My CEO 172

172 Unfamiliar Comforts

(Winona)

I drive us across the city in a cheap hire car, away from the grime, decay and horrid memories that defined so much of my childhood.

The hotel we check into isn't luxurious by Jayden's standards, but it's clean and comfortable.

Far better than anything Mom and Cass have experienced ever. I chose it carefully-something that wouldn't overwhelm them but would still offer them a taste of security and comfort.

As we step into the small lobby, I can see Cass looking around, her expression staid. Mom is quiet, her eyes darting nervously from one side of the lobby to the other.

"It's very nice," Mom says softly, almost like she's afraid to jinx it by speaking too loudly. "Thank you,

Winona."

I nod, giving her a reassuring smile. "It's a place to rest. We'll be safe here."

Jayden handles the check-in process, his usual confidence on full display, but I can sense something different in him. He's quieter than usual.

Maybe this whole experience has him rattled. Maybe he doesn't think he can handle it.

My mind is so tired I don't even have the strength to worry about something like that right now.

Once Mom, Cass and I are settled in the room-two double beds and a pull-out couch-he pulls me aside.

"We need to talk," he says, his voice low.

I step into the hallway with him and close the room door. "About what?"

"I have something major to take into our next therapy session."

read him. "Something you can't tell

I don't want to. It's just... I need to

a pang of worry but push it down. He took me meeting Steve alone with grace. I have to offer him

moment. "There's business I need to take care of, and I think it'll be good for you to

because you don't want to stay here, I mean, this

a bed of nails for you.

feel about him leaving. "You think we'll be okay until

be fine," he says, his hand reaching out to squeeze mine. "I'll just be a phone call away if you need

his reassurance. "I want to stay here for at

+25 BONUS

172 Unfamiliar Conforts

to convince Mom to let it go. I want to try

says. "But you can't force anything. They have a right to

"I know."

"One more question."

"What?"

did that

going on those streets and

doesn't answer my

pin that topic,"

how pinning topics can work against me." He smiles. I'll head out to the jet. Your suitcases

"I'll miss you.

"I'll miss you too."

know what? You were amazing out there. I'm proud

you've grown up with. Are you sure you're okay with it? I'll understand if it's all too much." "Winona. No. I've never been more

others and then he's gone.

call the first

have it. I can't wait to have a shower. We always used the bath," Cass

and a separate shower. I'd ask for one if possible. I turn the taps on, and

house. I remember beating water for it on the stove, when we had electricity. That wasn't all that

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