Luke sets two plates of food down in front of us and removes the dome lids with a dramatic flourish to reveal an artful display of chicken strips and fries.
“Dinner is served,” Everly says, dropping down into a little curtsey before turning around and shooing my brothers away from the table.
“We don’t need to stay here,” I state, shaking my head in disappointment as I reach for my wineglass. “I had no idea Everly had this planned. I’ll go talk to her and tell her this was inappropriate.”
I take a sip and move to stand, but Cassandra splays her hand out on the table. “Can we just…indulge her for a moment?” she asks with a wobbly smile. “It’s certainly a memorable send off for my last night here.”
I swallow the knot in my throat at the reminder that she leaves tomorrow and sit back down. “You still plan on leaving tomorrow?” I hate that I want her to stay.
She nods, a fleeting look of sadness casting over her features. “I found a small house on the north side that should suit me. It’s a rental and needs a lot of TLC, but it has a great she-shed in the backyard that I can make into my workshop. I’ve got a lot of charcuterie boards to get going on for Kate’s bookstore launch.”
“So you’re doing it then? Working with Kate?” I ask curiously because I can’t seem to stop caring about this woman in front of me.
She nods again and smiles. “Yeah, I’m excited about it. Kate seems like a great person to get involved with.”
“She will be,” I reply knowingly and realize this likely means Cassandra won’t be out of my life entirely after tomorrow. I can’t tell if that makes me feel better or worse. “She subscribes to your willy-nilly lifestyle a bit too, I think.”
Cassandra nods slowly and then inquires, “Have you been busy with your work lately too?”
“Yes, it’s been a stressful couple of weeks, but I think I have things sorted out now.” I stare back at her, wondering what she knows.
“Paisley mentioned—”
“She did call then?” I sigh with relief because after the conversation we had, I wasn’t sure she would follow through with my instructions. She’s a spicy thing.
“Yeah, she called yesterday. I’m glad you gave her my number. It was an enlightening conversation on so many levels.” Cassandra licks her lips and pauses. “Max, I had no idea you’d gone to all that work to cut Jenson out of the merger. Why didn’t you say anything?”
I shrug dismissively. “You told me not to consider you with my decision. I didn’t consider you. I considered myself and my staff. I can’t partner with a man who treats his staff like they’re disposable. And I can’t employ people who foster a toxic company culture. Not now, not ever.”
“I gathered that,” Cassandra responds as her eyes flash back and forth between mine.
“You should have gathered that two weeks ago,” I snap, the pain in my voice evident.
Her lips rub together as sadness creeps into her features. “Max.”
“What?” I exhale heavily.
“I’m sorry.”
I tilt my head and watch her carefully for a moment. “For what exactly?”
Her chin trembles. “For my preconceived notions when I started this job. I wanted to hate you. I wanted to judge you, and I expected to watch you choose your job over your kid all summer long. You would then confirm everything I ever witnessed at my old job.”
“But?” My brow furrows as I wait for her to continue.
“But…you didn’t. In fact, you turned my world upside down. I thought the only way to live a full life was to do less, want less, be less consumed by the hustle and bustle of a job. But you showed me that there are people who can do it all. You work hard, but you are so committed to Everly that it shows in everything she says and does. Honestly, I think she might be my favorite human in the whole world, and I’m going to miss her fiercely when I leave tomorrow.” Her voice cracks as her eyes well with tears. She sniffs once and continues, “She’s a testament to you, Max…and Jessica.”
“Thank you for saying that,” I reply, my voice thick in my throat. Despite my anger toward Cassandra, her opinion of Everly and me matters…even if she doesn’t love me. “I’m not Jenson Hunsberger.”
“I know,” she says with a laugh, and her cheeks flush a deep ruddy color as she chews her lip nervously. “Which is why I wondered if I could submit my résumé.”