Page 74 of Just Between Us

“Not particularly.” I push the sandwich away, my appetite gone. “Can I get a box for this?”

“Of course.” But he doesn’t move to leave. He’s studying me with an expression I can’t quite read. “You talked to Liam lately?”

“Not in a couple weeks. Why?”

“He looked better at poker night. More himself. I mean, he still got his ass handed to him a couple times, though. I actually won a hand.” Jackson grins. “First time in months.”

A customer grabs Jackson’s attention and he leaves to refill their drinks.

While I wait on my to-go box, my phone vibrates with a text.

Penny

How’d it go?

Josie

What are we discussing?

Penny

Shit. Wrong text thread.

Josie

Cassie? Care to share with the class?

Another text comes through on the thread that’s just Penny and me.

Penny

I’m so sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.

Honestly, it’s fine. I’d have told Josie anyway.

Then I switch back to the group chat.

I broke things off with Sam.

And it was fine.

I’m not about to tell them Sam’s reaction or what he said about Liam. I’d rather let them keep a high opinion of Sam.

Josie

So, what happens now?

I leave Josie’s question hanging, because the truth is, I have no idea what happens now. Liam asked for patience, and I’ll give that to him for now. But as his friend and someone who is quickly realizing how strong my feelings are, I want to push. I want to snap my fingers and Liam be healed. But the therapist in me knows some people need time.

“Mutt,my man. Cassie will be here any minute.” Mutt lifts his head to give me a look that drips of judgment and drops it back onto his paws.

“I’ve told you I’m sorry, buddy. How long do you plan on giving me the silent treatment?”

At this, he stands, stretches, farts, and then curls up again but this time with his rump facing me. Mutt might as well be sayingkiss my ass, pal.

He’s been this way since I got back. Scared the hell out of me at first. Took him to the vet and everything. After giving him a clean bill of health, it was my mom who suggested the obvious.

Mutt is pissed.