10. Cassidy
Chapter ten
Cassidy
T om is pouring pancake batter into the pan when I hear banging from the hallway. And then I realise someone is banging on my door. Who the fuck is that? “Cassidy… open this door!”
My heart sinks as I recognise the owner of the voice. My ex, Grant. Dammit.
“Fuck.” What to do? Should I go out there and brazen it out? Or hope he will realise I’m not answering and leave? How the fuck did he get into the building, anyway? He’s still relentlessly banging, and he’s going to disturb the neighbours. I have to get him to shut up and bugger off. I glance across to the kitchen. Tom is clearly in the zone with his pancake making and he doesn’t seem to hear the disturbance from down the hall.
I ease up from the couch, rounding it towards the door. I pull the security chain off and open the door. Yep, there he is. My miserable excuse for an ex, trying to bang a hole in my front door to get my attention. I step into the hallway and pull Jack’s door over, but don’t close it.
“Grant,” I whisper shout across the hall. He whips around and stares at me.
“I thought you were flat twenty-one?” He has a frown on his face, confused that I have just stepped out of a door with number twenty-two on it.
“How the hell did you get in here?”
“You weren’t answering the buzzer, so I came in when someone else came out the front door.” He’s eyeing me over and I look down, realising I’m wearing Jack’s oversized robe.
“What are you doing here?”
“You weren’t answering any of my calls. I need to talk to you.” He steps closer. “Let’s go inside and talk.” He reaches to push Jack’s door open over my head.
I stomp my foot at his high-handedness. This man and his pushiness make me petty. I no longer have to do what he says. Not that I was ever that good at that, anyway. I much prefer Tom’s dominance. I know that, from Tom, it’s coming from a decent place.
“No.” I glare at him. “What’s so urgent that you had to come over at 8.30 am on a Saturday?”
“I got the divorce papers. Look, let’s just be adults about this. Let me in and we can talk it over without your neighbours overhearing.”
No fucking way. I’m not about to tell him this isn’t my place, but I also don’t have the key for my own apartment on me. It’s inside Jack’s flat, in my bag, which is sitting on the couch. I have to get rid of him.
“Look, Grant, now really isn’t a good time. Go home and I’ll call you later.”
He laughs in my face. “No, you fucking won’t, you flaky bitch. When did you ever do anything when you said you would?”
“I’m great at doing things I say I’ll do, Grant. Just not when it’s an arsehole asking, with no regard or respect for me.”
I take a deep breath, readying my next scathing reply when I feel movement at my back. I look round to see Tom stepping out, still only wearing his pyjama bottoms.
“Everything okay, Cassidy?” His eyes are clouded with concern.
Dammit. I really don’t want to get into this. Bloody Grant.
“I’m fine, Tom. Thanks for checking. I’ll be inside in a moment.”
Grant’s face reddens. “So, this is why you’ve been ignoring the door and your phone because you’re shacked up with some guy?”
I close my eyes in disgust, trying to calm myself. There’s no good to come from arguing with this man or trying to make him see sense. I just need to get rid of him. Tom’s hand comes up to my shoulder, giving a gentle squeeze of support. I appreciate it, but I really don’t want him involved in this conversation.
“You can see that I’m busy, Grant. I will call you later. How does 2 pm sound? We can discuss the papers then and work out what happens next?”
He looks ready to argue, his gaze flicking between Tom and me. Tom doesn’t say anything, but I look over my shoulder and see his furious glare as he looks Grant dead in the eye. I guess he overheard some of the conversation and clocked that this was my ex.
“Fine. I expect a call no later than 2 pm.”
I’m just about ready to give a sigh of relief, thinking he’s on his way out, when I hear a noise behind Tom.
“What’s happening? A party in the hallway?” Jack asks as he steps out beside me and Tom. I look him over. He has boxer shorts on and I guess I should be grateful he isn’t butt-naked, but man, could he not have stopped and put some clothes on?
“Hey, I wondered where my robe was!” he says, tugging on the end of the belt tied at my waist. “Who’s this guy?” he asks in a loud whisper, pointing his thumb and tilting his head towards Grant.
