17. Cassidy
Chapter 17
Cassidy
I ’ve heard of the infamous Heatwave parties. Even as a daughter of local pastors–I wasn’t immune to the allure.
Hot athletic guys. Mansions and penthouses. Music, dancing, fun. I remember when I had just turned eighteen, a friend from college told me she was invited to one. She insisted I should come.
I didn't, of course. I was too scared of feeling out of place. I was guaranteed to trip in front of everyone or say something awkward.
But tonight. I’m here. And it feels like I have a VIP seat into some secret society.
Everyone enters the basement from the side entrance of the house. It’s separate from the main house so as not to disturb anybody upstairs. Keelan really thought of everything when he built this place. Each player that appears is accompanied by a small posse of their own.
Friends, girlfriends, their girlfriend’s friends. By the time I have the kids settled in for the night away from the party, it’s already quadrupled in size.
I find Joshua holding court in the decked out basement. He’s surrounded by people who are fascinated with his story. They all laugh when he says something funny. I notice a few girls in the group staring at him. They talk amongst themselves and giggle.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you here,” a voice says behind me.
I turn to find it’s coming from one of the younger guys on the team. He smiles and offers me an outstretched hand.
“Sincaid,” he says.
“Jones,” I say, smiling back.
“What’s your first name, Jones?”
“Cassidy. My family calls me, Sid. But… I’ve recently decided I prefer just Cassidy.”
He chuckles. “Mine’s Trevor. But my team calls me Rookie. Even though there’s like four of us.”
“Well, nice to meet you Rookie.”
“Can I get you a drink, Just Cassidy?”
I shouldn’t. In fact, I should just find my merry way back to my room and call it a night. It looks like the party’s mission is accomplished. Keelan isn’t sulking.
Instead, he’s breakdancing in the middle of the synthetic rink which doesn't seem to be the best idea considering he's just fully recovered from an injury… but I'm not his nanny.
“I shouldn’t drink,” I tell him. Hoping he gets the idea.
“Because you don’t like to have fun?” He cocks his head.
“No…” I grin. “Because I’m not twenty-one yet.”
“Ah,” he says. “Well, a soda then?”
I feel eyes on me and look up just in time to see Joshua giving me a sidelong glance from his place in front of his crowd.
“Sure,” I say to Trevor.
“Anything in particular?”
“Surprise me.” He nods and heads over to the bar.
Joshua’s not talking anymore. One of the other teammate’s has taken over the conversation but he’s watching me.
I scan the room, in search for any of the WAGS, but nobody is here. Izzy, Kesley, Libby…and especially not Rina, considering this is Keelan’s house and they clearly can’t stand each other at the moment. I wonder if they all actively avoid these particular gatherings.
I miss Lillian. She’d make sure I wouldn’t be alone.
Trevor comes back with a Big Red.
“How’s this for a surprise?”
I open my mouth to say something but a man’s hand reaches out and grabs the drink. It’s the second time he’s taken a drink of mine. I turn around to lay it into him but it’s not who I think it is.
“Thanks Sinky. I was craving a Big Red.” The guy is young too. He’s slightly taller than Trevor and he’s wearing a cutoff that shows off tremendous biceps.
He looks at me.
“Don’t mind, Vance. He’s Canadian.”
“Is that supposed to excuse him for being a jerk?” I eye the player.
He smiles really big and cracks open the drink.
“No,” Trevor says.
“Dance with me,” Vance says, stretching out his arm.
I stare at it. “I'd rather not.”
“Oh come on, don’t you want to make him jealous?”
“Make who jealous?” I ask.
“Your boyfriend? Is he around?” Vance looks around theatrically.
“That’s Vance’s way of asking if you're single,” Trevor says.
“Ah… and what’s your way?” I ask him.
“Are you?... Single, that is?”
“So just straight to the point?” I observe.
He smiles, revealing dimples.
“These two bothering you?” Joshua walks up. Hands in his pocket like he’s just on a casual stroll.
I look at the two younger players and realize… I was just talking to two guys at once. That would’ve never happened before. Maybe it is the the new outfits giving me confidence.
“We were just talking, Joshua. Unless, that’s not allowed per my job description?”
Trevor and Vance both straighten up and share glances.
“Sorry, Hicks. I didn’t realize she was with you–”
“I’m not with him,” I cut in.
“Oh,” Trevor says, looking even more confused.
“She’s… just my nanny,” Joshua says, watching my reaction.
“That’s right,” I confirm, turning toward Vance. “So yeah, you know what, I would like to dance.”
Now I reach out a hand toward him but instead of taking it, he looks up to Joshua as if asking him permission. Like he’s my dad or something.
“Uh…” he chuckles. “I actually just remembered Fergie needed me outside for something.”
He ducks out, still looking at Joshua whose gaze follows his every move.
“Yeah, I’m gonna… I’m gonna go help him with that too,” Trevor says, he gives me a small wave and follows his teammate out.
Joshua without saying a word, and just mere glances alone, managed to scare away two guys who were nice enough to approach me.
“Need I remind you that you’re supposed to be helping me get a boyfriend–not scaring them away,” I inform him.
