sounds weird, but I kind of feel like I’ve known him my entire life.”
“Sounds like you’re in love.” She grinned.
“Shut up.” I laughed.
“Seriously, Mason. Don’t you think it’s kind of dangerous inviting a stranger to the apartment?”
“I do it—or at least I did it all the time.”
“But those were women. Big difference. What if he’s a murderer? What do you know about him?”
“He’s not a murderer. He’s from Alaska and he’s a crab fisherman. Well, he used to be. He’s retired now.”
“So he’s an Alaskan crab fisherman murderer?”
“Very funny.” I nudged her shoulder.
“How old is this guy?”
“I’d say around sixty, maybe early sixties.”
“Really?” She bit down on her bottom lip.
“Yeah. He just got into New York about a week ago and doesn’t know anyone. We talked, he told me some stories, and I invited him over. I think you’ll like him.”
Sara
I found it odd that Mason would just up and invite a total stranger to the apartment for dinner. But then again, he invited a total stranger to live with him. That stranger being me. He was a kind-hearted person, and his generosity made me fall more in love with him. But I still couldn’t help the feeling that something wasn’t right.
When we got back from the grocery store, I realized we forgot to pick up something, so Mason ran to the corner store to get it. As I was putting away the groceries, there was a knock on the door. When I opened it, Nathan stood there with a grin.
“Hello, Sara.”
“Hey, Nathan. Come on in.”
“Mason told me he’d be home in a few and just to wait for him.”
“Yeah. He just ran to the corner store. We forgot something we need for dinner.”
“Oh. So you two are cooking dinner together?” He smirked.
“Yeah. Mason invited this guy over he met last night at Rudy’s.”
“What guy?”
“Some guy named Jack. I guess he’s from Alaska and was a crab fisherman. They got to talking last night over drinks and he invited him over.”
“That’s weird. That doesn’t sound like my brother,” he spoke.
“I thought that too, but then again, he did invite me to live with him.”
“True.” He chuckled. “I guess my little brother is changing.”
“Who’s changing?” Mason asked as he walked through the door.
“You are. Sara was just telling me how you invited some random guy from Rudy’s over for dinner.”
“Yeah. His name is Jack. I’ll go get that shirt for you.”
“When do I get to meet this new friend?” Nathan shouted.
“Dude, I just met the guy. I don’t know.” Mason walked over and handed him his shirt.
“Thanks, bro. Don’t forget we’re meeting at the gym tomorrow morning at six. Elijah said he has to be at the office by eight.”
“I’ll be there. See you later, bro.”
While Mason seasoned the steaks, I started prepping the salad. As I was cutting up the cucumbers, the knife slipped and cut my finger.
“Shit!” I yelled as I grabbed hold of my finger and blood poured from it onto the counter.
“Here,” Mason spoke as he grabbed a towel. “Wrap this tightly around it.”
I couldn’t help but smile at him.
“What?” The corners of his mouth curved upward.
“I am a doctor, you know.”
“I know. Sorry. It’s just the medical training side of me.”
After a few moments, Mason took the towel and slowly unwrapped it so he could look at my finger.
“Good news, doctor. I don’t think you need stitches. I’ll go grab a butterfly from the bathroom and I’ll have you fixed up in a flash.” He winked.
I sighed as I looked at my finger. Within a moment, he was back, and he placed the butterfly Band-aid around my finger.
“All better. And for being such a star patient, I have a nice big, satisfying lollipop for you.”
“I’ll suck on it later. Your friend will be here in a few minutes.” I gave him a wink as I walked away.
“Damn you, Sara.”
I laughed all the way to my bedroom.
Chapter 25
Mason
“Jack, come on in,” I spoke as I opened the door.
“Thanks, Mason. It’s good to see you again.”
“You too. Jack, this is my roommate, Sara. Sara, this is Jack.”
“You neglected to tell me you lived with a beautiful woman. The pleasure is all mine, darling,” he spoke as he brought Sara’s hand up to his lips.
“It’s nice to meet you, Jack. You two go sit down while I get dinner,” Sara spoke.
“I can help,” I said.
“No. No. You go sit and talk with your friend.” She smiled.
We both sat down at the table and Jack leaned over.
“Roommates?”
“Yes. Just roommates. It’s