Chapter 2- If you love something you've got to let it go

Chapter 2

If You Love Something, Let It Go**

Cassie looked at Greyson and spoke:

“Let’s hit the refresh button.”

“I guess I deserved that.”

“I’m listening.”

“I don’t open up to people easily, but I’ll tell you this: the family emergency my sister had to attend to involved my daughter and son.”

“How old are they?”

“Fourteen and seven.”

“What are their names?”

“Isabella and Elisha.”

“Beautiful names. Isabella means ‘God is my oath,’ and Elisha means ‘God is my salvation.’”

“Wow, that’s exactly what they mean. We chose them because we prayed for them. My wife couldn’t conceive, but after waiting, Isabella came. We thought that was it, but Elisha followed. Until… I happened. You remind me of Viv in so many ways, but you’re your own person.”

“Who’s Viv?”

“My wife…”

“I’m sure she’s wondering where you are.”

“She’s not.”

Cassie looked at him, confused.

“I just canceled my dinner reservation, and you’re telling me your wife isn’t worried about you coming home late? If my guy didn’t show up on time, I’d be worried! We both have jobs, but we should come together as a family. You’ve got two beautiful kids.”

“Isabelle looks more like Megan, and Eli is a mini-Viv.”

“Is my distraction tactic working? You were hyperventilating earlier, but now you’re better. I hope you’ll be okay once we leave this elevator.”

“I will be. I need to show you the house you were supposed to see. I’ll send the offer, but if you want, we can reschedule.”

“Tomorrow at the same time?”

“It’s not a date.”

“Get over yourself. What time suits you?”

“I don’t know what’s happening between us, but I feel a connection. It’s wrong—I’m looking for a family home because I’m *not* single. I just lost my engagement ring during the fall. If you find it, please return it. I’ll have to explain to my husband how I lost it.”

“You weren’t wearing it.”

Cassie rubbed her ring finger, her face worried.

“I took it off while typing a press release. I had too many hands-on tasks. If anyone spots it, tell them to return it.”

“I’ll spread the word. I hope the person you’re marrying knows how lucky they are.”

“He does.”

The lights flickered, and the elevator jerked into motion. Cassie stood and slid her heels on, as did Greyson.

“Listen, I get moody when I’m hungry. Let me make it up to you with dinner. I was mean earlier.”

“I canceled dinner with my fiancé. I should be at a fancy restaurant, but I’m stuck here. I’ll make an exception.”

“Is that a yes?”

“Yes—on a technicality. You need someone to talk to.”

“Thank you.”

He moved closer, kissing her temple. Mini fireworks ignited in Cassie’s heart. She shouldn’t feel this—not now, engaged to another. Greyson didn’t understand his urge either. He was equal parts irritated and drawn to her. What *was* this feeling?

---

When the doors opened, Jenna, Greyson’s assistant and convenient girlfriend, rushed toward them. Her eyes widened at their color-coordinated outfits.

“Hey Cassie! Good to see you. I wondered where Greyson was.” Jenna hugged her.

“He was in a meeting with me,” Cassie replied.

Jenna glanced at Greyson, who nodded tersely.

“I convinced her to wrap up the meeting over dinner. Reschedule my tomorrow meetings—I’m taking a sick day. My sister will cover for me.”

“Understood. Get well,” Jenna said, turning to Cassie. “See you Wednesday for girls’ night? Dress to impress!”

“Wednesday,” Cassie confirmed, winking.

Jenna blew a kiss and added, “Greyson, Megan has your car. The backups are all out. You’ll need an Uber or public transit.”

Greyson turned to Cassie. “Mind taking public transport? Dinner and drinks on me—my apology for today’s chaos.”

Cassie shook her head. “I’ll drive you. You can recover at Megan’s with the kids.”

“Jenna, later,” Greyson said, steering Cassie away.

“Your jacket?” Jenna called.

“I’ll grab it. Give me a minute,” he replied, darting upstairs.

Jenna eyed Cassie suspiciously. “Let’s wait in the cafeteria.”

“Sure.”

“You must be special. Greyson hasn’t ridden an elevator since his wife’s accident. He was with the kids when it happened.”

“I don’t pry. I’m just glad they’re okay. Sorry about his wife.”

“She was having an affair. The man paid to keep it quiet. She was pregnant with his baby.”

“Poor Greyson.”

“The guy’s a singer who now teaches at the kids’ school. Viv was a teacher. Today was her memorial—Greyson refused to go.”

Cassie spotted Greyson eavesdropping, his face pained.

“He’ll share his story when ready. I barely know him, but he seems decent.”

Greyson cleared his throat. “Jenna, later. Cassie, let’s go. It’s late.”

He guided Cassie outside, where the drizzle turned to storm. Cassie unlocked her car, noticing Greyson’s missing jacket.

“You okay?” she asked, gripping his hand.

“Just triggers,” he said. “My daughter won’t speak to me. She’s been distant since the accident. My son was too young to understand, but she… I’m failing as a father.”

“Jenna says you’re trying.”

He pulled away. “Three years, and I can’t move on. She cheated with her childhood friend—Jake. He’s old money, covered it up. Now he’s engaged, playing the saint.”

Cassie froze. “My fiancé’s best friend had a similar accident. Jake paid hush money. What a coincidence.”

“Fate, not a coincidence. Jake’s engaged to a clueless woman. He’ll destroy her like he did Viv.”

“Can’t you expose him?”

“The NDA’s airtight. He’d lose her, and I won’t wreck someone’s happiness. But she deserves the truth.”

Cassie merged onto the highway. “You need a friend tonight. Jake’s probably waiting on my couch. Let’s eat—I hate driving in storms.”

“Your Jake sounds like a slob.”

“He’s… comfortable. I keep things orderly.”

“Noticed you organized Megan’s office. Why avoid me at work?”

“You’re always busy with Jenna. I didn’t want to interrupt.”

“If we weren’t both taken…”

“Wishful thinking.”

“I believe in miracles.”

She parked at a rain-lashed diner. “Fish and chips on a stormy Thursday?”

“Perfect.”

As they hurried inside, thunder cracked. The waitress ignored Cassie, flirting with Greyson. Cassie texted Jake, Greyson updating Megan. The storm raged, trapping them in a moment charged with unspoken truths.