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?"

"Just you, me, and some seriously

me laugh, and I

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

flutter of excitement in my belly. It's been so long since we've just been... us. No drama,

melt my heart. "Great. I'll pick you up at seven. Be ready to

room, I watch him go, feeling a mixture of pride and a little bit of awe. This is the Jayden I fell in love

down with Mom in the kitchen, the smell of coffee brewing filling the air. She's been doing better, I can see it in the way she holds herself, the way she talks

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190 Being a Daughter

was thinking," I start, trying to sound casual. "Maybe you could stay here. Permanently, I mean. You could help me with Abby, and we could make up for lost

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

"I'll consider it. It's hard adjusting from being independent,

get it, Mom.

anything else, Cass bursts into the room,

I ask,

I'll take good care of you." There's a hint of pride in her voice, but also something else-something that makes me

one to take care of Mom. Maybe I'm reading too much into it. But in any case, it's okay.

hesitates, looking between us. "We'll see," she says

says, though I can tell she's already making plans

But the conversation leaves me with a lot to think about.

maintain the closeness they've shared. And I

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

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