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.

shakes his head. "It's not that I don't want to. It's just... I

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

home," he says after a moment. "There's business I need to take care of, and I

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

sleep on a bed of nails for you. This isn't

my lip, not sure how I feel about him leaving.

hand reaching out to squeeze mine. "I'll just be a phone call away if you need me. This is all a part of

reassurance. "I want to stay here for at least a week, I'm

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172 Unfamiliar Conforts

live at that house! I have to convince Mom to let it go. I want to try and get

you need to do," he says. "But you can't force anything. They have a

"I know."

"One more question."

"What?"

did that

think I'm going on those streets and not be

answer my

that topic," I

against me." He smiles. I'll head out to the jet.

"I'll miss you.

"I'll miss you too."

You were amazing

lot more raw and real than 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 sure that I want to be with you. You're amazing. You're loyal and trustworthy. I am

says his goodbyes to the others and then he's gone. The place and my heart feels very empty

the first

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

is a big tub and a separate shower. I'd ask for one if possible. I turn the taps

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

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