Wrung dry and feeling happier than I can ever remember feeling, I tighten my arms around Cassandra, my Butterfly, my pretty little neighbor, and board the plane for home.
She tries to take her own seat, but I pull her into my lap, and by the time the aircraft leaves the ground, sheâs fast asleep, her head lolling against my shoulder.
I watch the darkness grow outside the window and stroke my hand up and down Cassandraâs thigh.
I need to find the realtor who sold Cassandra 1304 Holly Court and give her a million dollars. Maybe four.
Nero and King are in the two seats across from me, so I kick my foot out toward the aisle, getting Neroâs attention.
He slowly turns to face me. âYes?â
I nod past him to King, knowing heâs the digital guy. âCan you find someone for me and set up an anonymous transfer?â
King lifts a brow. âCan you not?â
I roll my eyes. âI donât exactly have a computer these days.â Then I think about it. âIâll need to scope out another hotel.â
Nero waves me off. âWe already talked about it, youâre staying at my place tonight.â
âSavannahâs still there too,â King adds. âSo weâll crash in our usual room.â
Nero shrugs. âWhatever. Just donât wake me up at five a.m.â
âThat happened once. Get over it.â King shakes his head, then looks at me. âWho do you need me to find?â
âThe realtor that sold Cassandra her old house. Kinda feel like I owe her.â
âBecause you blew it up?â Nero jokes.
I give him the middle finger but admit, âI will need to find a realtor, but yeah, donât really want to try and explain the circumstances to anyone who already knows Cassandra.â
Nero tips his head. âWhat sort of place are you looking for?â
I hug Cassandra to me as I answer. âSomething big, lots of space for kids. And a big yard. Obviously fenced in and rigged for security.â I think about it. âPool would be nice. I grew up with one and I miss it.â
Nero nods slowly. âSounds like my neighborâs place.â
âThey selling?â I joke.
âIâm sure I can convince them to.â
âWhat? No. Nero, thatâsââ I was going to say crazy, but crazy is kind of his brand.
He leans back against the seat and closes his eyes. âTomorrow.â