My CEO 232
232 Cass's Surprise (Winona)
It's Tuesday morning, and the city outside our penthouse is already buzzing with activity. I've got a full day ahead
of me. The work calendar is packed tight, and | know today will be a marathon, but my mind drifts to Cass.
After our argument yesterday, I'm worried. She's still not home. | have to leave very soon.
| pace the living room, finishing my second cup of coffee when | finally hear the front door click open.
Cass walks in, looking disheveled but not exactly hungover.
"Morning." | say, trying to keep my voice casual, though I'm anything but relaxed.
"Morning," she replies, dropping her bag on the floor and kicking off her work shoes.
"I'm just about to head to the office. Everything okay?" don't want to sound like I'm lecturing her again.
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Cass shrugs, but she's still got that smile. "Yeah, actually. Everything's great. | got offered a trainee position in
the kitchen at the restaurant. Full-time."
I blink, taken aback. "Wait, really? That's amazing, Cass!" | wasn't expecting this news, not with how
unpredictable she's been lately.
She beams at me, and for a moment, | feel like maybe, just maybe, things are finally turning around for her.
Maybe she's found sstability, something to focus on
"Yeah, | start next week. I'm so excited," she says, practically bouncing on her feet like a kid on Christmas
"morning.
| feel a rush of relief mixed with pride. "That's great news," | say, and | genuinely mean it. But there's this
nagging feeling at the back of my mind.
"Don't worry, | wasn't out partying with Mia. | was with the work crew."
s still
I hold up my hands, trying to diffuse the tension | know is building. "I'm just worried, that's all. You've been out a
lot this weekend. | guess all that will change now you'll be working full time." "Actually, I've been thinking. | want
to spread Mom's ashes this weekend... Do you think that's enough tto get organized?"
"We'll make it work. I'll let the group know that Mom worked with and set up srefreshments on the day."
"Thanks, Winona. It means a lot."
"I'm always here for you."
"After we get back, I'm moving out."
| stand there, dumbstruck for a second. "You're moving out
Cass nods, almost like she's relieved to have said it. "Yeah. | found a unit closer to work. Mia's going to move in
with me. She needs somewhere to stay for a while. Until they work out all the business stuff." 1/2
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232 Cass's Surprise
I swallow hard, trying to keep my emotions in check. "Cass... are you sure that's a good idea? You'll only just be
starting this new job, and Mia..."
"I'm not asking for your permission, Winona," she snaps, cuttingoff. Her eyes flash with anger, but | can see
the hurt behind it. "I'm telling you, I'm moving out. We always knew this was going to be temporary. | take a
breath, knowing if | push her too hard, it'll only make things worse. "Okay. All good. I'll help out where | can."
"I've got to live my life. Figure it out for myself. | need my Independence."
| feel my heart sink, but | try to stay calm. "I get it. I just, we'll miss you."
She softens for a moment, her tough exterior cracking just a bit. "Yeah, well... I'll still be around. If you don't bust
my chops too hard."
"You better get used to it."
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