“Well, a good wingman knows when to help you out of a sticky situation.”
I cross my arms. “And that was a sticky situation?”
“The Rookie is Izzy’s ex. And Vance has a girlfriend back in Canada. So you tell me if those aren’t sticky situations.”
I scoff. “We were just talking–it’s not like I was going to bone them. And you can stop trying to scare off any male that approaches me, Hicks. I’m not your girlfriend.”
He stares at me, but doesn’t say anything.
Keelan’s voice comes on over the sound system. “Welcome to Heatwave Skate night. If you’re new here or it’s been a while. I’m going to let you know how we get down. We’ll kick it off with a few line dances, then we’ll add some skates, and when everyone’s loosey goosey we’ll start our beer league game. Everybody’s welcome to join! So let’s party, H-town style!”
Country Girl by Luke Bryan comes on over the speakers and people start making their way onto the fake ice. The lights dim and the Keelan jumps in and leads the pack.
“I’m guessing you’ve never line danced,” Joshua says.
I look at him. Because though I’ve never line danced in a country music club. I’ve definitely spent hours with my siblings learning all the moves on Youtube.
Without giving him an answer I jump in along with the group and pick up where they are in the song. We shuffle our feet and shake our hips to the song. And after a few turns, I do my best to forget that I’m mad at my hot boss.
By the next turn, I’m surprised to see it’s Joshua behind me clapping to the song. I tune out all the voices telling me I shouldn’t be here and focus on the fact that the guy I’ve crushed on for years is currently dancing behind me. And he’s watching me. Closely.
I feel his eyes. So I shake a little harder and roll with more gusto.
By the time the song is over, and a new song comes on. I’m approached by a few more Heatwave players.
I decide I’ve had my fun and I already danced for the one guy I care to engage with. I step off the dance floor and head up the stairs to the main house.
It’s quiet up here away from the party area. I think they did that on purpose since there’s kid’s sleeping upstairs. I open the fridge and grab a bottle of water.
I don’t hear the other person in the corner of the kitchen, leaning over the counter. I gasp, holding my heart.
“You must be the new fuck buddy.” The woman says, bored.
“Who are you?” I breathe out.
She stands up. She has dark, long hair and perfect make-up, curvy hips. “I’m assuming you haven’t actually fucked since… you’re still here.”
“Excuse me? You need to leave.”
She laughs to herself. “Sure thing, honey. I’m definitely leaving. I just came up to let you know that if he acts like he’s interested now. Don’t let it get to your head. You’re just nanny number two. When he’s had his fun with you… he’ll move on to the next.”
“I’m not with sleeping him. I’m here for the kids. And you need to leave before I call the cops.”
She holds her hands up. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
I watch her grab her handbag and walk out the front door and I follow her to make sure it gets locked.
The second she’s outside I run up the stairs and check on the kids. I peek into Maddie and Parker’s rooms and they’re both sound asleep. Their heavy breathing and light snores giving me peace.
Then I check on Cole. His light's on. I can see it under his door. So I give two gentle knocks. I hear him get up and walk over to the door, unlocking it, before he opens it for me.
“Yes?” he asks.
“Just wanted to check and make sure you’re okay.”
He shrugs. “I’m fine.” But he doesn’t look fine.
“You sure? Are you hungry? I can go make you something to eat.”
He looks at me with pleading eyes.
“As much as I want to, I can’t read your mind Cole."
He takes a deep breath in. “My birthday is tomorrow.”
My eyes widen and I can’t believe we forgot something so important. I make a mental note to go first thing in the morning and grab whatever we need to make sure he’s celebrated.
“Well, then… is there anything special you’d like to do?”
He stays quiet and doesn’t say anything before he turns around and heads back to this bed.
“Dad was teaching me how to drive so I could get my learner’s permit before…”
I nod. “Well, I’m sure we can do some lessons. I’ll have to ask Joshua–”
“He already said no. He won’t let me use his precious Mustang.”
“Then you can use my car.” I walk in and take the chair from the desk and roll it up to him before sitting down.
“All the Jones’ kids have learned to drive in it. And by some miracle it’s never been in a wreck.”
“You’d let me drive your car?” he quirks a brow. “Even after watching Initial D and knowing all that it can do?”
“Those cars were modified. Mine is pretty dang stock. I’m sure it would take a lot of work to get it drift-ready.”
He thinks about it for a moment.
“I could get it drift-ready for you.”
I look at him, confused. “My car? How?”
“Dad is– was –a mechanic. He taught me how to work on cars.”
“How did I not know this about you?”
He shrugs. “I’m pretty handy. I could probably figure out what’s causing that squeaking coming out of your engine bay, too, if you let me take a look. Sounds like it might be the timing belt.”
“So that’s what you want to do on your birthday? Fix my car? What about cake and balloons?”
He shoots his hand up and shows me his palm. “No, thanks, Cassidy. I’d rather do something I’d normally do with Dad.”
I nod in understanding. “I guess I should cancel the clown and puppet show, then?”
He rolls eyes and shakes his head slowly. But I see the tiniest smile tug at the corner of his lips.
And that’s a win.