The Swan and The Sparrow (Alex and Cassidy Book 7) by Nancy Ann Healy

Author:Nancy Ann Healy [Healy, Nancy Ann]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9798854606943
Publisher: Bumbling Bard Creations
Published: 2023-08-27T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER

EIGHT

WESTPORT, CONNECTICUT

THE NEXT DAY

Claire stood at the kitchen counter, silently sipping her coffee. Cassidy looked at her and raised a brow. “Do you want to tell me what’s on your mind?” Cassidy asked.

Sharing her feelings could still be difficult for Claire. If she didn’t have time to contemplate her emotions, she was open—never censoring what she shared. But if Claire had time to think about her feelings, she withdrew. Cassidy knew that better than anyone. Claire sipped her coffee and shrugged.

“Claire?”

“I guess it’s hitting me. That’s all.”

“We won’t be that far,” Cassidy said.

“Far enough,” Claire muttered.

“I’ll miss you, too.”

Claire looked up through watery eyes.

Cassidy smiled. “You’ll be fine, Claire. It’s good for you to have this time and space with El. It’s overdue—decades overdue.”

“I’m glad Dylan is staying.”

“So is he.”

“I hope so,” Claire said.

“You know he is,” Cassidy said.

“Cass, I have to ask you something. Please tell me the truth.”

“Okay.”

“Are you sure you’re okay with me telling Dylan about things? I mean about what Alex and me—what Pip did? He’s a smart kid.”

“Yes. He is,” Cassidy agreed. “No,” she said. “I hate telling him anything, but he deserves the truth, Claire. I wish it wasn’t such—”

“A shit show?” Claire asked.

Cassidy laughed. “That’s one way to put it.” She sighed. “Tell him what you think is appropriate—as much as you need—or as little. I trust you.”

Claire took a deep breath.

“I do trust you, Claire,” Cassidy said. “Completely.”

Claire nodded. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay longer?”

“I love you, Claire. And I love seeing you happy. I know it’s scary. You don’t think I understand. I do. Yesterday, when you and El were out—”

Claire’s lips stretched into a sideways smile.

Cassidy quirked a brow and shook her head. “Oh. You thought we suggested shopping to spend some time alone?”

Claire shrugged.

“Well, you’re partly right—just not for the reasons you think,” Cassidy said. “Mostly, we wanted you and El to take that time and do something as a couple.”

Cassidy’s words struck Claire like lightning. She’d been Eleana’s best friend and lover for years. But a couple? Claire wasn’t sure anyone—not even her or El—would describe them as a couple. It felt not only real; it was real.

“Just realizing that’s what’s happened, huh?” Cassidy asked.

Claire nodded.

“Mm. I understand. More than you think I can. Alex wanted to talk to me yesterday about putting the kids into a private school.”

“Oh. Cass, that’s probably a good idea.”

“I know. I hate it, but I know.” Cassidy sipped her coffee to give herself a minute to gather her thoughts. The conversation with Alex took a few abrupt turns—emotional turns. A house was more than a place. It held memories, and it teemed with emotion. Cassidy could look in any corner of this home and immediately recall a moment of joy or sadness. She knew that people looking in often thought she shared a charmed life with Alex. They were devoted to each other, and Cassidy knew their affection and love was evident in the way they exchanged glances and bantered.

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