“What the hell?” comes Grant’s seething question as he takes in the scene of me standing with the two men. “Two? Really, Cassidy, are you whoring yourself out these days?”
I can't believe he said it, but then I remember this is Grant and feel annoyed that I’m shocked that something like that could come out of his mouth. I still can’t quite believe I married this guy. His true colours came out when he was caught cheating and was annoyed I wasn’t willing to put up with a little infidelity in exchange for a house and security. Fucker.
I can’t help my gasp as Tom sidesteps from behind me. He and Jack take a step in unison in Grant’s direction.
“What the fuck did you just say?” Tom growls as Jack claps his hand down hard on Grant’s shoulder.
“That’s not how we speak to ladies, or any humans, for that matter,” Jack tells him, his voice low and threatening. Grant gives a gulp, seeming to lose his bravado.
“Apologise,” Tom demands.
“Sorry, but come on guys, I’m guessing you don’t know her, but I wouldn’t go there. Although it looks like you already did.”
What the fuck is wrong with this guy? Does he not realise he’s just digging a deeper hole for these guys to bury him in?
“You fucking prick. You might think it’s okay to talk to and about Cassidy like that, but I can assure you it’s not. You are not welcome here. Do not come here again unless you have Cassidy’s permission.” Tom leans forward into Grant’s face as he talks. And Jack still has hold of Grant’s shoulder so he can’t escape.
“Seriously, man, you need help. Fuck off!” Jack gives him a shove.
“2 pm, Cassidy.” Grant turns around and slopes off down the corridor.
The two men watch him all the way to the fire door and then turn around to face me.
“You okay, Cass?” Jack asks, tugging again on the robe belt.
I draw in a breath, trying my best to internally shake off the shame that Grant tried to pile on me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know he was coming.”
“What are you apologising for, Cass? The guy is clearly a massive dick. Who is he anyway?”
“He’s my ex-husband.” I think Tom had figured it out from what he’d overheard, but clearly Jack hadn’t heard much.
“Ah,” comes Jack’s reply. His gaze flicks from mine to Tom’s and back again. “I’m gonna chuck on some clothes and I’ll go down to the entrance and check he’s left, and the door’s locked, okay?” He jogs into the flat to get dressed.
“Come here, Mac.” Tom sweeps me up in a bear hug.
I breathe in his soothing scent and soak up the comfort he’s offering. “What’s this for?”
“Figured you need it,” he whispers in my ear. “He’s gone, and Jack will make sure the building is safe. Let’s get you inside and get you some pancakes.” He holds his arm around my shoulders as we make our way back in. Jack has pulled on sweats and a t-shirt and is jumping around trying to get his feet in trainers.
“Okay?” he checks as he finally gets them on and heads to the door. He grabs his keys from the hook, pausing to wait for my answer.
“Yes, thank you. I’m sorry.”
“Seriously, Cass, stop apologising. It’ll make me grumpy. I’ll be back in a few. Don’t eat all the pancakes while I’m gone.”
Tom pulls me with him into the kitchen and hoists me up onto the kitchen counter. His fingertips brush the tendrils of hair escaping from my messy bun behind my ears as he gives me an easy grin.
“What do you want on your pancakes?”
Once Jack returns, we sit up at the breakfast bar eating delicious fluffy pancakes with bananas, blueberries, and syrup.
“Do you want to talk about it, Mac?” Tom probes gently.
“I don’t know. I guess it might help. Every time I think I’m over it, he sneaks up on me, getting me all riled up again.” I draw in a deep breath before continuing, “We never should have got married. It was a whirlwind. We’d only been together six months. I can’t even say I was young and na?ve. I was twenty-seven when I met him. And I let my mum convince me I wasn’t going to have too many other chances.” I close my eyes, frustration bubbling up in my gut.
“I had doubts, even on the morning of the wedding, and I still went through with it. It taught me a lot about trusting my gut, that’s for sure.”
Tom’s hand covers mine, giving me a gentle squeeze.
