322 Cracks in the Surface

(Cass)

I’m half-asleep on the couch when I hear Gabriel talking on the phone. He is all smooth and confident, like always. But then he says something that makes my heart drop.

“I’m free to move wherever the business takes me. No ties holding me down.”

No ties? What the hell does that make me then? A side piece? Some chick he’s keeping around for fun until he bounces?

My stomach twists. I’ve been ignoring the signs, brushing off the little things, but hearing him say that out loud hits differently. It feels like the floor’s just been ripped out from under me. I can’t let this slide.

I can’t just let it go. As soon as he gets off the phone, I corner him. “So, no ties, huh?” I snap, crossing my arms. “What am I then? Just some rando you hook up with when you’re bored?”

Gabriel looks at me like I’m speaking a different language. “What?”

“I heard you!” I jab a finger at him. “You told them you didn’t have any ties holding you down. So, where do I fit in, huh?”

He rubs his temples like I’m