Cassidy Lane by Maria Murnane Read Free Book Online

you. Besides, Dean’s ancient history. You can’t let him affect your attitude like that.”
    “But—”
    “But what? He’s gone , Cassidy. You need to forget about him and move on. There are zillions of men out there who are way better than Dean. Maybe this Brandon is one of them.”
    Cassidy frowned. “Most of the dates I’ve had since Dean and I broke up have basically been a disaster. Remember that twitchy life-insurance salesman I met for coffee who put ten packets of sugar into his sugar-free vanilla latte? And the guy who showed up at the bar wearing a pair of high-waisted jeans—with his shirt tucked in?”
    Danielle laughed. “I love that story.”
    “Which one?”
    “Both.”
    Cassidy reached for her coffee. “And remember the cute doctor who said he was separated from his wife, but then admitted on our first date that he still lives with her…and their three kids? I’m not sure I even know what a good date is anymore.”
    Danielle smiled. “Well …maybe you’ll soon find out. So you two are meeting on Wednesday?”
    “Yes. But I’m not even sure it’s a date.”
    “Where are you going?”
    “I haven’t picked a place yet. He’s staying at the Standard. Any suggestions?”
    Danielle pointed a forkful of pancake at her. “You should go to Diablo Royale in the West Village. Tristan and I went there a few weeks ago. Amazing margaritas. And if you decide to have dinner, the shrimp tacos are little bundles of heaven.”
    “You think he’ll want to have dinner with me?”
    “Why wouldn’t he? He has to eat, right?”
    “He might already have dinner plans.”
    Danielle poured more syrup on her pancakes. “If he’s meeting you at seven, I highly doubt that. You should really try to have more self-confidence, Cassidy. Self-confidence is attractive to a man. Besides, you’re a catch.”
    Cassidy smiled, grateful to have a friend like Danielle in her corner. “Thanks. Anyhow, enough about me. How are things going with you and young Tristan?”
    “I think I’m going to end it.”
    “Why?”
    “He told me he loves me.”
    Cassidy made a face. “Oh, jeez.” Tristan was twenty-seven.
    “I know. Not good.”
    “So you’re still not into him?”
    “I like him well enough.”
    “But you’re not in love with him.” It wasn’t a question.
    Danielle shook her head. “I’m not opposed to being in love with him, but unfortunately I’m just not feeling it.”
    “You probably should have broken up with him a while ago, don’t you think?”
    “Probably, but I do like hanging out with him, and the sex is off the hook. How can I let him down easy?”
    Cassidy crinkled her nose. “Well…if you didn’t tell him you love him back, he probably knows something’s up, right?”
    Danielle shook her head. “I don’t think so. He’s a sweet guy, and fireman-calendar hot, but he’s not all that quick on the uptake.”
    “What exactly did he say?”
    Danielle gave her a look. “Was I not clear? He said ‘I love you.’”
    “Smart-ass. What did you say back?”
    “I said ‘thank you.’ Then we had sex.”
    “Danielle!”
    She shrugged. “What was I supposed to do? He’s hot.”
    “I don’t know, maybe not sleep with him?”
    “So says you.”
    “When was this?”
    “Last night.”
    “Where is he now?”
    Danielle cut another piece of pancake with her fork. “He’s on a bike ride with a friend. We’re supposed to get together later and go to a movie.”
    “You’ve got to end it.”
    “I know that. I even said that, if you were listening to me.”
    Cassidy laughed. “Don’t get feisty, I’m just agreeing with you. You can’t string the poor guy along anymore.”
    Danielle pretended to stab herself in the neck. “I’ve been thinking…maybe I could fake my own death?”
    Cassidy laughed again. “Have mercy on the poor guy—he loves you! Plus that could get kinda messy, what with all the fake blood.”
    “Do you have a better idea?”
    “Have you thought about…I