13. Cassandra
13
CASSANDRA
C assandra sat in a comfy chair in the therapist’s office. The room was warm and cozy, filled with soft colors and friendly pictures on the walls. It felt safe, which was good because Cassandra had a lot on her mind. She was about to share her thoughts and feelings for the very first time in therapy. Nervously, she looked around the room, finally settling her gaze on the therapist, who smiled encouragingly.
Cassandra took a deep breath. “I’m here because of my relationship with Nadine James,” she began, her voice tinged with uncertainty. The therapist nodded, giving her the gentle push she needed to continue. “Nadine is…well, she’s younger than me. A lot younger. I’m fifty-two, and she’s in her mid-thirties.” As she spoke, Cassandra’s hands fidgeted in her lap, her nerves evident.
“It feels strange to start a relationship at my age,” she continued, her voice a bit shaky. “I have so many insecurities.” She recalled the feelings of doubt that crept in like shadows whenever she thought about her situation. Questions whirled in her mind—what would people think of them? Did she, at her age, really have what it took to make a young woman happy?
Cassandra had spent a long time feeling hopeless about her love life. After her last relationship ended, she’d had many dark days where she believed she would never find love again. She had almost given up. But everything changed when she met Nadine. The young woman had entered her life like a bright light, bringing joy and laughter back into Cassandra’s world.
Her heart warmed at the thought of Nadine’s smile. “Working with Nadine has become the best part of my day,” she admitted, feeling the corners of her mouth turn upward. “She makes me feel special. And that’s what brought me here…I want to make sure I’m good enough for her.” Cassandra paused, a lump forming in her throat. “I don’t want my insecurities to drive her away.”
The therapist listened carefully, nodding again. “What kind of insecurities do you feel?” they asked gently. Cassandra thought for a moment, looking down at her hands. It was tough to put everything into words, but she tried. “I feel like I have to be perfect all the time. I worry that because I’m older, people expect me to have everything figured out. But the truth is, I don’t.”
As she spoke, she opened up more, revealing how insecurity had pushed her into a corner. She explained how she’d always believed that love had a timeline, a schedule that she’d missed. “Watching my friends find partners and get married while I struggled left me feeling…broken. And now, with Nadine, I feel something I thought I’d lost forever, but I still have this fear that it will all fall apart.”
The therapist nodded knowingly. “It sounds like you’re feeling pressure from both outside and inside,” they said. Cassandra knew she had some societal expectations weighing on her, but she also felt the pressure she placed on herself to be perfect. The noise of uncertainty inside her head was sometimes overwhelming.
“She’s the only reason I feel happy outside of work,” Cassandra confessed. The thought of her job felt heavy. Each day, she poured herself into her work, pushing through endless meetings and projects, but it never filled her heart. She had a feeling only Nadine could do that. “I want to enjoy this relationship and not let my worries ruin it.”
Cassandra blinked back tears. “I don’t want to let my age, my past, or my worries about being ‘not enough’ keep me from being happy,” she added softly. It was difficult for her to acknowledge that, but she knew she had to confront these feelings, especially if she wanted her relationship with Nadine to work.
The therapist smiled kindly. “It’s okay to feel unsure, especially when you’re starting something new. What do you think would help you feel more confident in this relationship?” Cassandra liked that question. It made her think of ways she could tackle her fears.
“I guess I could start by talking to Nadine about how I feel,” she said slowly. “And maybe I need to remind myself that love doesn’t come with a manual or a schedule. Everyone’s journey is different.” She felt a little lighter with this idea.
Cassandra realized that this therapy session was just the start of something good. It was a way for her to explore her feelings and find ways to believe in herself and her relationship with Nadine. She left the session feeling a little more hopeful, knowing that it was okay to seek help and growth. For the first time in a long time, she felt ready to face her insecurities and embrace the happiness that Nadine brought into her life.
She stepped out of the therapist’s office, the door clicking shut behind her with a soft echo. Just a week had passed since she’d talked to Nadine in the Silver Resorts and Residences lobby. The turmoil of emotions that had kept her restless for months had finally begun to settle. The therapy session had been an enlightening experience, but also challenging. She still felt the remnants of the emotions she’d confronted swirling within her. Two hours had passed in what felt like mere minutes, allowing her a bittersweet glimpse into her past while also shining a light on the road to healing ahead.
The afternoon sun warmed the pavement, and as she took a deep breath, Cassandra allowed hope to begin to blossom within her. She spotted Nadine leaning against the side of a car. Nadine’s smile widened when their eyes met, an immediate beam of joy piercing through the tension.
