I saw the hesitation. It made me regret it even more. “Would you like me to come?”
Now he was putting the ball back in my court. How could I possibly want him to come when he looked like Stephen, sounded like Stephen, but was in no way like Stephen? In the end, my sense of putting everyone before myself won out. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings.
“I would like you to only if you want to. I don’t know that much about you. It could be a chance to get to know each other more. You are Michael and Stephen’s brother, after all.”
Just as we walked up the steps to my door, Simeon smiled at me. “I would love to.”
I was about to tell him I was waiting on a call from Simon when my phone rang. Looking at the screen, I thought the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
“Can you hold on a sec? It’s Simon.” Simeon nodded. “Hey, Simon.”
“Hi, Cassie. Sorry I didn’t ring earlier. Today has been a little hectic. I believe Justin is going with a group of officers today to this site you were telling me about. I’m sure we will find out the results later.”
“That’s great. I’m glad to hear it.”
“Are you still on for later?”
“Yes, of course. What time would you like me to be there?”
“Around seven. Will Stephen be coming?”
I looked up to Simeon and saw his eager smile. “Yes, he will be coming.” Putting my hand over the receiver, I mouthed, Is seven okay? Simeon nodded.
“Do you need to be picked up?”
“No, I’m sure I can find my way down there. Maybe Stephen will ride with me.” I looked towards Simeon again, and he nodded.
Then he held out his hand. “Let me speak with him,” he whispered.
“Oh, hold up a sec. I actually have Stephen here with me. He would like to speak with you.”
“Okay, no problem.”
“I shall see you tonight then. I look forward to it.”
“Me, too, Cassie.”
I handed the phone to Simeon. He asked for his address and I could see he was mentally making a note. “Not to worry. I’m fairly knowledgeable with the area… I’ll pick Cassie up and we’ll make our way down there… I look forward to it, sir. Thank you.”
Simeon hung up and, with an impish grin, handed the phone back to me. “What are you looking so pleased about?” I couldn’t help the light-heartedness in my voice. It was seeing Stephen’s face that brought it out in me.
“I’m going to have dinner with a very beautiful lady this evening. What is there to not smile about?”
*****
“Cassie! Cassie, dear!”
I looked and saw Ms. Summers heading down her stairs. “Ms. Summers, how are you?”
Her walking certainly seemed a bit better today. She was obviously out on her errands.
“Cassie, look at you. How are you holding up? Michael came over to tell me what had happened to you. I wanted to visit, but my arthritis has been acting up.”
“I’m so sorry, Ms. Summers. Is there anything you need?”
“Don’t be so silly,” she scolded. “Michael has been bringing me things. He’s a good boy. He’s certainly made up for the way he seemed to upset you that day.”
Simeon frowned, which made Ms. Summers look his way. “Sorry, Ms. Summers. This is Sime…Stephen.”
Ms. Summers regarded Simeon with a smile as she held out her hand. Simeon gracefully took it, laying a gentle kiss on her skin. With his wink and smile, she was immediately taken.
“Oh my!” she said, blushing. “You certainly fill your life with the most handsome men, Cassie.”
Shaking my head, I couldn’t help the huge grin on my face. “Yes, you could say that.” Looking towards Simeon, I saw my comment obviously pleased him.
“Are you healing well?”
I turned my attention back to Ms. Summers. “Yes, thank you. It is a bit sore every now and then, but much better than it was a few days ago.”
Squeezing my arms, she sighed. “Good. I’m glad you’re okay. I need to go run some errands. It’s a good day so I thought I’d venture out. Is there anything I can get you whilst I’m out?”
I laughed a little at this. It was usually the other way around. Somehow her asking me seemed funny. “I have all I need here, but thank you.”
Seeing the humour in my eyes, Ms. Summers chuckled. “Okay, dear. I shall be seeing you. Take care of yourself, Cassie. And make sure this one does, as well,” she said, pointing to Simeon as she walked away.
“Oh, I will,” Simeon laughed, calling out to her. “Don’t you worry about that.”
Eyeing Simeon suspiciously, I smiled. “Oh, you will, will you?” Quickly remembering where I was and who I was with, I cleared my throat. “It was nice seeing you again, Simeon. I can take the bags from here.”