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?"

my ear. "Just you, me, and some seriously good food. And maybe a

makes me laugh, and I shake my head at him.

kiss

convinced me," I reply, feeling a flutter of excitement in my belly. It's been so long since we've just been... us. No drama, no chaos. Just Jayden and

"Great. I'll

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

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

here. Permanently, I mean. You could help me with

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 her grandma around. I

hands, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'll consider it. It's hard adjusting from being independent, and there's Cass to consider. It's just

get it,

say anything else, Cass bursts into the room, her energy

ask,

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

too much into it. But in any case, it's okay. I get why she feels that

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

can tell she's already making

lot to think about. Cass is trying to carve out her own place in the world, just

the closeness they've

as much as we're trying to rebuild it, is still fractured. There are pieces missing, and I'm not sure how to

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