Chapter 8 - The Woman in the Red Dress
Vanessa appeared at Cassidy's office three days later.
“I think we should talk.”
Cassidy remained cautious.
“About?”
“Declan.”
“I don't discuss him.”
“Neither did he.”
That surprised her.
Vanessa sat down.
“Our engagement is over.”
Cassidy's eyes widened.
“I didn't know you were engaged.”
“We hadn't announced it.”
“I’m sorry.”
Vanessa smiled sadly.
“No, you're not.”
Cassidy almost smiled.
Vanessa looked toward the window.
“He didn't leave me for you.”
“Good, because there is no ‘me and Declan.’”
“I know.”
Vanessa stood.
“But there might be someday.”
Cassidy stiffened.
Vanessa picked up her handbag.
“I've watched men discover inconvenient children before. They write checks. They hire attorneys. They protect reputations.”
She paused.
“Declan canceled a board meeting because Grace had a fever.”
Cassidy said nothing.
“He's changing.”
“People don't change that quickly.”
“No,” Vanessa agreed. “They reveal what matters that quickly.”
After she left, Cassidy sat alone.
Her phone rang.
Declan.
“Grace still feeling better?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
A pause.
“Cassidy?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you for letting me be there.”
He hung up.
Cassidy stared at the phone.
She hated how much those simple words affected her.
May you like
Because forgiveness was becoming possible.
And possibility frightened her more than anger ever had.
