CHAPTER EIGHTEEN – THINGS GOT PHYSICAL

The next few days passed in a blur of tears and self-doubt. Cassie threw herself into her work at Cheesy Fingers, grateful for the distraction. But in the quiet moments, when the restaurant was empty and the only sound was the hum of the refrigerators, she found her mind wandering back to Alex. Had she overreacted? Was she pushing away the best thing in her life because of unfounded suspicions? But then she would remember the secretive texts, the canceled plans, the defensive anger when she'd asked for honesty. No, she told herself. She had made the right decision, even if it felt like her heart was breaking all over again every time she thought about it. One evening, as Cassie was closing up the restaurant, her phone buzzed with a text. Her heart leaped, thinking it might be Alex, but the name on the screen made her pause: Jenna. "Hey girl, heard about you and Alex. Want to grab a drink and talk?" Cassie hesitated, then typed out a reply. "Thanks, but I think I need some time alon