“I needed a day off to think. No biggie.”
“You missed a midterm exam.” He pulled out a piece of paper. “Bry says that you are failing history and this was your chance to bring your grade up.”
“Bry should mind his own damn business. No one else in that stupid school has their roomate pulling their records to check up on them. What do I need history for, anyway? It’s the past and it’s done and over with. I’m a culinary major,”Cassie argued. Bill sighed, putting the paper down.
“Cass... I know you’re going through a lot. I miss your mom too; we all do. She was a great surrogate mother to the boys and a wonderful, loving, and tender friend to me. She’d want you to go forward and be happy. You need to realize that the boys and I are here to help you, to be part of your life. We love you.”
“Then tell them to stop butting into my business and leave me alone.”
“Someone has got to keep an eye on you, Cassandra. Every time I turn around you are giving me reason to get on your case. Obviously, I haven’t been making my point. We need a new game plan,”he said patiently. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to take your car keys this time, hon.”
“You wouldn’t dare!”Cassie glared at him.
He held out his hand, shaking his head. “You blew it. You are also grounded until your grades come up.”
“That’s not fair! I am 20 years old and a college student!”
“Shhh, no yelling. My house, my rules. I’ll tell you the same thing I told my boys. You are an adult and are more than welcome to find your own place and take care of your own needs. But if you choose to stay here and have me provide for you, then there are rules you need to follow. The first is your education. That’s very important for your future,”he said calmly, staring into her green eyes. “Baby, I’ve tried to be like a dad to you. I really have. You need to tell me where I’m going wrong. I never had this problem with any of my sons.”
Maybe because you didn’t desert them like my own father did to me and mom, Cassie thought. She said nothing, just pouted. No one knew how she felt, but the fear of rejection, even from these men, had never left her. She harbored a belief that it was only a matter of time before they hung her out to dry. Her fear and insecurities had erupted in full force after her mom died. She feared that these men had loved her mom but merely tolerated her because they had to. Now there was no good reason to keep her around.
Bill sighed, patting her leg.
“Very well. When you think of something, I would appreciate knowing. I also have some important news for you. I’m going to Japan to shoot those commercials then doing a speaking engagement in Europe. Rob will be staying here at the house to help.”
“NO!!”Cassie barked. It was bad enough he hung out here so much, but to move back in, even temporarily…
Bill raised his hand in the air. “Yes. Like I said, new game plan. You need someone more responsible than Glenn to keep an eye on you and Bry is out too often with his team. Rob’s doing us a big favor, so please don’t give him a hard time.”
“He hates me!”
“Quite the contrary, he loves you very much. I told you, we all do. You just make it really hard for them to show it. You’re too young to have such a hard wall up. Give these guys a chance, please?”
“How long will you be gone?”she sounded defeated.
“Three months. I’ll be back in early January. Think you’ll survive?”he asked with a twinkle in his eyes.
Cassie huffed,“I’llsurvive. I won’t promise you that the boys will.”
Bill chuckled, holding his hand out again.
“I’m sure they’ll do fine. Try cooking for them for once; you’d be amazed how compliant they are with good food in their bellies. Your keys, please.”
Growling, she slapped the key ring into his hand. He kissed her forehead and left the room. Cassie watched him go, his limp evident as he walked away.
“Just because you took the keys doesn’t mean I won’t drive,”she muttered under her breath, knowing exactly where the spare set was hidden.
* * *
Glenn looked up at his father as he came down the stairs.
“You okay, Pop?”
“I’m fine, just aching. Weather’s cooling down and the old injury whines about it.” The handsome older man smiled, running his hand over his youngest son’s head. “You’re going to mind Rob, right?”
“When he’s not being a jerk, sure.”Glenn grinned, kicking his older brother in the thigh.
Rob smacked Glenn’s foot. “Cut the crap. What are the instructions regarding HER?”Rob asked, nodding towards the stairs.