My CEO 190

190 Being a Daughter (Winona)

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Jayden walks into my living room with a kind of swagger I haven't seen in a while.

He's got that confident, easy-going smile that used to drive me crazy back in college-the one that says he knows exactly what he wants, and he's not afraid to go after it.

"I'm done with therapy," he says, like it's the most natural thing in the world.

I blink at him, caught off guard. "What do you mean, done?"

"Exactly that. I don't need to see Barnaby anymore. I've got my shit together, and I'm in control. No more sessions."

It's not a question, and he's not looking for my approval. He's telling me, plain and simple, that he's made up his mind. There's something undeniably attractive about the way he says it-like he's finally stepping into his own power. But there's also a part of me that's surprised by how resolute he is.

"You're sure about this?"

"Absolutely," he says, walking over to me and pulling me into his arms. "I know what I want, and I'm not going to let anything or anyone get in the way of that. And right now, what I want is to take you out on a date."

His tone shifts, dropping to that low, playful one he used to use when we were younger, and I can't help but smile.

"A date, huh?"

he says, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "Just you,

me laugh, and I shake my

you," he says, leaning in to kiss me softly. "Come

of excitement in my belly. It's been so long since we've just been... us. No drama, no chaos. Just Jayden and

me that boyish look that used to melt my heart. "Great. I'll pick you up at seven. Be ready to be wowed. Dress

Jayden I fell in love with the one who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go after it. Maybe

the air. She's been doing better, I can see it in the way she holds herself, the way she talks about the future.

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190 Being a Daughter

start, trying to sound casual. "Maybe you could stay here. Permanently, I mean. You could help me with Abby, and we

can see the wheels turning in her mind. "Winona, I... I'd love to be close to you, but I'm not sure I'm ready for that kind of responsibility. I mean physically I'm not strong. I'd be worried about being alone with her for too long." "Let's take it a little at a time." I say, reaching out to take her hand. "Abby would love to have

lips. "I'll consider it. It's hard adjusting from being independent, and there's Cass to consider. It's just been her and I

it, Mom. No

I can say anything else, Cass bursts into the room, her energy filling the

ask,

grinning. "It's not much, just working at a café downtown, but it's something. I'm saving up, and as soon as I can, I'm moving out. Then, Mom, you can come live with me. I'll take good care of you." There's a hint of pride in her voice, but also something else-something that makes me pause.

I'm reading too much into it.

us. "We'll see," she says gently. "One step at a

can tell she's already making plans

leaves me with a lot to think about. Cass is

she's also fighting for Mom's attention, to maintain the

family, as much as we're trying to rebuild it, is still fractured. There

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