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."

trying to read him. "Something

It's just... I need to work it out in

me meeting Steve alone with grace. I have to

care of, and I think it'll be

because you don't want to

sleep on a bed of nails for you. This isn't about this place, or you and

sure how I feel about him leaving. "You think we'll

squeeze mine. "I'll just be a phone call away if you need me. This is all a part of being able to function normally We trust each other, no

onto his reassurance. "I want to stay here for at least a week, I'm not taking

+25 BONUS

172 Unfamiliar Conforts

I have to convince Mom to let it go. I want to try and get Cass into

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

"I know."

"One more question."

"What?"

that

those streets and

answer my

that topic," I

He smiles. I'll head out to the jet. Your suitcases from

"I'll miss you.

"I'll miss you too."

know what? You were amazing

with it? I'll understand if it's all too much." "Winona. No. I've never been more sure that

the others and then he's gone.

the

have a

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

in the house. I remember beating water for it on the stove, when we

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