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I crossed my arms and scowled at him. “I was not talking to myself.”
“Well, you were talking to someone and I certainly didn’t see anyone else around,” he joked.
“I’m surprised you remembered anything considering the amount of alcohol in your system,” I snapped.
Mason’s head jerked back and he gave me a crooked smile, then he leaned back in his chair, his eyes focused on mine. I could feel my adrenaline pumping the angrier I became.
“Lauren!” Cassie cupped her hand over her mouth, trying to hide her smile.
“Then I guess your recollection of the day’s events would have more detail than mine.” The grin on his face widened. He was a real piece of work. “If I recall, you even tried to kiss me.”
“That’s absurd,” I retorted. The sting on my cheeks flared red.
“You don’t have to hide it. All the girls love me,” he chided.
“Mason,” His mother scolded.
“Will you excuse me? I suddenly don’t feel hungry.” I threw the napkin from my lap onto the plate. “It was a pleasure meeting you all.”
“Lauren,” Cassie grabbed her hand. “That was rude, Mason.” Cassie said.
“What is wrong with you, Mason?” his mother scolded. I stared Mason down but he didn’t say anything else. His jaw clenched, and he sat there silent for a moment before turning around and continuing his conversation with the girl at the other table. I then turned and walked away.
“My son has been rather unruly lately,” Abigail apologized as she took a sip of her tea.
“Lauren,” Cassie called out as she followed closer. “What was that about?” She grabbed my arm.
“Nothing.” I pulled free. Life had never changed here, I didn’t fit in back in high school, and I certainly don’t fit in now. “That was not nothing? Did you really try to kiss him?”
“NO!” I blurted. “He was drunk, Cassie. Drunk to the point that he barely was able to walk,” I replied. “I offered him a ride home, without knowing who he was, even though he had been such a jerk beforehand. I can’t believe he is your cousin,” I said, shaking my head.
“Yeah, well, you can’t pick your family.” She chuckled.
“Well, you can’t tell you’re related. At least you have that going for you.” I laughed.
“What gives it away? The colour of my skin?” She laughed. “He is rather pale in comparison.” Her smile was picture perfect. Cassie had always been the beautiful girl in their group of friends. With her dark skin and green eyes, not to mention her chocolaty long locks, turned heads everywhere she went. I, on the other hand, couldn’t tan to save my life. My skin was fair, and I had a light dash of freckles across the bridge of my nose. My grey eyes were boring unless I dressed them up with make-up and, well—I did like my lips and my perfectly set teeth. My hair was a little longer than Cassie’s and more of a golden brown than a dark chocolate.
Cassie’s mother was born in South Africa, with strict parents and upbringing. Her family had moved to America when she was just a girl. When Mrs. Harper became a woman and had children, she, too, instilled these rules for her children.
“I prefer Calvin over Robert,” Cassie stated. “He’s a little less conservative.”
“Robert, I remember him. My dad used to golf with him, I think,” I recalled.
“Yeah, I’m surprised you never met Mason or Nick before now,” Cassie said.
“I honestly didn’t know that Mrs. Foster had any children. I don’t remember anyone ever talking about Mason or his brother,” I replied.
“Well, that is a long story. It was Robert Porter that she was married to, Nick’s father. Now it’s Calvin Foster, who is Mason’s father.” Cassie explained.
“Oh.” I still couldn’t place him. I guess everyone has a secret they don’t like to share.
“Mason has always been a troublemaker.” Cassie replied.
The valet returned with her car. “His brother, on the other hand, complete opposite.”
“Most siblings are different?” I said.
“Where do you want to eat?” She asked as we got in her car.
