Chapter 76: The Goodbye

Cassie's euphoric balloon deflated the moment she pulled into park at the farm. Ben and Kali sat on the porch chatting but stopped as she left her vehicle. Ben approached and pulled her into a hug. The usual slutty reaction to his embrace didn't happen. Instead, a sinking feeling in her gut took hold, and she dreaded the conversation about to happen.

He stepped away and looked her in the eye, obviously struggling with his thoughts. She didn't need to tell him it was over; he already knew it or felt the same. Whatever it was, the space between them was laden with a wall of awkwardness that seemed insurmountable.

Before she could speak, Ben said, "We need to take a walk." Cassie looked over to Kali, who scowled at her, shooting invisible arrows of hatred in her direction.

Great, one more enemy to add to the list. Cassie followed Ben, both remained silent for several minutes.

"We can't see each other anymore," Ben said, breaking the silence.