“Hey,” Nadine said, her voice lively and bright. Cassandra loved how Nadine radiated positivity, always managing to elevate the mood wherever she went. Today, though, there was even more light in Nadine’s demeanor, and Cassandra didn’t have to ask to understand why. Nadine was proud of her for starting therapy, for taking this first hesitant step toward self-improvement.
“Hey,” Cassandra replied, returning her friend’s smile. “It was…intense, but good. I think I’m finally beginning to tackle some things.” She brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, the anxiety of sharing her feelings still tugging at her, but tempered by the support she felt from Nadine.
“This is a big deal, Cassandra!” Nadine exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. “I’m so happy for you. This is just the beginning, but I can already see a difference. You’re so brave for doing this.” The warmth of Nadine’s words wrapped around Cassandra, comforting her as they walked toward the car.
She climbed into the passenger seat, her heart fluttering at the thought of what lay ahead. “You know, I was thinking…the commercial premiere is tonight. If you’re free, why don’t you come over and watch it with me?” Cassandra offered, her voice filled with a newfound enthusiasm.
“Yes! I’d love to!” Nadine replied without hesitation. “I didn’t realize it was tonight. I’ve been so caught up with work.” She started the car and began to navigate through the lively streets that buzzed with end-of-day traffic. The air was filled with the honks of cars and snippets of laughter from pedestrians. In the warmth of the car, Cassandra felt a comforting sense of security with her friend beside her.
As they drove, Cassandra glanced out the window, watching the scenery transform from gray buildings to sprawling green parks. She couldn’t help but recall the project she’d collaborated on with Nadine, a partnership that had weathered its share of ups and downs. This entire campaign was woven with laughter, late-night brainstorming sessions, and the occasional frustrations of creative differences.
Tonight’s premiere would prove just how far they’d come. For Cassandra, this particular commercial represented not just a professional achievement, but also a personal one. It illustrated her journey, showcasing women’s strength, resilience, and the importance of mental health—a theme that resonated deeply with her newfound dedication to therapy.
“What kind of snacks do you have in mind?” Nadine chimed in, breaking her friend’s reverie. Cassandra turned to her, the image of the commercial flickering through her mind, and smiled.
“I was thinking of popcorn, obviously, and some of that fancy cheese you like. Maybe we can open a bottle of wine?” she suggested, the thought of indulging in a cozy evening with her friend raising her spirits even higher.
“Perfect! Sounds good to me!” Nadine exclaimed, her excitement infectious. “I can’t wait to see it. The teasers have been amazing, and I’ve heard great things from the editors and Elara!”
Just as they pulled into Cassandra’s parking garage, she felt a rush of anticipation. She couldn’t wait to see the commercial unfold before them. It was as if this moment, this creative endeavor they had brought to life, was a celebration of their friendship and professional collaboration. It was a testament that they could push through any challenge together.
Once inside, they quickly set to work, arranging the living room for their little premiere party. Nadine helped Cassandra prepare the snacks, and a few moments later they settled on the couch with a fluffy blanket draped over their laps. As the first notes of the commercial’s soundtrack began to play, Cassandra felt a flutter in her stomach, excitement and nerves mingling.
Cassandra reminisced on the fact that a few days ago, the thought of having Nadine over seemed way too overwhelming. The glow of the television illuminated her living room, and she felt a sense of excitement in the air. It had been one week since she and Nadine had reconciled, and things felt different in a good way.
They’d been so busy finishing the collaboration and working to build their bond back up after their shaky period. They’d remained entirely unintimate though, despite the longing glances and soft touches shared. She now felt ready to celebrate their successes together, and hoped Nadine wasn’t growing impatient or uninterested.
She glanced over at Nadine, whose dark hair framed her face with a perfect bounce. They were both gaining comfort in their own ways. Now, sitting side by side, they felt as if they were ready to take on the world.
“Can you believe we’re finally here?” Nadine said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Cassandra nodded, her heart swelling with pride. “I know! It’s been such a journey, but look at what we’ve created together.”
They both turned their attention to the screen. The TV displayed the long-awaited premiere of the commercial for Silver Resorts and Residences, the project they had worked on tirelessly. With the click of a button, the video began to roll, showcasing beautiful models and talented actors. They wore outfits that Cassandra and Nadine had designed, each piece reflecting their unique styles and harmoniously blending together.
“Look, there’s the dress I made!” Cassandra exclaimed, pointing at the television. The stunning model twirled in a vibrant blue gown that perfectly matched Cassandra’s eyes.
Nadine laughed. “And there’s my premium streetwear! It expands the setting so muchl!” She pointed at a bright, airy outfit that showcased Nadine’s flair for colorful designs.
