Mason (Carter Brothers #2) - Lisa Helen Gray Page 0,5
on.’’
“Of course, you go on now. Don’t forget to call me. And make sure you drink plenty of water and remember to take those vitamins. I packed a spare packet in your suitcase.’’
Rolling my eyes, I thank her, ending the call and putting my phone in my handbag. I quickly grab my hand luggage and suitcase then start to make my way towards the exit.
Taking my phone back out of my pocket I text Harlow to make sure she’s still okay to pick me up and to let her know I’ve arrived. I’m starting to worry she’s forgotten when my phone beeps alerting me of a text.
Harlow: Out in the parking lot. X H
I shake my head, excited to see her for the first time since I told her about the baby. We’ve spoken to each other over the phone occasionally, but for the first month of staying with my Nan I ignored most of her calls, especially when she brought up his name. It hurts too much when I let myself think about him, let alone someone reminding me of him.
The doors open and I delight in the cool breeze for a moment before everyone starts to shuffle past me in a hurry off the train. I’m stunned for a second, in total shock at how rude people are.
“Hello? Pregnant woman here and carrying two bags, assholes,’’ I snap when another business man knocks past me.
I’m just about to go sumo wrestler on the asshole who takes my luggage from my hands, but before I can even blink or process what is going on, he’s back. I’m startled when his two strong, muscled hands grab me from under my arms and lift me off the train, safely onto the platform.
I’m in two minds about what to do. Shall I scream and shout? Or shall I gracefully thank him like nothing had happened?
“Hello Denny.’’ His voice is still deep and raspy, and much to my disappointment it still covers my skin in goose bumps, sending shivers down the back of my spine. How can he still have such a powerful effect on me after everything he’s put me through? I don’t get it. It’s like I’m glutton for punishment or something.
“Hello Mason.’’
We stand staring at each other for what seems like hours. I’m actually thankful now that I put on my white sundress that ends just above my knees. Not that I have many options lately on what to wear. But the thought of our first encounter being in sweats and a baggy t-shirt gives me the heebie-geebies.
Mason’s hair looks longer than it did a few months back. His eyes are lined with dark circles and he looks like he hasn’t shaved since the last time I saw him. Even his bright, sparkly brown eyes look different. They seem duller, full of sadness, pain and regret, and it hurts my heart to see him like this.
My eyes water not knowing what to do, so I do the only thing I can do, I run away. Not literally, I’d never make it a step without being out of breath, but I walk away, not knowing what to say to him.
“Why didn’t you tell me?’’ he blurts out, sounding between angry and sad about it as he reaches out to stop me. His touch has me stopping short, standing there frozen and contemplating what to do. He’s occupied my thoughts for so long that you would think I would know what to do right now, what to say, but the truth is, I don’t.
“I never had the chance,’’ I whisper feeling really bad. It’s obvious Harlow told him about the baby, she made it no secret, but she never came right out and said she told him. It’s not like I told her it was a secret, so I can’t really be mad at her for it either. In fact, I’m madder at myself more than anything. I just wish we didn’t have to have this conversation right now. I’m hot, I’m hungry, and I’m also so freaking tired I could fall asleep standing up right now. And okay, yes, I’d been hoping to avoid seeing him the whole time I was here. I’m just not ready for this confrontation yet. Is that bad of me?
“You didn’t? Didn’t it occur to you when you were around me and my brothers to tell me or even one of them? I deserved to fucking know Denny. I deserved to be there for you and