11.

Scarlet Everyone left around midnight. We said our goodbyes and walked them out the door. I took Cortland aside before he got into his car.

I remember what you said, I said quickly before he could interrupt me. But Im here for you if you need me.

I know, he said. Ive always known that.

I hugged him tightly before I finally let him go. He was a wonderful man and an exceptional person. I just wanted him to be happy.

Were heading out, Mike said. My baby is getting tired. And she gets grouchy when shes tired.

No, I get grouchy when I dont get sex because youre too tired, Cassandra snapped.

Im never too tired. He gave her a dark look then eyed her stomach. Ill prove it right now in the car.

Anyway I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. We wanted to talk to you after everyone left.

Whats up? Mike asked.

I let Sean take the lead.

Its a long story, he said. But Ill start at the beginning.

Okay Mike gave him a hard look.

Mom told me she went to the doctor and found out she had a mass in her brain. It wasnt cancerous, but it was affecting her mood swings. After she took medication, she returned to normal. Thats why shes been normal lately.

Mike stilled at Seans words. Concern covered his face. Is she okay?

Shes fine, Sean said. And shes going to be fine.

Are they going to operate? he asked. How is she taking care of this?

I dont know any of that, Sean said quickly. But I know shell be fine. The doctors dont seem concerned about it.

Mike gripped his skull. Cassandra comforted him by holding him around the waist. He towered over her so he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He took a deep breath. So, that whole time she was acting crazy, she was sick?

Sean nodded. Yeah.

And we were both assholes to her. He stared at the ground when he spoke.

Yeah.

Does Dad know?

She didnt want him to know, but when I saw him on a date with some whore, I intervened and told him the truth.

When he was on a date? Mike asked. You saw him?

You knew about it? Sean asked.

Mike glanced down at Cassandra, whos face was pressed to his chest. He shook his head slightly, asking Sean to drop the subject. I had no idea why and I knew Sean didnt either.

Anyway, Sean said. Mom didnt want him to know because she wanted to win him back on her own, but I blabbed his secret. He had a break down and I took him to Mom. That was three days ago. I havent seen him or spoken to him since.

Mike processed everything for a long time. So, they do love each other.

A lot, I said. Their reunion was very touching.

He held Cassandra to his chest, his chin rested on her head. Im glad.

I can tell Dad is happy, Sean said. And I am too. Theyre going to get remarried.

Then thats great, Mike said. But now I feel like a piece of shit son for turning my back on Mom. If Id known"

No one knew, Sean said. Its not our fault. We cant blame ourselves. Everything worked out so it doesnt matter.

Yeah He kissed Cassandras forehead and turned his face into her head. I guess I really was stupid for giving up.

I knew that was directed toward Cassandra, so I didnt speak. Neither did Sean.

I pushed you away for no reason, he whispered to her.

Forget about it, she said. She moved her mouth to his chin and kissed him.

I remembered what Sean said about seeing the mens clothing and accessories at her apartment. It made me wonder if the baby was really Mikes. He didnt strike me as the kind of guy to ask for proof.

When Sean looked at me, I knew he thought the same thing. Can we talk to you for a second"in private? Sean asked.

Theres nothing I keep from Cassandra, he said quietly.

Its personal, Sean said.

Its okay. Cassandra kissed him. Ill wait in the car.

Okay. He reluctantly released her.

When she shut the door and pulled out her phone, Mike turned back to Sean. You better have a good reason separating me from her. Ive been apart from her for a long time. Im not wasting anymore time.

Sean sighed. I didnt want to say this in front of her just in case I offended her.

What? he asked.

Im really happy about the baby. Its great, really, Sean said.

Okay. Mike stared him down, waiting for him to get to his point.

I visited Cassandra when you guys were broken up And?

I saw mens clothing, shoes, and a wallet sitting on the table. Its none of my business what she did when you were broken up, but are you sure the baby is yours?

Mikes face turned red in anger. She wasnt with anyone when we were apart. I dont need a test.

I knew Sean had to tread this carefully.

