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“It happens when you change direction,” I say. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”
“You’re right. I’m working on short-term, first.”
“That’s a good idea,” I say absently.
“What are you doing next week?” Mason asks.
“What?” I look up at him.
“I’d like to see you again.”
I look down at my plate. “Mason…” I take a deep breath. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Why not?”
When I look up at him, his eyes are dark and serious. God, he’s drop-dead gorgeous. His serious look is like something from a magazine. But his eyes search mine.
“Let’s just stick to this dinner, okay?”
He nods without saying anything, although it looks like he wants to. He finishes his food, and when he puts down his knife and fork, I do the same. I’ve lost my appetite. A pit opened in my stomach, and I feel sick.
The server removes our plates and I turn down dessert.
“Are you okay?” Mason asks.
“I’m fine.”
He shakes his head. “What did I say?”
“What do you mean?”
“You were into this whole thing a moment ago, and now you’re so distant I can’t reach you. What happened?”
I shake my head. “It’s not you, its—”
“Don’t,” he cuts me off. “Don’t you dare say it’s you, not me. That’s the shittiest line in the book and I never believe it, anyway.”
“But itisn’tyou,” I argue. I’m getting frustrated. I don’t want this night to go south. But maybe it’s better that way. It will be easier to walk away from him if we’re upset with each other. That way, I won’t have to think about him.
Because he’s been so incredible, if he doesn’t screw up soon, I’m in trouble.
Mason clenches his jaw and doesn’t respond. When the server comes to us again, he orders the check. We wait in silence, draining our glasses of wine. He pays for our food, and when we stand, he flanks me, escorting me out of the restaurant.
“Where did you park?” he asks tightly.
“I came in a cab.”
He nods and steps forward, trying to flag a cab for me.
“I’m sorry,” I say. I feel like he deserves that much from me. I ruined a wonderful night.
“For what?” he asks.
I don’t know what to say.
“Is it because I didn’t call you back the first time?” he asks. “Is this punishment?”
“What? No.” I’m not that petty. I was hurt, but Mason has more than redeemed himself.