As they watched the commercial unfold, they both cheered at the moments they recognized. The commercial was brilliant, showcasing not just the clothing but the beautiful scenery of the resorts. It felt like a celebration of all the hard work they’d put in together.
“This is amazing!” Nadine said, clapping her hands together in delight.
Cassandra agreed wholeheartedly. “It really is! I’m so proud of how we brought our ideas together. Our styles really complement each other.”
The two women had learned a lot from one another during this process. They’d taught each other how to mix their styles, creating a collection that was fresh and exciting.
“I think we’ve both grown as designers because of it,” Nadine mused. “I mean, look at how we’ve adapted to incorporate each other’s ideas!”
Cassandra nodded. It was true. She’d found inspiration in Nadine’s bold choices, and she’d helped Nadine discover the beauty in simplicity. “I really think we can keep learning from each other,” Cassandra said. “We don’t have to stop here.”
“Absolutely!” Nadine replied enthusiastically. “There’s so much more we can create together. I can already envision new designs for our next collection!”
As they continued watching the commercial, Cassandra felt warmth spread through her. She remembered the days filled with doubt and conflict, but now, they’d turned them into something beautiful. When the commercial came to an end, Nadine turned to Cassandra with a big smile. “This means so much for us! I never thought we’d bounce back like this.”
Cassandra smiled back, her blue eyes shining with joy. “Me neither!”
Nadine sat close to Cassandra, but the women weren’t touching. She glanced down at her hands, and Cassandra thought she looked a little shy. “You know,” she said quietly, breaking the comfortable silence, “I’ve wanted to kiss you since our chat in the lobby at Silver Resorts and Residences.” Her voice was soft. It was clear that she craved more than just words and smiles.
Cassandra turned her head slightly. She admired Nadine’s courage in bringing up such feelings. “I’m really happy about all of this too,” Nadine continued, looking up at Cassandra with those big, hopeful eyes. “But I can’t help but feel a little discouraged. I want to feel close to you, like really close. Is it hard for you to feel both emotional and physical attraction to me at the same time?”
Cassandra took a deep breath. She felt a swell of longing, paired with a bit of confusion. “I guess so,” she replied, her voice thoughtful. “I care about you so much, and I do feel attracted to you. I just want you to feel like it’s special, not something that’s always impulsive or done in public. You deserve more than that.”
Nadine’s heart skipped a beat. Hearing those words made her feel cherished. It wasn’t just about a kiss. It was about the connection they were building together. But Nadine couldn’t hide her feelings.
“I’ve been craving your touch, too,” Cassandra admitted softly, a tint of pink appearing on her cheeks. She found herself gazing at Nadine’s lips, so full and inviting, and her cleavage, which had been teasing her eyes all night long. She wondered if Nadine could sense her desire.
“Come here,” Cassandra said suddenly. It was a gentle invitation, and Nadine felt a rush of excitement. She moved closer and curled up under Cassandra’s arm, feeling the warmth radiating from her. Nadine looked up, her eyes wide and innocent, like a puppy waiting for a treat.
As they settled in, something shifted in the air between them. Cassandra’s heart raced. She leaned in until their faces were just inches apart, and then lightly pressed her lips against Nadine’s. The soft kiss was sweet at first, but as the moment lingered, it grew more intense. The world around them faded, and all that mattered was the connection they were sharing.
Nadine responded, her hand finding its way to Cassandra’s cheek and urging her closer. Cassandra felt a rush of joy and fear all at once. It felt right, yet new. They pulled away, their breath mingling in the air between them, both surprised and thrilled at what had just happened.
“Wow,” Nadine whispered, her smile wide and her eyes sparkling with happiness. “That felt amazing.”
Cassandra nodded, still trying to process the rush of feelings. “Yeah, it really did.” She’d taken a step, a big one, and it felt freeing. But she also felt a touch of nervousness about what would come next.
“Would you maybe want to stay over tonight?” Cassandra asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She held her breath, waiting for Nadine’s response.
“I’d love that,” Nadine said, her face lighting up. She felt a mix of joy and relief at the prospect of spending more time together. “I can help you with breakfast in the morning,” she added playfully.
Cassandra chuckled softly, feeling a rush of happiness. “Sounds like a plan.”
They snuggled together under the warm blanket, watching the flickering images on the TV, but neither really paid attention to what was on. All they could think about was the moment they’d just shared and how they were ready to take this journey together, marking the beginning of something wonderful.
Cassandra felt content as she held Nadine close. In that peaceful moment, she realized that sometimes, it took a little courage and honesty to open the door to love. Tonight was just the beginning, and they both felt it in their hearts.