Page 101 of Company Ink

"Cassie, it'll be okay. I promise." Adrian pulls me into his chest, stroking my hair. "I've got you. It'll be okay."

"This isn't how it was supposed to happen," I whisper. "Not like this."

"I know, Cariño, I know." Adrian places a gentle kiss on my temple and I almost wince. This feels wrong. Dirty.Tainted. "But it's also a good thing, right? It's a fresh start for us."

Us. Me and Adrian. Together. I said yes. I touch my lips as Adrian plays with my hair. They're still swollen. A reminder. A parting gift. He fired me. It's over. God, this is fucked up.

"Would you like to go back to the city?" Adrian asks. "Might be a little less awkward if we leave tonight."

"Sure," I mutter. "Let's go." This way I can spend all Sunday in bed, sleeping, erasing this weekend from my memories. Erasing Blake. The kiss. How my heart exploded. How right it felt. Everything.

"Cassie, please don't look so sad," Adrian whispers, placing butterfly kisses all over my face. "It's just a job. You'll get another one. You're smart, witty, and great with people, it'll be a breeze."

"Yeah, okay..." I push myself off the couch, realizing I'm still wearing all my damp clothes, I probably look like a raisin underneath. "I'm going to take a shower then we can leave."

"I'll call a cab," he says, walking me to the bathroom. "Is thirty minutes enough time for you to get ready and pack?"

"Mhm." I nod. Barely. "That's fine."

"Okay, I'll meet you by the gate." Adrian sighs. "Please cheer up, Cariño. It'll all work out."

I force a smile. God, he's being so nice right now. What is wrong with me? "I'll feel better after the shower."

Adrian places a soft kiss on my forehead. "I hope so."

"Cassie, we're here," Adrian whispers.

I look around. Oh, we are. I open the door to the cab and step out. I'm home. I don't even remember getting off the ferry.

I stare off into the distance as Adrian retrieves my luggage from the trunk. "Are you sure you're alright?" Adrian asks, his tone so fucking concerned. "You've barely said a word since we left."

"I'm just tired," I lie. "It's been a long day. I just want to go to bed."

"It's only 6 pm, Cassie," Adrian says, checking his watch. "Are you sure you don't want to go out and get some food?"

"I'm not hungry," I murmur, looping my fingers around my suitcase and pulling it towards the building. "I just want to sleep."

"Okay," Adrian says quietly. It's like he's walking on eggshells right now. Afraid I'll start crying again. I hate this. I hate feeling weak. "I'll call you tomorrow? Maybe we can go on a walk? Or to the market?"

"I might go see my parents tomorrow," I say, sighing. "But I'll call you if I'm free."

"Oh, okay." Adrian's face falls slightly. "Let me know if you guys need help packing."

Adrianpacking?Oh, God. I've broken him. This is all so messed up. "I'll let you know," I murmur.

"Cassie?!"Shit.I crane my neck towards the feminine voice coming from down the street. Why is she here? "You're home already?"

"Hi, Monique," I say, using all my will power to muster up a damn smile. "I thought you were staying with Matt all weekend."

"I had a few things to pick up..." Monique eyes Adrian carefully, her eyebrows quirking up. "I don't think we've met before, I'm Monique Moreaux, Cassie's roommate and lifelong best friend. You are?"

Bless her heart for not saying 'Hi, Adrian, I know exactly who you are because we ogled your photo at a bar a few months ago'.

Adrian extends his hand towards my roommate. "I'm Adrian Cavallero. I'm Cassie's—" He looks at me and smiles, so genuine, so fucking happy. "I'm her boyfriend."

Monique's mouth drops slightly as she shakes his hand. "Boyfriend?" she asks tentatively. "Oh, Cassie didn't tell me that you two were dating."

Adrian chuckles. "It's brand new," he says, grinning at me. "I'm sure Cassie will share all the sordid details with you tonight."