cheek and smiled.  “It's of no concern.”

“Okay, I'll take your word for it.”

“Come on...I'm starving.”  Cassie grabbed his hand and they headed out into the backyard.  The moment she entered the yard she saw Bradley and Courtney talking to a woman about her age.  She assumed it was Rebecca they were talking to.  Courtney looked up and waved and motioned for Cassie to join them.  “Here goes nothing.”  Cassie mumbled under her breath.

“I'll be right by your side.”  Chad whispered as they approached the three.

Cassie couldn't help but notice Rebecca watching her as she approached them.  “Hello.”  Cassie did her best at smiling, but she only hoped it didn't come across the wrong way.

“Cassie, this is Bradley's sister Rebecca, Rebecca...this is Cassie.”

“Hello Cassie, it's very nice to meet you.”

“Likewise Rebecca.”  They smiled at each other and Cassie really did feel that Rebecca meant what she said.  “This is Chad...my boyfriend.”  When she said the words she nearly surprised herself and she noticed a stra
nge look cross Rebecca's face.

“Oh.
Chad, it's nice to meet you.”

“Food's done,” Cassie heard her dad call out to them. 

Rebecca headed to the line and Courtney turned to Cassie.  “That wasn't so hard now, was it?”

“I'll go get my food.”  Chad whispered.

Cassie nodded and then turned to face her sister. “I suppose not, but I don't know if we'll be able to hold a conversation.”

“You may surprise yourself, Rebecca is nice.  She doesn't get angry easily.”

“Maybe not, but I don't want to take any chances,” Cassie replied with a laugh as they joined the line.  She grabbed her food and then joined Chad at the spot he was saving for her.  It wasn't going to be easy getting to know Rebecca, especially if she truly did blame her for the demise of their engagement. 

____________________

The supper was nice, laughing and talking and getting to know the family that would soon be so intermixed with hers.  She dismissed herself as Chad, her dad, and Christopher all argued over sports and made her way into the house.  Over the meal she had almost forgotten about the call that she had received earlier.  She pulled the number out of her pocket and took a seat in the living room.  Things could be so easy if she could just pick up her life and move back to Dallas, forget about Chad and what had happened.  Yet, she wasn't sure she was prepared, or even wanted to do that.  Not to mention Seth might not be so willing to take her back, despite his voice-mail  She traced the number with her finger and then put it back away.  “A penny for your thoughts.”  She jumped when she heard Rebecca's voice.

“Oh Rebecca, I'm sorry I didn't realize anyone was in here.  I guess I was preoccupied.”  Cassie looked at the chair in the corner of the room, where Rebecca sat alone.

“Yeah, I hear ya.  No, I'm sorry that I interrupted.  I was just thinking.”  She smiled politely, “I do have to say...I really like your sister.  I think that she'll make a great addition to our family.”