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I huff out some air. “Not like that. Well, actually . . .” I massage my forehead. It’s hard getting the words out. They won’t understand.
Brielle flops onto the sofa, blue eyes bright. “Spill it, then.”
I sit across from them and tug on the hem of my sweater. “It’s not exciting. More like sad.” I meet their glued gazes. “His gran isn’t doing so great. She’s in a nursing home. Mason doesn’t know how many months she has left.” My arms slacken to my lap, and I pick at my fingernails. “So far, she seems in good spirits and can still get around.” My teeth scrape over my bottom lip. “She uses a wheelchair and has to take pain medicine. On first appearance, Gran looks like she’ll live to a hundred. But I don’t know the full details yet. I’m cautious about asking.”
Mom tilts her head. “She’s a sweet old lady. Lots of fire in those veins. You can’t win an argument against Mason’s grandmother.”
I let out a small laugh. “That’s the truth.”
Mom swings one leg over her knee. “How are you in a predicament?”
I dart a glance between Mom and Brielle. Here goes. “Mason didn’t have the heart to tell Gran we aren’t together.” I lift my left hand and wave my fingers, flashing the ring.
Brielle’s brows bounce off the ceiling. “Whoa.”
“He convinced me to wear this in front of Gran.” I tug at the ring. “I can’t get it over my knuckle now.”
Mom leans back into her chair as if faking an engagement is no biggie. “I get it. He’s mindful of Gran’s mental and physical health. She doesn’t need to hear about his heartbreak.”
“Heartbreak?” Brielle snaps her head in Mom’s direction. “Just because Lauren broke it off doesn’t mean she came out unscathed.” Her eyes go wide. “Mason broke her heart.” She flashes me a sympathetic smile—big sister watching out for the baby of the family.
“I’m fine.” I grit out a smile. “I’m over, Mason. Truly.” Half true. Over half. Three-quarters in denial.
I wriggle in my seat. “My heart isn’t the problem here. Lying to Gran has gone too far. She wants a wedding.”
Brielle barks a laugh. “What the heck.”
Mom slaps Brielle’s knee, and they cackle like hyenas. My sister leans into Mom, rubbing her sides. Inappropriate laughing at my expense goes on for at least a minute.
I raise my palms. “I honestly don’t see how this is funny.”
Brielle claps her hands and bounces on the spot. “It’s hilarious, sis. Oh, we’ll have so much fun. We get to plan a wedding twice. A fake one with Mason, and down the road, a real wedding to Mr. Perfect, who might come along by 2035 and live up to your standards.”
Did Brielle insult me? Yeah. She did. What the—? Does she think I’m too high and mighty? That I expected too much from Mason?
I cross my arms and wait for my mother and sister to calm themselves.
Mom tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “Sorry. Your sister is a bad influence on me, I swear.” She bites her lip and smothers her grin. “You’re right. Not a laughing matter.” Mom sighs. “I did like Mason. I was disappointed when you called it quits.”
I launch off my seat and pace the room. “Forget that. Is it okay to play along? Do it for Gran?” I pause, face them, and plant my fists on my hips. “I’m surprised by your response. Don’t you think it’s deceitful?”
Mom’s brows furrow. “Come on, now. It’s not like he’s trying to trick his grandmother into obtaining his inheritance.” Mom’s mouth slackens. “That’s not why he’s doing this, is it?”
I place a hand over my mouth. “Oh, my goodness. I can’t believe I nearly fell for his act.” My fingers grip my hair. “Gran must have a clause in the Will, and Mason knows about it. Maybe he doesn’t get his inheritance until he’s married.”
Brielle fluffs out her bangs. “Does that even happen these days?” She rests a hand on her sternum. “You read too many regency novels.”
I palm my fist. “If Mason’s using me to get his inheritance, I by-jolly will tell Gran.”
Brielle points at me. “See. You are reading historical novels. By-jolly? What the heck, Lauren?”
I ignore my sister and let out a flustered breath. “I’ll speak to Mason. For now, let’s drop the subject and eat.” I face Mom and lift a shoulder. “Dad’s not here?”
“Nope. He called and said don’t wait for him. He’ll be home by nine if you’re still here.”
“I want to get an early night.” But will I be able to sleep until I speak to Mason and discover his true motives? What if Mason’s putting on a show for money?
6
