Chapter 20
Ivan
It had been a close call.
I remembered approaching Mr. Young before he got into his car. “Sir, excuse me…” I had started.
He’d looked at me and smiled. “Ivan Willard,” he had said. “Still not back on the game, huh?”
“Yes, sir, but probably soon now,” I’d answered.
“I see,” he’d said. “So then you’ll have to keep working on Cassy. Make use of your remaining time wisely.”
“She’s gone a long way, as you probably heard from your sister,” I had said. “Cassy has also made lots of friends here and is even inspiring the younger generation.”
“That’s good,” Mr. Young had said thoughtfully.
“But Mr. Young, about our deal…”
“You’re dating my daughter, I can tell,” he’s answered briskly, surprising me. “I guess that’s fine as long as you’re a good influence on her. I’m sure you two will go your separate ways once you’re back on the football team and she’s busy training in my office and dealing with her fashion business on the side.”
I hadn’t had a chance to speak further because Cassy had arrived then. Although I was deeply bothered by the fact that Mr. Young seemed to disregard my relationship with his daughter as just a simple fling, I figured it was better than having him forbid us from seeing each other.
However, it was still troubling to know that I hadn’t cut off our deal yet.
“Hey,” Cassy nudged me playfully. “I’ve finished my bottle, but you hardly touched yours. Are you even listening to what I’m saying?”
“Of course,” I said, putting an arm around her as we sat side by side in one of the cozier corners of The Pub. “I’m just bothered for you. And I really hope you won’t let him destroy you or your accomplishments. You’ve done so well, Cassy. I’d hate to see you throw it all away.”
“I won’t,” Cassy promised, linking her arm with mine. “As long as I have you beside me and I have Aunt Ellen and my friends backing me up, I’m going all the way. No matter what challenges I face in the next few months, I can handle it.”
“I know you can,” I told her, giving her a kiss on the forehead.
Having heard her stories and rants from way back, my heart seemed to melt for her. I yearned to protect her and support her until all her dreams could come true. It was really alarming to feel that way because it was a first time for me.
Cassy snuggled up to me as I downed my beer. “I think I’ve never bared my soul like this to anyone before. Well, except for Charlene,” she whispered.
I placed my beer down on the table and held her closer, feeling somehow happy and contented despite the situation with her father and despite my own worries.
“What about you?” Cassy asked. “You haven’t been as forward about your past or your personal problems. Aren’t you comfortable with me yet?”
“No, it’s not that,” I said. “I’m just not like that. And besides, apart from the fact that I’m anxious to get back on the team, I have no other worries.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah, why do you ask?”
She shrugged. “Just wondering…”
We were quiet for a while. I wondered if she could sense I was keeping a secret from her. “You know…” I began. “You should be grateful you have a dad at least. He may be far from perfect, but I can tell that he cares about you.”
Cassy frowned, but nodded in agreement. She looked up to watch my face, seemingly searching for clues. “Do you miss your dad?” she finally asked.
“A lot,” I said honestly. “We used to be close when I was young, but we drifted apart. Now I’m regretting that. I wish I’d listened to him more or spent more time with him. ”
“Yeah, I guess,” Cassy said. Then to my surprise, she embraced me tightly. “Thank you for sharing that. It means a lot.”
“I didn’t say much,” I said, chuckling.
“It’s enough,” she said. “Maybe I have to adjust my perspective and try to see it from his point of view.”
I smiled. “It might help you find peace, Cassy.”
She grinned. “Thank you. I can’t believe I’m gonna say this, but I feel lucky to have you in my life right now.”
I laughed, really touched by her words. “You have no idea how happy you make me, Cassy. And of course, without you, I would’ve died of boredom and frustration already because of my injury.”
She laughed, the twinkle back in her eyes. “It’s so funny, you know? Look at us! Listen to us! This is gross mushy stuff.” She wrinkled her nose, which made me laugh.
“I’m beginning to like gross mushy stuff,” I told her as we laughed together.
“Okay,” she said, smiling wider. “So does this mean I get to have a second beer?”
I laughed. “Don’t push your luck, kid.”
She groaned. “Fine, let’s just go home.”
As we walked back to the car, she tiptoed and whispered in my ear, making the hairs on my skin stand on edge. “Perhaps you have something better than beer for me…” she said suggestively.
I felt myself getting aroused. “Definitely,” I replied. “You’re going to love it.”