Star: Take 3

Chapter 19

MS. CARLOTTA POV

Before heading out for my much-anticipated date with Randall, I checked in with Robert. I found Robert in the security van, monitoring the various feeds from cameras placed around my house. "Robert," I greeted him, stepping into the van. His head turned, and he immediately stood up, a sign of respect that he always insisted on maintaining.

"Ms. Carlotta, everything is in order here," he reported promptly. "Is there anything specific you need before you head out?" I nodded, appreciating his directness. "I just wanted to make sure everything's set for tonight. You know how rare these evenings are for me and Randall, and I want to ensure there are no interruptions unless absolutely necessary."

"Absolutely, Ms. Carlotta," Robert replied, his voice reassuring. "I've doubled-checked all the systems, and everything's functioning perfectly. We've also coordinated with the on-duty team to be on higher alert while you're out. You can enjoy your evening with Randall without any worries."

"Thank you, Robert."

"You're welcome," he said with a slight nod. "Enjoy your evening. And if there's anything you need, no matter the hour, you have my number."

Before leaving, I paused at the door, a last-minute thought crossing my mind. Turning back to Robert, who was still attentively monitoring the screens, I added another request.

"Robert, one more thing," I began, catching his attention once more. "Could you keep a close eye on Cassie tonight? She's been dealing with a lot lately, and I want to make sure she's safe while I'm out."

Robert nodded, his expression turning even more serious. "Of course, Ms. Carlotta. I'll personally monitor any activity around her location and keep the team alerted to any unusual movements. Would you like us to maintain a discreet distance or have someone on closer watch?"

"Keep it discreet," I instructed, knowing Cassie valued her independence but also understanding the necessity of ensuring her safety. "She doesn't need to feel watched, but I want to be sure we're proactive about her security."

"Understood," Robert confirmed, making a few notes on his tablet. "We'll handle it subtly. She won't notice anything but will be well-protected."

"Thank you, Robert. I appreciate it," I said. With a grateful smile, I stepped out of the van. When Randall picked me up, he was wearing that charming smile that had won me over from the start. "You look beautiful, Carlotta," he said, his eyes lighting up as he gave me a gentle kiss on the cheek.

At the restaurant, we chose a quiet corner table. As we sat down, Randall took my hand across the table, his touch grounding, his presence calming. "I've missed this," he admitted, squeezing my hand gently. "Just being with you like this."

"Me too," I confessed. "We need to make sure we do this more often, no matter how busy we get."

Dinner was delightful, the food delicious, but it was the conversation that I enjoyed the most. As we walked back to the car, Randall stopped and pulled me close for a moment. "Carlotta, I know we've both got a lot on our plates, but I want you to know, you're my priority. We're in this together, and I love you."

Hearing those words, feeling his arms around me, I knew that no matter how hectic life got, we had something special. "I love you too, Randall," I said, resting my head on his shoulder for a moment longer before we continued walking.

The drive home was quiet, a comfortable silence. As Randall pulled up to my house, I turned to him. "I really enjoyed myself tonight," I said. The evening had been a perfect distraction. Randall's smile widened, and he leaned in, his lips meeting mine in a tender kiss. He pulled back slightly, his eyes locked on mine, and then he got out of the car. Walking around to my side, to open my door.

We walked to the front door together, our steps slow, neither of us eager to end the night. At the doorstep, Randall turned to face me, his hands gently cupping my face. "Tonight was wonderful, Carlotta," he said, his voice low and full of emotion. I reached up, my hands covering his, and smiled. "It really was. Thank you, Randall, for making it so special." He smiled back, then leaned in once more, his lips pressing softly against mine.

"Goodnight, Lottie," he said, his voice a soft murmur. "Goodnight, Randall," I replied, watching as he walked back to his car, turning to give me one last smile before he drove away.
The morning after my date with Randall, Robert called me to give me an update.

"Ms. Carlotta, I thought you should see this," Robert said, his tone neutral as he played back a video on one of the monitors. The footage was clear, showing Cassie and Maurice in what seemed to be a deeply personal moment, their bodies close, ending in a kiss that was anything but platonic.

I felt a mix of emotions, my eyebrows knitting together in concern. Maurice was my ex, and I didn't know how to feel. Cassie hadn't mentioned anything about seeing someone, let alone Maurice. "Thank you, Robert. I'll handle it from here," I said, my mind racing with how to approach Cassie.

Later that day, I invited Cassie out for lunch. As we sat down to eat, I decided to tread lightly, not wanting to startle her or make her feel cornered. "So, Cassie, how have things been with you lately? Anything new or exciting happening in your life?" I asked, keeping my tone light and friendly.

Cassie hesitated, a flicker of something crossing her face before she masked it with a smile. "Oh, you know, the usual hustle. Nothing much really."

I nodded, stirring my food a bit, then looked up at her with a gentle, inquiring smile. "I see. I hope you know you can share things with me, Cassie. Whether it's work or... personal matters." There was a pause, a moment where Cassie seemed to weigh her words. "I appreciate that, sis," she finally said, her voice soft.

Deciding to be more direct, I added, "It's important to have someone who supports you, someone who cares. Speaking of which, is there someone special? Maybe someone like Maurice?"

Cassie's reaction was immediate, her eyes widening slightly, a clear sign that she hadn't expected me to be in the know. "I... How did you...?"

"I love you, and part of that is making sure you're happy," I explained, hoping to ease her into talking. Cassie sighed, relief washing over her face.

"Yes, we've been seeing each other," she admitted. "It's new, and we didn't know how to... or when to bring it up."

"I understand, Cassie," I said, reaching across the table to offer a reassuring touch. "I'm not judging you." I trusted Cassie's judgment, yet I knew I would keep a watchful eye on how things went with Maurice.

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