Page 117 of Mr. B

Cassandra laughed. “My little crusader.”

“I’m serious, Mom.”

“I know. I love it, and I’m proud of you.”

Bailey set the guitar down. “I’m going to do some research before I leave.”

“On protesting?”

“On what works.”

After Bailey left for her friend’s house, Cassandra drove to Wes’ house. He was waiting for her on the porch. He walked to the car with no cane and opened the door for her.

“You’re walking unassisted.”

She got out of the car with a small bag, and he kissed her. “I told you I’d get over it quickly. Besides, I don’t feel like propagating the story the trustees and the school board are putting out.”

She hugged him. “Good for you.” They headed for the house. “Did you tell Frank I was coming?”

“Totally. He’s extremely excited.”

“Not as excited as I am to spend the weekend with you.”

“So Bailey is gone until Sunday?”

“Yes.”

“Perfect.” He opened the front door for her, and they went inside.

“Did you get the groceries?”

“I followed your list to the letter, and I’m very hungry and can’t wait to eat your lasagna.”

“We should get started, then.”

Halfway through the preparation stage, Frank came out of the pantry.

“There’s my kitty.” Cassandra approached Frank cautiously. “Don’t run.” He sat and watched her. “Can I pick you up?” She reached for him, and he let her pick him up.

Wes shook his head. “It’s like an alternate universe.”

Cassandra laughed. “What a precious kitty.”

“Don’t lie to him.”

“Stop. Look at this face.”

Wes scowled at the cat. “I’m pretty sure if he was capable of flipping me off, he’d be doing that right now.”

She covered the cat’s ears. “Don’t listen to him. He’s mean.” Frank meowed. “I know. Life is so tough.”

“So, this lasagna isn’t going to make itself.”

Cassandra kissed Frank on the head, then put him down. He looked up at her for a moment, then returned to the pantry. “I’m not sure I quite believe your version of that cat.”

“Ask anyone who’s ever met him.”

She washed her hands, then stirred the sauce and checked the lasagna noodles. “I think we’re ready to build this lasagna.”