I realised I didn't have my phone with me, which meant it was still inside the house. I rushed back in and dialled Cassandra.
"Babe, how are you," Cassandra's bright voice filled my ear.
"I am good. I was wondering if I could have dinner with you guys," I said softly, hoping she would say yes.
"Honey, you are always welcome here," she replied sweetly. I smiled and nodded to myself.
"I know you nodded. I will be expecting you, and hurry because Max has been stealing the food," she added with a laugh before I ended the call.
I took a quick shower, dressed, and drove to Cassandra's house, which was just on the next street.
I rang the doorbell and heard her calling from inside, "Coming."
When she opened the door, she gave me a playful look. "Babe, you know the passcode. You really need to stop knocking."
"Hey, Luce," Max greeted me from the dining table, looking up with a mischievous grin, as if he had just been caught sneaking bites.
"Hey," I whispered, taking a seat. The rich aroma of the food made my stomach flutter.
Cassandra joined us and said grace before we began eating.
"So, we have been thinking of moving into the house across from yours," Cassandra said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"That sounds amazing," I replied with a warm smile as I took another bite.
"Yes, imagine it. Our children growing up as best friends, just like us," she beamed.
Max leaned forward slightly. "And how are things with you and Will," he asked, watching me with a curious glint in his eye.
"We are doing okay," I answered, then quickly changed the subject. "Cass, your cooking is as delicious as ever."
"Oh, thank you. And does Will know you are back in town," Max asked, his tone light but his gaze lingering on me a little longer than I expected.
I hesitated, the words catching in my throat. A brief, strange silence settled over the table.
Cassandra broke it with a cheerful tone. "Right, everyone, finish up and drop your plates in the dishwasher." She stood and tossed her plate in with a loud clatter that somehow did not result in broken dishes.
After dinner, Cassandra curled up beside me on the couch, resting her head on my lap. I stroked her hair gently, while Max watched from across the room, his gaze flickering between the two of us. His stare held something more than mild annoyance, though he tried to hide it behind the screen of his laptop.
"How was Japan," Cassandra asked, her fingers playing with a strand of my blonde hair.
"It was beautiful," I replied softly, memories flooding back. "I think you and Max would love it."
"See," she said, sitting up and shooting Max a teasing glance. "I keep telling him we should go for a little adventure."
Max gave a small shrug, his attention still divided between us.
After answering all of Cassandra's many questions, I decided it was time to head home. I prayed silently that I would not sleepwalk again tonight. And no matter how much my heart ached, I could not bring myself to tell her that I had met the father of my child.
Everything would be fine.
At least, that was what I kept telling myself.
I could not have been more wrong.