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But, the truth was: she had fallen for Cassandra Owens. And she wasn’t so sure you’d be able to get over it.

20

CASS

Over a weeklater and Cass still couldn’t get Ari’s words out of her mind.

What gives her the right to tellmewhat I need?

Cass had done everything in her power to go back to her single life. She had gone out most of her nights off and managed to have a few decent hookups.

But, on a night like that, as she walked herself home from the train station, her makeup smudged under her eyes, she still felt like something was missing.

Most of her forays would find herself bar crawling in Chelsea, maybe a part of her hoping a beautiful brunette in a tight orange dress would appear behind her and ask for forgiveness.

Even though Cass was still certain that she couldn’t be in a healthy relationship. Elle had taken that from her and she needed to find it again. And for a moment, she had thought Ari might be the one to show her.

The city felt empty with Ari, the streets were silent, and the bars were boring. But, Cass was certain she could find that again if she just kept making herself try.

She turned on to her block, moving off the sidewalk and onto the empty street. She had gotten in the habit of walking on the road after spotting one too many cockroaches on the sidewalk.

She laughed to herself, the image of Ari jumping up and running from them seared into her mind. She had always acted so tough but around Cass, Ari would melt into a softie.

More than happy to be at her front door, she swung open the door to hers and Gabby’s unit and slammed it behind her.

“So… was it the best sex of your life?” Gabby called from the kitchen.

Cass laughed and thought,No, I’ve already had that.

“Not quite,” she said as she came into the kitchen and wrapped her arms tight around Gabby.

Gabby nodded as she washed some dishes, “Maybe next time.”

Cass wedged herself between Gabby and the sink, taking over the dishes.

“You don’t have to do that,” Gabby insisted.

“If you keep feeding me meals, I’m going to keep cleaning up after them,” Cass countered.

Gabby rolled her eyes and leaned against the couch, “Not to touch on a sensitive topic…”

Cass scrunched her face, “Yes?”

“Any word from Ari?” Gabby asked.

Cass hung her head, “No, Gabs. I think she’s too egotistical to apologize.”

“What’s she gonna do about the Gala?” Gabby continued.

“Probably just say I was busy and then quietly announce a breakup later on,” Cass said. It sounded like the simplest explanation to her. No one would ask too many questions and Ari would be back on track at work so no one would care.

Gabby looked at the floor, “Do you think she wants you to go?”

Cass shrugged as she watched the soap rinse off of a now-clear pan.

“I’m sorry buddy,” Gabby said as Cass got closer.

She grabbed a dish towel and wiped her hands, “It’s alright. If it was meant to be, it would be.”