Page 76 of Just Between Us

Cassie takes the phone from me. “Benjamin Greene…” She repeats it under her breath, then her eyes widen. “This is Austin’s therapist. I gave him this guy’s number.”

I nod slowly and take the phone from her, placing it back on the table. “Austin gave me his number a couple weeks ago. Said if this guy could help him, giving him a call is worth a shot.”

“And you’ve called him, yes?”

I shake my head, and all the air seems to leave my lungs. “It’s not that simple.” My eyes drop to my phone sitting on the table. “Every time I think I’m ready, it’s like I freeze up. I can’t do it.”

Cassie’s quiet for a moment, then shifts closer so our shoulders brush and her hand finds mine. “Do you remember what you told me the night we did something low-key illegal?” A small smile lifts my lips remembering that night. “I asked you, if there is a God, why didn’t he intervene for my mom. And youtold me maybe people are the intervention. Do you remember that?”

“Yeah, I remember.”

“So let me be that for you. When you’re ready, I can sit with you or make the appointment for you. It’s up to you.” She pauses. “Do you actually want this? Therapy?”

I release a shaky breath. “I don’t wanna live inside my head anymore, Cassie. I can’t keep doing this.”

“Okay.” She squeezes my hand. “As a therapist, I should tell you to call right now. But as your friend? I’m here when you’re ready. Two in the morning, pimple patches and all. You call, and I’ll be here.”

The lump in my throat is too big to swallow, so I just nod and squeeze her hand. We sit like this for a moment, till I let out a long breath and reach for something lighter. “So, Josie and your cousin, huh?” I shake my head. “This small world just got smaller.”

Cassie launches into the craziest story about Tyler and Josie meeting in college. Then she lowers her voice, even though it’s just the two of us here and swears me to secrecy. My jaw hits the floor when she reveals the secret. Tyler is Abby’s father.

Josie’s been in my life as far back as I can remember. Her brother and I went through phases of friendship and she and my mom are tight. I feel like I know everything there is to know about her. Except this. She’s never breathed a word about Abby’s father. I always assumed he was a douche like her ex-husband. But Tyler seems like a standup guy.

I’m still reeling, trying to square up the Josie I know with this new information when Cassie’s phone lights up. She leans forward to get a better look at the screen.

“Speak of the devil.” Cassie grins at the screen and swipes to answer. “Hey, Ty. What’s up?”

Mutt chooses this moment to fart again, and I chuckle. “Dude, what have you eaten today?” I murmur.

I can hear Tyler’s voice through the phone, but can’t make out his words.

Cassie chews her lip, nodding. “Um, I’m not home right now, but I can be there in thirty minutes or so. Will that work?”

There’s a pause, and her eyes flick to mine and down. “Liam’s. I’ll see you in thirty.”

When she hangs up, she’s smiling. “It seems my shy, sweet cousin needs advice about Josie.”

“Oh boy. I’m sure he does.” I stand, stretching and pull Cassie to her feet. “Go help Tyler. He’s gonna need it.” I hope the guy knows what he’s in for. Josie loves big, but she’s feisty.

Cassie stands to leave, and for a second, we just look at each other, until she pulls me in for one more hug. When she loops her arms around my neck, for just a moment it feels like nothing else in the world matters but us.

“Call me if you need me,” she says. “I mean it, Liam.”

“I know you do. And I promise I will.”

I hold her a beat longer, not ready to let go. “We’re gonna be okay. I hope you know that.”

Cassie pulls back to look at me. Her lower lips is trembling, eyes shining, but she manages the sweetest smile and nods. “I know.”

She turns and opens my door, not looking back. I’m left with the sweet scent of her still lingering in the air and there’s not a single part of me that doesn’t ache to have her right back here in my arms.

With her tail lights fading in the distance, I turn to Mutt and even he seems back to his old self.

I stretch out on the floor next to his bed to scratch his belly, hoping it’ll earn his forgiveness.

“Just between us, little man, I love that woman.”

Mutts hind leg starts thumping, and I assure him our favorite girl is back. There’s a lot left to figure out, but having her back and admitting my feelings out loud, even if it’s to a dog who doesn’t speak, makes it feel a bit more manageable.