I know what I saw, Sean said firmly. She wouldnt let me into the apartment and she looked flustered. They were definitely mens items on the table. When I yelled at her for sleeping with someone else, she started crying and said she didnt, but I can tell she was lying.

You can tell she was lying? Mike asked incredulously. You dont know Cassandra like I do. Shes not a liar. If she slept with someone, she would have told me.

Im just saying maybe you should get a test, Sean said. Just in case. It doesnt do any harm.

Any harm? Mike asked. I trust Cassandra and Im not going to break that trust. I know she wouldnt lie to me.

Sean sighed. I just wanted to let you know, okay? Dont get mad. I really am happy for you. Everything youve ever wanted is coming together. I want you to be happy.

Mike calmed down slightly. Okay.

We stood there awkwardly in front of each other.

About Dad, Mike said. The reason he was on that date was because of me.

What? Sean said.

I tried buying a house for Cassandra, but the buyer wouldnt take my offer, even when it was over the listing price. The only way I could get it is if Dad went on a date with her. He did it as a favor to me and Cassandra. That was why he was with her.

Sean covered his face and sighed. God, Im such an ass.

What? Mike asked. What did you do?

I said and did a lot of mean things to him, Sean said. I owe him an apology.

You actually thought Dad was on a real date? Mike asked incredulously. Dad would never do that. He even said so.

Which is why I feel like a piece of shit, Sean said quickly.

Well, if hes shacking up with Mom, I doubt he even remembers what you said. He cringed at his words. Gross. I hope I dont have another sibling because of this.

Eww, Sean said. Dont talk like that. Im going to hurl.

I smiled while I listened to both of them.

Mike glanced at the car and saw Cassandra sitting inside. I should go. She really does get cranky when shes tired.

Okay. I hugged him. Good night. And congratulations.

Thank you. He pulled away and gave me a firm look. Itll happen for you guys. Dont worry.

I gave him a soft smile. I know Mike kissed my forehead then embraced his brother. Night.

Night, Sean said back.

Mike got into the car then left the driveway.

You think she was lying? Sean asked.

I dont know I hope Mike asks her about it.

Do you think she really had a guy over there?

He sighed. I know what I saw. I just hope Im wrong.

12.

Mike When we got home, Cassandra washed off her make up then pulled my shirt on. She didnt wear any bottoms, just her panties. I liked seeing her like this. She didnt need to wear make up and I wasnt sure why she did most of the time. She was perfect without it.

Im glad we told them, she said when she lay in bed.

I undressed then tossed my clothes in the hamper. Me too. They all seemed really excited.

Not as excited as I am. She sat up and watched me strip.

When I was down to my briefs, she blatantly stared at my crotch. Youre so hot.

I smirked then looked away, trying not to let her see the blush in my cheeks. I knew I was a good-looking guy but I wasnt on the same level as Cassandra. She was a natural beauty, someone who didnt need to dress up to look perfect. Her eyes emitted so much life that eye shadow and eyeliner didnt make a difference. Her lips were full and soft, attracting everyone in the room, gay or straight. When she didnt notice my stares, the muscles of her mouth relaxed, and her eyes became empty, making her look like a wise goddess. I noticed new details every day, but that was because I was always looking.

I came to the bed then got under the covers beside her. Her legs automatically hooked around mine. Her legs were smooth and soft, not a single hair apparent. I never liked sleeping with people because I hated sharing the room, even though I had a California king bed. But with Cassandra, there was too much room left over. I could hold her in my arms all night and get better sleep for it. My hand moved around her waist, filling the skin of her hips underneath her shirt.

Then I thought about what my brother said. What if someone else had felt this same hip, had noticed all the details I adored about her? What if someone felt the warm lips that belonged to me? What if she lied?

But she wouldnt. She wouldnt.

My brother didnt lied. He wouldnt do it to save his own ass. So, I felt torn.

Cassandra ran her hand down my chest then to my stomach. She felt the hard grooves underneath. Then her fingers played with the top of my boxers, wanting to pull them off. She was more obsessed with sex than I was. She looked at me, her eyes shining with arousal.

But I couldnt make a move. A part of me was paranoid.