That was something she couldn't say for herself.
"So, have you given any more thought to my proposition?"
"Of course I have, Mamma." Cassie felt awful, and for the first time
experienced real regret at having to disappoint her mother.
It seemed she'd spent most of her life trying to get back at Wilma for
keeping her only child at arm's length. Now that seemed like such wasted effort.
"I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to having you do this for
me."
"Mamma" -- "I love the Jasmine Hillcrest," Wilma continued.
"If it hadn't been for my work, I don't think I could've"
"Stayed with Daddy?" Cassie added, her voice soft and pain-filled.
Wilma's pale face suddenly flushed.
"Yes. I wasn't aware my feelings were so obvious."
"They're not. It's just, since I've been through my own ordeal, I'm much
more sensitive."
"Don't get me wrong, Cassie, I love your father, but let's face it, I was never cut out to be a minister's wife."
"A minute ago I was thinking along those same lines."
"However, in defense of myself, I stuck it out." Wilma's strong chin
jutted slightly.
"Besides, divorce was never an option."
Cassie didn't so much as flinch. She looked her mother directly in the
eyes.
"I'm grateful / had that option."
Wilma's sigh was visible.
"From what you've told us, it appears you did the right thing."
Cassie's laugh had a hollow ring.
"Appears. That's a poor choice of words. How much plainer can it be? The
slime ball in prison.
Shouldn't that tell you I absolutely did the right thing?"
"Despite what you think, I'm on your side." Wilma paused.
"But your father ..."
"Will never be," Cassie finished for her.
"Right. He clings to the idea that you, Lester and Tyler will become a
family again one day."
"Not in this lifetime," Cassie retorted, her eyes sparking.
"If I had my way, Lester would be dead."
"Cassie, that's a horrible thing to say about your child's father."
Cassie turned her face toward the grounds and noticed how the earth
seemed to literally burst open with color. That sight could always tame
the wildest beast in her. But not today. Any time she thought about Lester or
heard his name spoken, it enraged her.
"Cassie, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to open up old wounds."
"Lester won't see the light of day for a very long time." Cassie's tone was brutal.
"Daddy might as well join the real world and face facts."
"Look, let's change the subject, shall we? My intention was not to upset
you but rather to discuss your duties at the hotel."
"Mother, I can't."
"Can't what?"
"Stay and assume your place at the Hillcrest."
Wilma gave her an incredulous stare.
"But why not? You don't have another job lined up, do you?"
"No."
"If it's a place to live, that's not a problem, either."
Cassie heard the desperate note in her mother's voice, which made her
feel more like a dirty rat than ever.
"Of course we don't expect you to live here, although that would be
fine, too."
"Mother, stop, please."
Wilma opened her mouth, only to snap it shut.
"First, I'm not sure I could ever fill your shoes there."
Wilma flapped her hand.
"That's nonsense. You're a highly intelligent woman."
"I know that," Cassie responded with patience. "And I've done some hotel
work while I was away, but not to the extent you're talking about."
"You can learn."
"Too, I don't think Austin would like it."
"Oh, for heaven's sake, child, that should be the least of your worries.
Why, he adores you. You've always been like a sister to him."
Sister! Oh God, Cassie thought, her stomach revolting.
"In fact, he'll be thrilled. Since I've been ill, he's had to carry the
full load of all the hotels. And with his horse farm to tend to, he'sgoing in too many directions."
"Even so" -- "I refuse to take no for an answer."
Cassie swallowed with difficulty, then spoke with the bluntness she hoped would kill the topic once and for all.
"Well, you're going to have to."