eric was right - the opinion of others shouldn't bother nothing. what did it matter if someone believed a lie? why care if someone sent glares her way whenever eric was around? they were longtime friends who have seen the absolute worst in each other and yet - still they remain. that's truly all that should've mattered.

but it didn't.

living in a small town sucked. especially after moving back from being in one of the nation's most crammed cities where no one knew her or of her. none of her family members were revered or feared. she was simply cassandra davidson. now there were titles after her name: cassandra davidson: daughter of the police chief, sister of an fbi agent, sibling to the owner of the popular cafe and sister to the town's wedding planner. might as well put a sign on her forehead with 'black sheep' written on it. cassandra davidson: bartender, cat mom, addict.

"you know how people talk in this town," she started with a sigh. "about me." a handful of people knew about her time in the big apple. those people she trusted to not speak a word about her demons. however, one of those people was her brother. despite the rekindling of their siblingship, cassie worries nate dropped the news to one of their other sisters, or worst, their father. "i'm already the 'least likely to succeed' davidson. i don't need 'homewrecker' being another reason for my dad to hate me." her statement forced a shake from her head as her face scrunched. "i know that sounds dumb but these daddy issues run deep."