Our conversation is heavy, and that’s not how I’d like to end the night with him. I’m surprisingly satisfied with the way things are going. We’re having fun together, and it needs to stay that way to prevent things from getting too complicated.
I reach out to take my glass from in front of him. “Well, cheers to actually being friends.”
Mason draws his head back, pulling his mouth to one side. “Did you just say that we’re friends?”
I giggle. “I guess I did.”
“Well, just so you know, you aren’t just any friend—you’re my veryspecialfriend,” he replies, flashing me a sly smile.
Chapter Fifteen
Bailey
When the restaurant is finally finished, it looks incredible. Jess and Penelope ride with Luca and me over toThe Poppy’s grand opening since Harry has been there all day. My hands sweat, and my stomach flips with the anticipation of seeing Mason dressed up for the event.
This is the first time Mason and I have been around friends or family since we’ve started secretly sleeping together. It quickly dawns on me that I have no idea how I should act. The last time we were in the same room with one another while surrounded by other people, I practically despised him. At times even refusing to make eye contact.
Maybe this won’t be so hard after all.I simply need to avoid him at all costs.
My parents arrive just as Jess and I get out of the car. Luca runs into my dad’s arms.
“Dad, you got dressed up?” I comment sarcastically.
He shoots me a side-eye. “Your mother made me.”
By the time the four of us reach the entrance to the restaurant, Mason, Harry, and a few hostesses dressed in all black greet usas we walk in. I have to bite back a smile as soon as I see him. He’s wearing all black, even down to the matching jet-black tie. I let myself indulge in the way he looks, drinking in those tight pants now that I’ve experienced what he’s packing under them.
A shiver moves up my spine. His eyes flicker in my direction like we’re both thinking the same dirty thoughts about each other but just briefly before he pulls them away.
Perhaps he has the same plan of avoiding me as well.
After exchanging pleasantries, Mason tells the hostess to take us to our table. “You guys will have a private room in the back,” he explains before kneeling to meet Luca on his level. “Hey, buddy, I’m so glad you’re here. You can have whatever you want tonight. My friend Travis is the chef, and he said he was going to make you and Penelope the biggest ice cream sundae for dessert too,” he says, patting Luca on the shoulder.
Mason glances up at me and winks. I lightly shake my head at his offer to sugar up my child, but I can’t help the smile that continues to pull from the corners of my mouth. Our exchange is brief. I believe just for a minute that it went unnoticed until I realize that someone did see because by the time my eyes make their full rotation around the room, they land right in the line of sight with my mother.
And surprise, surprise, she has a smirk on her face.
“The biggest sundae ever!” Luca repeats, high-fiving Mason.
“Stop trying to steal my nephew from me. I’ll always be his favorite,” Harry snaps, rubbing the top of Luca’s head, trying to mess up his hair.
Mason flashes me another quick smile before straightening to a standing position. “My parents will be joining you as well. I hope you don’t mind,” he says.
My mom’s face lights up. “That’s just lovely. I’m looking forward to meeting them.”
Our group follows behind the hostess, making our way through the lively atmosphere of the restaurant. So much has changed just in the few weeks since I was last here picking up Luca from Harry one morning.
To our right is a modern Gatsby-era type indoor dining area. To the left is the veranda with an expansive outdoor space. Elements of blue, white, and green can be found throughout with live greenery, dining chairs, and tables. The private dining area boasts a long rectangular table and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the rest of the restaurant. A 1920s-style chandelier hangs directly above our table.
“This place looks beautiful all finished!” Jess gasps as soon as we walk in.
My dad quickly adds his two cents. “Not bad.”
We all find our seats around the large table while the hostess hands out the one-page menus. Luca takes the chair to my right, and on the other side of him are my mom and dad. Jess is directly across from me on the opposite side of the table with Penelope.
Travis comes in to give us a quick hello before heading back into the kitchen for what I’m expecting to be a busy night.
Lina and Avery arrive shortly after we order drinks and take the two seats to my left.
