Typing bubbles came up and disappeared, came up, and went away again.
Me: I’m sorry. But nothing else can happen between us. It’s over.
My heart sank when he didn’t respond. A sick part of me wanted him to fight, to tell me it was far from over. No such text came.
A silent ending to an illicit affair.
“Aunt Emery?” Addison bellowed from the kitchen. “We need groceries. There’s no food here.”
I grabbed my items and went inside, closing the garage door, feeling it was symbolic of Mason and me.
The idea of never being with Mason again made me nauseous, but I had to stay strong. Addison came first.
No matter how much I craved him, I had to do what was right.
“You look like shit, girl.” Marcie lounged across two chairs eating chips and a sandwich when I strolled into the break room.
“Thanks.” I redid my ponytail, plunking down across from her. This first day back at work was torture, every minute feeling like an hour. “Didn’t sleep well.” That was an understatement. My brain wouldn’t relent, going over the ending with Mason while my body was going through withdrawals. I kept fantasizing about him crawling through my window, covering my mouth to keep me quiet, as he sunk into me, taking me higher and higher until I shattered.
“Not sleeping?” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Any particular reason why?”
“Not what you think.” I slumped back in the chair. “That ended.”
“Why?” She blinked blankly at me. “It was incredible sex, right?”
I huffed out a pained laugh, my head nodding. “Beyond incredible. To infinity and beyond.”
“Wow, it must be good if you’re quoting cartoon movies.” She snorted. “With a hot piece of ass, if it’s as good as you say, girl, you do not give it up.” She waved her hand in a ‘no way’ gesture. “That shit is like a unicorn in today’s world. You ride the horn until the end of the line.”
“Think it was the end of the line.” My hand absently rubbed at my chest. “It got too complicated.”
Her heavy silence pulled my attention to her.
“Oh girl…” She shook her head, her gaze going to where I brushed at my heart. “You fell in love with him.”
“No,” I exclaimed, sitting up. “Not even close. It was only sex. Plus, he is way too young.”
“What does age have to do with fallin’ for him or not?” she replied. “My big vanilla beefcake is four years younger than me. We are perfectly on par together. Especially in bed.”
Four years was different from ten, and Mason was still in school. It sounded appalling.
Daniel strolled into the room, ending our conversation. He did a double take, a warm smile going over his face. “Hey, Emery. Haven’t seen you yet today.”
“It’s been crazy.” The first day back after a holiday was always insane.
Marcie hopped up, brushing off her hands. “My break is over.”
I glowered at her. Don’t you dare leave me.
She shrugged, an impish smile on her lips, popping another chip in her mouth. “Can’t be late when the boss walks in,” she teased, taking her stuff to the trash and strolling out.
I hate you! I internally shot her, and I swear I heard her laugh. Eventually I would have to face Daniel. I just didn’t want today to be the day.
“I was hoping to see you.” He sat in Marcie’s seat. “How are you?”
“Good.” I nodded.
“Have a good holiday break?”
“Yep, went to my sister’s place for a few days.”
“Went to my mom’s. Got the yearly why are you still single, Daniel? When are you going to meet the right girl, Daniel? Time to give me grandchildren, Daniel.” He laughed, rubbing at his temple. “I couldn’t wait to get back.”
I smiled, though I felt every question he repeated was purposeful.
Nothing was keeping me from going out with him. Not anymore. He was such a nice guy. A total catch. Except I still wanted to run when he smiled at me because his smile was full of hope. Full of more than being my friend.
And all I wanted was to go home, to someone else.
I couldn’t explain it. The moment I met Mason, I felt something between us. A pull neither one of us seemed to be able to fight. Yet, he walked away from me with no problem.
“So, this Saturday is New Year’s Eve. And in no way is this any kind of pressure, but I wanted to take you out—”
“I can’t,” I spouted, my mind reeling, trying to find a good reason. “My niece is having a little get-together at the house with her friends.” Addy didn’t know this yet. I hadn’t said yes. “Just appetizers and stuff. Kind of a pre-party thing.”
“Oh.” His head bobbed. “Yeah. Sounds nice. I can do that.”
Oh hell. That wasn’t meant to be an invite.
“Daniel, you are a very nice guy.” I folded my hands together. “I don’t think I’m ready yet. I think it’s better if we stay friends. Plus, dating my boss? It might get really messy and uncomfortable.” Unlike being with my niece’s crush.
“Only if we broke up,” he tried to joke, but it fell flat instantly, his lips pressing together. “I get it. I know you’re still grieving, but I really like you. I enjoy being around you. If I have to wait, I’ll wait. If you want a friend right now, I can be one.” He got back up, heading for the door, probably wanting to run from the awkwardness I had laid out. “The party sounds fun. I’ll bring my mom’s seven-layer bean dip recipe. It’s really good.”
“Great.” I smiled pleasantly as he left.
What the hell happened? Now I needed to invite everyone, get food and drinks, and threaten Marcie within an inch of her life because she left me here. She had to come now so it wouldn’t be only Daniel showing up, getting the wrong idea.
Guess Addison was getting her party after all. The one which was fabricated solely to ask Mason to a dance.
Chapter 27
Emery
“Or is this one better?” Addison was in my doorway, twirling her latest outfit choice, a short champagne sequin shift dress with the same-colored heels. Her blonde hair was curled and pinned up on one side.
“Wow.” I wanted to make her six again in pigtails with her stuffed bunny. It hit me I was nineteen when she was six… pretty much Mason’s age. That thought felt like a bullet. “That’s the one.”
“You sure? Not the black?”
“Nope. The champagne colored one.” I shook my head in awe. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” She grinned. “And look at you!” She motioned to my sleek emerald green silk jumpsuit. “All the football guys already think you’re hot and crush on you. I’m gonna have to put bibs on them tonight to catch all the drool.”
Addy’s friends were coming over to hang out, have some pizza, and then head out to a party, where I knew there would be drinking. I understood being young and wanting to celebrate with friends at her age. She told me she’d be safe, and maybe a year ago, I wouldn’t have trusted her, but I did now. It was a bonus that Mateo seemed to be extra protective of her too. He had such a crush on Addy, but sadly, she didn’t see past Mason yet, no matter how cute Mateo was.