Cassidy

Pulling the small kettle off the stove, Cassidy poured some water into each of the mugs on the counter before setting the teapot on an unused element on the stove.

“Earl Grey?” she asked, pulling open the cupboard door.

“Yes, thank you, that will be fine,” Lina said.

Pulling down the box, Cassidy opened it and put a tea bags in each of the cups. “Cream or sugar?” she asked, looking toward the three blonde women.

“Honey if you have it,” Lina replied, ghost of a smile on her lips.

Cassidy nodded, opening a drawer and placing a small teaspoon in each mug before removing a hive shaped plastic container half filled with amber colored honey from the same cupboard as the box of teabags. Taking the mugs by the handles, she brought all four to the table before returning for the honey.

“So?” Lina said, taking the honey and measuring out a spoonful before swirling it around the cup, “What do you think about my offer?”

Cassidy sat down and smiled, “I think it is a very generous proposition,” she said, nodding her head slowly.

“But?” Lina said, eyes narrowing as she removed the spoon and set it on the table next to the cup.

“In all candor, I really don’t see the point. Despite what Tom says or thinks, his mother is coming down in just a few days. I was here for the call and she seemed very determined and I don’t think she is going to take no for an answer, so,” she replied with a half-smile and a shrug, hands parted slightly.

“Please,” Lina said, “leave Tom’s mother to me. While she may or may not come down, I will handle the matter personally,” she assured.

Cassidy angled her head, “What about Tom, she specifically said she wanted to see him?”

“I will handle the matter, and when I’m done she won’t be looking for him,” Lina answered bringing the mug to her lips and taking a small sip.

Janine and Jessica both looked at their mother at the same time.

Janine frowned, what possible strategy could her mother be thinking? How could she possibly be so confident she could derail Elle Wentworth from seeing her son?

Jessica smiled, nodding, not really caring about the plan, just about getting a chance to see the tiny youth.

Swallowing the tea in her mouth, “I know what you’re thinking,” Lina said, setting her mug back on the table, “you’re thinking this offer is simply to get your guard down and manufacture a chance for one of us to seize Tom. Am I right?”

Cassidy tilted her head toward Lina and raised her eyebrows, “You make a compelling point. Tom is his own person, however, being no more than the size of a finger, his will can be easily overpowered,” she stated.

“I do not wish to be crass, but if my intent was ill, I hardly think we would be sitting here having this pleasant discussion in such a civil fashion. The reality of this meeting is that Tom is the final arbiter of his own situation,” she assured, “if he wishes to stay here, then by all means this is where he shall stay. There is no subterfuge to abduct him or secret him away. Although he is only small, he is quite capable of making his own mind up.”

Cassidy nodded, then turned to look at Janine, “So then the gist of your proposal is that I care for her?” she asked. “Ensure there are no lingering after effects of the crash?”

Lina leaned forward in her chair, “Yes, Janine will come over here for a period of time during the contract, you know, not just for appearance’s sake, but also to get to know you and have a chance to chat with him,” Lina answered. “It also affords you the opportunity to continue to care for Tom. After all, you are a nurse, a healer, and what better hands could he possibly be in?”

Jessica’s mouth opened and she raised her manicured eyebrows, stricken look on her face, “What about me?” she asked. “I want to be able to come over and meet with Tom.”

“This is Cassidy’s home child, it will be up to her whether or not you can come over,” she replied.

Crossing her arms, Jessica pushed herself back in the chair, pouty expression on her pretty face.

“Please child, such displays of petulance are entirely unflattering,” Lina admonished, expression of displeasure on her face.

Jessica glowered but said nothing.

“With Janine in my residence, I will limit her to no more than four hours daily, ten until two, and I would like some assurances there will be no mischief,” the nurse said, laying down the law.

“It is as I have already said, it is for Tom to decide how his day shall unfold. He is his own person and neither you nor I can control him any more than we can direct the wind,” she said with a chuckle.

Cassidy turned her head to look at the stunning Janine, “I said it more for her sake than for yours,” she clarified, eyes locked onto the limpid blue orbs of the girl.

Lina spread her hands, “They are only teenagers, what transpires between them is between them,” she said with a chuckle, “I’m sure you can remember what that was like back when you were their tender age?” she inquired.

Cassidy nodded slowly, lowering her eyes as she wrapped her hands around the mug on the beverage in front of her.

A wisp of a smile touched the corner of Janine’s lovely mouth. She knew her mother was formidable, but she had just seen her deliver a lethal stroke to the nurse. Although she was still only in her twenties, Cassidy was a decade older than Tom. The blade had found its mark and the wound was mortal.

Cassidy nodded slowly, “Alright, we will start tomorrow and go on a day by day basis, pay included,” she stated plainly.

“Excellent,” Lina replied, bringing her tea back to her lips.