Page 96 of Mr. B

“Are you worried at all about the board meeting?”

“Nah.” She glanced at him, and he smiled. “Maybe a little.”

“I’ll back you up one hundred percent.”

“I know.”

When they pulled up to Wes’ house, Bailey got out of her car to help Cassandra gather Wes’ things. As they helped Wes out of the car, the front door opened, and Luke stepped out, immediately catching Bailey’s attention.

“Who’s that?”

“That would be my baby brother, Luke.”

“Not really a baby.”

“Yeah, yeah, he’s cute. I know.”

Bailey fingered the strings from the hood of her sweatshirt, then stuck her hands in her pockets. Cassandra laughed. “I can’t say I don’t agree with that.”

Wes took the crutches and adjusted them. “He’s too old for Bailey and too young for you.”

“Don’t worry, we’re just looking, right, Bailey?”

Bailey looked away. “Whatever.”

Luke walked up, and Wes asked, “Is my cat still alive?”

“Frank is fine.”

Cassandra smiled. “Hi, Luke.”

“Cassandra.” Luke turned back to Wes. “Why are you on crutches?”

“Well...”

“Rough week?”

“I’ve had better.” He looked at Bailey. “This is Bailey, Cassandra’s daughter.”

“How are you doing, Bailey?”

“Hi.” She stared at the ground for a moment, then glanced at Cassandra. “I’ll be in the car. I hope you feel better, Mr. B.”

“Thank you. You, too.”

Cassandra handed Wes’ things to Luke, then hugged Wes. “Call me later.”

“I will.” He watched Cassandra walk away and get into Bailey’s car, then drive away.

Luke slung the backpack over his shoulder. “Seems it wasn’t all bad.”

Wes sighed. “We will no longer be referring to Cassandra as the Wicked Ex of the West.”

“Got it.”

They went inside, and Wes sat down on the dark gray couch. He groaned as he put his leg up on the matching ottoman and rubbed his thigh.

Luke took the bag and backpack to the bedroom, then returned to the living room. “Have you seen a doctor?”