Page 63 of Slapshot Bride

“Hi…” My voice comes out smaller than I intend.

Silence settles over us for a minute, and I realize it’s been a while since we spoke. The last time I saw him was weeks ago, in the morning I was supposed to tie the knot with Preston.

He’d come into the dressing room with the makeup artist finishing the final touches. And his exact words had been, “You know I’ll stand by you in whatever you decide, right? I hope you enjoy this new phase. I love you, Ri.”

He’s always been the quiet observer. Maybe he’d seen something.

“Riley.” His worried voice pulls me back to the present, and I shake off the thoughts.

“I… I’m fine, Mason. I’m safe.”

“Where are you?” He doesn’t believe it.

“Safe. I’m with a friend. I can't say where. But believe me, I’m safe, Mase. I just wanted you to hear it from me.”

He stays quiet and expels a deep breath. Mason has never been one to follow media gossip. So, I’m sure he’s yet to see any of the headlines that’s been flying around.

“Promise that you’ll call me first if you ever need help? To get away, or whatever makes you comfortable.”

I smile. My heart warms.

“I promise.”

“And you’ll tell me what that bastard did to you that made you run?”

“Soon. I promise. Just give me a little more time, and I will come see you. I don't want to do this over the phone. I want to see your face when I say it, and I’ll need your help to find myself again. I can’t… I can’t handle mom and dad just yet.”

“Just say the words and it’s done, Ri. If you need money, clothes, food, anything at all. Just give me a call, and I’ll get it across to you.”

“Thank you, Mase. I love you. But I think what I need right now is a good lawyer. I… I can’t access my entire life. My money. Everything is with Preston. Joint accounts and all.”

“When do you want to begin?” His tone suddenly hardens, and I know it’s his dislike for Preston.

“I’m still trying to put things in place. I just want to notify you ahead. If you could help me find a good one, when I’m ready, I’ll reach out and we can begin.”

“Okay, I’ll get on with that right away.”

“Thank you, Mase. I love you.”

“I love you, Ri. Stay safe.”

“I will. I have to go now.”

“Promise you’ll call again?”

“Pinky promise, Masey…”

He laughs, and my smile widens.

“Bye.”

I hang up before either of us has to say anything else.

I set the phone face down on the lounger.

There’s a tight lump in my throat, and my eyes water. I blink back the tears and take a sip of the cold water to clear my throat. I inhale to clear my constricted chest, and let out a deep breath before closing my eyes.

I picture Mason’s worried face and how he must have looked at the start of the call, then his laughter, and the warmth it brings. I pull myself from the memories.