Chapter 62

Cassie’s phone started to ring and when her eyes fell on her screen it was Steven’s name flashing. She picked up a call while going through some numbers in a document opened on her laptop. “How is it possible you are calling me in a week when Raven came to meet you?.”

Steven sighed. “Raven hasn’t come yet.”

Cassie looked away from the screen and adjusted her glasses. “Why is everything alright?”

Steven in his gentle tone. “Can we talk, Specs?”

They hadn't talked about it since Cassie left his room. She vividly recalls the day she endured excruciating pain. It was difficult for her to leave the dorm, but she believed it was necessary as Steven got back the love of his life. Cassie had been avoiding this conversation because she had no strength to hear any BUTS after I love you."

Steven was always there for her, from the day Ruth passed away to the funeral and even beyond that.

Steven had been giving her comfort. He was there for her when she felt like her pain was too much to handle. He held her hand and let her cry on his shoulder. Steven had consistently prioritized Cassie's immediate needs over their personal issues. Steven told her he would always love her once Ryker and Daniel moved in with her.

Steven asked. “Hello, Specs, you there?”

Cassie cleared her throat. “Yeah… yeah Steven I am here.”

Steven asked again. “Can we meet and talk, Specs?”

Cassie managed to respond firmly. “Sure…. When… when do you want to meet?”

Steven immediately. “Can we meet after your office hours?”

Cassie tried to lighten the mood. “Only if you promise to feed me a nice dinner.”

Steven asked. “How about if I make you dinner?”

Cassie took a deep breath because she thinks now is the time to face the music. “How about my place?”

Steven hesitantly responded to her suggestion. “Specs, I want to talk in private. Don’t get me wrong because you should know Daniel and Ryker are important to me as well but right now I have no courage to open my heart in front of…”

Cassie cut him off. “Ryker will be at his race and Daniel will come late so we’ll be alone at my place.”

Steven thanked her before ending the call. Cassie lost interest in numbers right in front of her as she was mustering up the courage to hear if Steven wanted to leave her or not ready to embrace their relationship for now.

After dropping out of college, Steven had a lot on his plate, from training classes to team meetings and matches. He pushed himself mentally and physically every day with new challenges. From being a college student to a professional athlete was a huge change, but Steven was ready for the challenges and expectations of his new job. Besides playing professional football, the pressure to perform well and impress was the most exciting.

Elena had been a reason for Steven's stress. He wanted to be a part of Raven's life, but Elena had declined. Elena agreed to settle the case privately after being served with a court summons. They agreed that Raven would spend a week with Steven every month, and Elena would contact Steven before making any big decisions for their son. This agreement provided Steven with a sense of calm and security, allowing him to focus on developing a relationship with Raven without fear of legal repercussions.

The week Steven spends with Raven is sacred to him, filled with trips to the park, football games in the backyard, and quiet evenings watching cartoons together.

Steven's relationship with his dad remained strained. The football club provided Steven with a spacious apartment, a perk of his professional status. The apartment became a haven for him and Raven, a place where they could bond without interruptions. Initially, Raven had been distant, confused by the sudden appearance of his dad. Raven has now accepted that his dad has not died; he is alive, and he is Steven.

Cassie knew everything since she heard half of what Steven told Ryker and Daniel. The other half of what she listened to was Ryker and Daniel talking about Steven.

She had been notified by Daniel to finish with a file as soon as possible because he had a meeting in an hour. Cassie shut off every thought unrelated to work and was engulfed in finding a glitch in figures.
Daniel and Cassie did a six-month internship before officially joining the firm. Daniel enjoyed the work so he asked his dad if he could join and this was the first time Derek smiled and welcomed him in the office warm-heartedly. Derek was expecting Ryker to join the business as well but he reminded Derek of his vow that until they completed the degree Derek wouldn’t let them enter the office.

Cassie completed her tasks and rushed to Daniel. “Here is the file and I have highlighted entries that have glitches.”

Daniel kept a file on the table. “What is wrong with you, Cass?”

Cassie pretended to smile. “Nothing why did you think there is something wrong with me?”

Daniel leaned back in his chair. “Because you never completed your tasks this much late.”

Cassie sighed. “I don’t know how did it happen but I promise I won’t let you down again.”

Daniel reminded her. “Please don’t forget Dad is looking for your one tiny mistake to fire you.”

Cassie nodded and apologized before leaving the office. Cassie wanted to share with Daniel about Steven’s meeting but didn’t as they have made a pact to keep their personal professional lives apart. Here in the office, Cassie is Daniel’s assistant, and nothing more than that. They have been successfully keeping boundaries for the past two months.

Cassie hurried to take shower the moment she entered her place. Although she had made up her mind even if it was their last date she had to look good that Steven would remember her for the rest of her life.