Mended (Lucian & Lia #3)(39)
Ever loyal, he says confidently, “You’ll make it, Luc, of that I am certain. By the way, where’s Aidan been hiding himself? I haven’t seen him for a few weeks now.”
“He’s still tied up with the Kenson deal. He’s been onsite a good bit in the last month. They seem to prefer the personal approach to emails and phone calls. Be ready to draft another offer to them soon. I believe we’re in the end stages now.”
“I’ll give him a call later on today,” Max says easily, comfortable once again in his legal element. “Has he mentioned anything else about Cassie to you?”
Now I’m the one wanting to change the subject. Max isn’t asking because he’s nosy, though. He’s always looking out for my interests and he’s used to overseeing most of my affairs, including Cassie. “We discussed her briefly before he left town this last time. Both he and her doctors believe she’s still making a miraculous recovery thanks to her new medication.”
Max looks as uncomfortable as I feel about this information. “I guess that’s good news,” he finally says uneasily. “Luc, maybe it wasn’t the best idea for you to turn her guardianship over to Aidan. I mean, I know it’s too difficult for you to deal with, but I’ve never complained about overseeing matters with her. It’s not that I don’t trust Aidan,” he rushes to add, “but he loves her and as such may not be capable of looking at her care objectively.”
He gives voice to my own concerns and I wonder again if I’ve made a mistake by taking Max out of the loop. At the time, I was just attempting to distance myself from Cassie. I felt like it was only fair to relieve Max of his obligations to her as well. It’s become a double-edged sword, though. I am enjoying the peace of not knowing, but also worry about being blindsided in the future. “Fuck if I know,” I admit. “He’s asked me to trust him and I’m trying to do that. I could happily live the rest of my life without hearing her name again, but like you, I’m almost more nervous not knowing what’s happening.” I know this next part is going to rattle him, but he needs to know. “He also says there has been some discussion about her leaving for an overnight visit with him. Not that his apartment would be familiar, but perhaps his belongings, old photos, or favorite shopping malls would be. Her doctor thought it might do her good to visit familiar places.”
Max resembles a fish as his mouth flops open and closed in shock. “Are you f*cking kidding me?” he asks disbelievingly. “After what she did, they want to send her on some kind of field trip?” He’s on his feet now and pacing the floor.
“There were no charges filed against her,” I remind him even though I’m secretly glad he feels the same way I do. “There’s nothing to keep her from walking right out the door if they deem her mentally capable of caring for herself. I just pay the bills there. I may have been her guardian at one time, but even then, I didn’t have the power to overrule them if they decided she could be released.” I’m almost impressed with my even tone while I quote legalities with Max of all people. He’s staring at me as if he can’t believe what I’m saying even though he knows I’m right.
“I don’t like this at all,” he growls, looking concerned enough to make me want to panic. “What’s to keep Aidan from just removing her from their care? He has that authority now. If she ever gets well enough to make such a request to him, then you’re f*cked, buddy. Aidan will never be able to say no to her. I know we’re all friends, but this goes beyond that. You need to put me back in the position of co-guardian.”
I drop my head into my hands, picturing my other friend’s earnest face as he asked for my trust. Was I a fool to grant that? At this point, I am torn between loyalty and self-preservation. “You know I’d like nothing better than to put the whole thing in your lap,” I begin, “but I made a promise to Aidan.” When Max starts to argue, I hold up a hand to silence him. “I know you’re right, and we should be exercising caution. I also believe that Aidan would tell me before he allowed her to leave the facility’s care. I don’t think we’re in any immediate danger so I would like to give him what he’s asked me for. At least for now. If something changes, then I’ll let you know immediately. We’ll do whatever needs to be done at that point.”
“I’ve never been a fan of the watch and see approach,” he says reluctantly. “Would you at least question Aidan about what’s going on with her when you speak to him again? I’d feel better knowing that we’re not missing anything major right now.”
I incline my head in agreement, thinking to myself that I’d rather have a prostate exam, but he’s right, of course. “I’ll let you know if anything comes up.”
“Good enough.” He’s still frowning as he walks toward the door.
“Don’t forget what I said about Rose,” I toss out and want to laugh as his shoulder twitches. It’s petty, but I feel a tad better. He’s ensured that thoughts of Cassie will fill my mind this afternoon so I might as well give him something of his own to obsess over. And they say women have the market cornered on being vindictive.
Lia
“There is no way I’m letting you go in there.” Rose shudders as I stop in the doorway of a maternity store in the mall. “They have nothing but different colored muumuus in here.” Looking up and down the hallways, she asks desperately, “Where are the cool mommy-to-be stores? This place is like, ‘mommy has already given up.’”