“I’m not convinced I ever properly loved him. And I know he didn’t love me. You wouldn’t treat someone you love like that. I don’t think he’s even capable of love.” I pause again, taking another breath, as the memories of how awful I felt flood me. “He was banging his secretary. What a fucking cliche. But not just that, he was on the dating apps, too. Who fucking knows how many other women he slept with while we were together? I don’t think I’ll ever get the truth.”
Jack’s hand brushes up and down my back. Our eyes meet as he asks, “What the fuck was he playing at? Why marry you if he was going to do that?”
“He’s a narcissist. I didn’t see it when we got together. But he just wanted a collection of people to admire him. We weren’t real people to him, with feelings. Just a fan club. And I wasn’t enough of a simp for him. He had to cheat over and over again to get his adoration from as many people as possible.” I give a rueful smile.
“Thank goodness for therapy. It really opened my eyes. Made me realise that while I had my own misconceptions about marrying him, that there was nothing I could do to change him. I think it helps that I didn’t truly love him. I’ve stopped feeling guilty for going into that marriage with my own fucked up idea that it was my only chance at happiness. I know that I was wrong about that. But he still can’t see what a massive twat he was. Even after I caught him cheating, he thought I’d stay with him for the security. I am so glad I got my shit together to rent my flat and met you guys. He will never admit that he’s in the wrong. I refuse to let someone like that be part of my life. I deserve better.”
“Yes, you do.” The sincerity rings clear in Tom’s voice. “Thank you for telling us, Mac. I’m glad you’re rid of him now.”
“Me too,” I agree, squeezing his hand that’s still holding mine.
As I finish up my pancakes, I tell Jack and Tom that I need to head home. Exhaustion from the excitement of the night before, the encounter with my ex, and then opening up about my failed marriage, weighs me down. Both guys seem reluctant for me to leave and I can’t help but feel disappointed that what had been an awesome night, has ended on a more sour note. I don’t dare apologise again, as Jack seems to have found my previous attempts offensive. But I can’t just leave without saying something. “Jack, Tom, that really was truly the best night of my life. I don’t know how to thank you. It was everything I dreamed of and more.” I mean every word. I know I’ll be remembering what happened for years to come.
“Did you get enough for your book, Cass? If we missed anything, we can always try now?” Jack grins.
“I’ve got plenty to keep me busy writing. Thank you.” I smile. “And I meant it when I said that this book will be dedicated to you both. In fact, I think I might crack on with it as soon as I get back.”
Tom frowns as watches me. “Make sure you take it easy today, Cassidy. We all had a busy night. You need to allow your body some time to rest.”
He really is a teddy bear; keen to take care of everyone, and I’ve already come to care for him deeply in the short time we’ve known each other.
“Is it okay if I wear your robe home? It’s easier than putting my dress back on,” I ask Jack.
“Sure thing, doll. When will we see you again?” Jack asks. “I don’t want you to feel awkward and avoid me now I’ve had my wicked way with you. Let’s make a date to catch up. You know, as friends.”
“I have no plans this week other than a call with my ex this afternoon and writing this book now you’ve both given me plenty of inspiration and ideas to crack on. I’m easy—just come and knock when you have some spare time.”
“Are you going to be okay talking to your ex?” Tom asks. “Need some moral support?”
“It’ll be fine. I suspect he’s salty that I got in with the divorce papers first. But I really need to get this sorted, so I had to get things moving.”
“Well, good luck,” Tom tells me. “And if you need a hug or some company after you’ve spoken to him, you know where we are.” He looks across at Jack and then back at me. “Well… where Jack is. I might not be here, but I’m sure he’ll give you a hug if you need it.”
“Can I get your number?” I ask Tom.
“What, so you can both talk about how awesome I am?” Jack jokes.
“Of course,” Tom says. I give him my phone with a New Contact card open and he thumbs in his number. “I’ll let you pick my name.”
“You don’t want to be just Tom?” I tease.
“You’re more inventive than that, Mac.”
I smile at his nickname for me, taking a moment to think, and then type in a name that brings a big smile to my face. I grab my bag and give both guys a kiss on the cheek before heading over to the door.
“I obviously didn’t do a good enough job, Cass, because you’re still looking me in the eye,” Jack says as he grins saucily at me. I let out a laugh.
“See ya later, boys.”