Night had settled fully over the house by the time Cassie slipped out of Tristan's room. He hadn't needed her at that time, never did, but she liked being the last thing he saw before sleep.
But this time, it was also to escape Franklin. She had stayed until his breathing evened out when she had nothing else to do after prepping the weekly meals, until the restless little movements faded and calm finally claimed him.
Only then did reality creep back in.
She went to her room to get ready for the date, her movements automatic, her mind anything but Franklin's last words.
Ever since that morning, since Franklin had left her abruptly, retreating behind that closed door, she hadn't seen him. Not once.
The memory still sat uncomfortably in her chest. He had pulled away from her
