SWNOVELS Chapter My CEO 322
322 Cracks in the Surface (Cass)
I'm half-asleep on the couch when I hear Gabriel talking on the phone. He is all smooth and confident, like always. But then he says something that makes my heart drop.
"I'm free to move wherever the business takes me. No ties holding me down.".
No ties? What the hell does that make me then? A side piece? Some chick he's keeping around for fun
until he bounces?
My stomach twists. I've been ignoring the signs, brushing off the little things, but hearing him say that out loud hits differently. It feels like the floor's just been ripped out from under me. I can't let this slide.
I can't just let it go. As soon as he gets off the phone, I corner him. "So, no ties, huh?" I snap, crossing my arms. "What am I then? Just some rando you hook up with when you're bored?"
Gabriel looks at me like I'm speaking a different language. "What?"
"I heard you!" I jab a finger at him. "You told them you didn't have any ties holding you down. So, where do I fit in, huh?"
He rubs his temples like I'm annoying him. "Cass, come on. I mean no business ties. You're making this bigger than it is."
"No," I shot back. "You didn't even mention me. Not once. It's like I don't matter."
He sighs, looking fed up. "Because it wasn't relevant! I didn't bring you up because you've got nothing to do with my business deals. I assumed you'd come with me if I had to move. Why is that such a big deal? I stare at him, my chest tightening even more. "You assumed I'd just pack up my life and follow you? Like I don't have my own dreams or plans?"
Gabriel's jaw clenched, and I can see the frustration building. "Cass, you knew what this was. I've been upfront with you since day one. I've got goals, and I need to go where the business takes me." "No, up until now, you were taking over Brennan Industries, not looking elsewhere. What happened?" I confront him.
His face goes dark. "There's been some developments there. Judy will continue to run Brennan Industries. I'm looking into other options to secure my start-up, possibly elsewhere. I figured you'd be on board."
"You figured wrong," I muttered, looking away. "I've got my own life. I'm not your shadow."
Gabriel shook his head, his voice softer now, but still distant. "You're blowing this out of proportion."
"Out of proportion? You're not even asking what I might want."
He sighs again, stepping closer, trying to pull me into some kind of hug but I pull away.
What is holding you here, Cass? Your sister is leaving, and you mostly argue with her anyway."
"She won't be gone forever," I defend, even though he has a point. "And that's not the point, Gabriel. I'm not some tag-along you can just assume will follow you wherever you decide to go. I love my job." 122 Cracks in the Surface
+25 BONUS
"You can cook anywhere."
i want to cook here. Traineeships like this aren't easy to get."
"I didn't think it'd be an issue," he said, sounding genuinely confused. "I figured you'd want to be with me."
"Yeah, but I want to be with someone who actually gives a damn about what I want too," I say back, my voice rising. "I don't think I know you at all."
There's silence for a moment, both of us standing there staring at each other. I don't know what I expected him to say, but his next words hit me harder than I thought they would.
"You don't trust me, do you?" Gabriel asked, his voice quiet but serious. "After Cancun. I feel it."
My heart slams. The mention of Cancun flips something inside me. I swallow hard, trying to keep my emotions in check. "It's the nightmares. I can't shake them. I can feel you there, Gabriel-Just before they took me. Were you there?" may as well get it all out there now we've started.
His face goes as dark as thunder. "I wasn't there. You know that. This isn't real, it's a dream." His voice is strained and I can hear the anger behind it.
"Is it though?" I press. "Every time I wake up from those nightmares, it feels too real. Like maybe you were
"I'm not listening to this crap any longer." His voice is sharp, cutting through the air like a slap. Then with a bang of the door, he's gone.
I stand there, breathing hard, trying to calm myself down, but it's impossible. This isn't just about that phone call or even Cancun
It's the way he always brushes me off like I'm just being dramatic, like my feelings are something to be dismissed. I can see red flags, I just suck at acting on them. Well, good. He can stay gone too
But deep down, I feel this tight knot of doubt-what if he really wasn't there? Is my mind playing tricks on me? I don't know. Maybe Winona is right.
I can just see her saying I told you so and me looking as stupid as fuck. I wish Mom was here. I knew she was always on my side. Mia was but now she's back in Cuba.
Gabriel, well, that's just a mess right now. Counseling is one thing. Reality is another. I'm alone in this world right now and I have to sort this shit for myself.
Shoving that thought away, I walk to my wardrobe and fish on the top shelf. The box is there, and I pull it
out.
I hold the plastic packet and raise it to my nose, breathing deep. I have to work in an hour, so I shouldn't.
It's only weed, it helps me relax. I'll just have a little.
I can stop anytime I want.