CHAPTER TWENTY ONE – THE THERAPY SESSION

Cassie wiped down the counter at Cheesy Fingers, her mind wandering to her upcoming date with Alex. Things had been tense between them lately, and she hoped tonight might smooth things over. The bell above the door chimed, and Alex walked in, his face set in a scowl. "Hey," Cassie said, forcing a smile. "I'll be done in ten minutes." Alex grunted and slumped into a booth. As Cassie finished her closing duties, she could feel Alex's eyes boring into her back. When she finally hung up her apron, she turned to find him standing right behind her. "Ready?" he asked, his voice clipped. "Yeah, let's go." They walked to Alex's car in silence. As they drove, Cassie tried to spark conversation. "So, how was your gig last night?" Alex shrugged. "Fine." "Just fine? Come on, give me details." He sighed heavily. "What do you want to know, Cassie? How many girls were throwing themselves at me?" Cassie's stomach clenched. "That's not what I meant." "Sure it wasn't." They arrived at the r