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Two days later, I have enough courage to visit Gran and break the news. The old news that Lauren and I aren’t together. Not even friends. Gee, that’s depressing.
My arm threads through Gran’s, and we stroll around the retirement home gardens. She’s not too wobbly but a little cautious. All this time, she could walk. But the chair lessens the need for more pain medication. The arthritis is real. But she needs to exercise or lose muscle strength—the dilemmas of old age.
We stop at a budding flower, and Gran fingers the petals. “Spring is here, and the wedding isn’t far off.”
I swallow. “About that.”
Gran drops her hand and squints at me. “I don’t like the tone of your voice. What’s going on, Mason?”
Yep, no beating around the bush with Gran. “When I thought you were dying, I didn’t have the heart to tell you . . .” I trail off and look anywhere but in Gran’s steely gaze.
Gran places her hands on her hips, standing perfectly fine by herself. “Tell me what?”
I dip my head like a schoolboy having to apologize to the teacher. “Lauren and I broke up months ago. We’re not engaged.”
Her eyes go wide and transform into lasers. “Excuse me, young man?”
“I’m sorry we lied to you.” I swallow the swarm of bees in my throat. This stings.
“What about the planned wedding? I don’t understand.”
“We were willing to have a fake ceremony to make you happy. I thought you only had months to live. I couldn’t bring myself to let you down. I didn’t want you to worry about me or cause you more grief.”
She lets out a breath and shakes her head. “I don’t care about me. What about Lauren? You can’t let her go. She’s good for you.”
“I still love her.” I meet her eyes now, and I find compassion there.
“Why did you end it?” Her white brows pucker.
“Lauren said I was married to my job, so she broke it off.”
Gran slaps my shoulder. “Well, make changes, boy. Don’t make the same mistakes as your father.”
I dig my hands in my pockets and kick at the grass. “It’s not that easy. The business needs my undivided attention. We’re in the growth phase.”
She huffs. “It’s been growing for decades. Hire someone to help you.” Gran waves a hand like swatting a fly. “You don’t need all that money. Pay someone to share the load and become a family man. Lauren is family. Family comes first.”
I lift my head to the skies and let the sun warm my skin. Gran’s right. I need time to smell the flowers, enjoy the sunshine, and most of all, be with my people. Lauren’s my special person. All the money in the world cannot replace her. Why have I let it?
I need to tell Dad that things need to change. I can’t live my life doing power naps in the middle of the night when reports are overdue. I don’t want that level of insanity. Dad can do it if he wants. Lauren helps me keep a balanced life. I need her. And she needs me to change. So that’s what I’m going to do.
12
LAUREN
Gold and silver balloons bob along the foyer walls of Clear Creek Theater. The live violin, cello, and bass fill the atmosphere. A waiter weaves around guests, and I snag a canapé from his tray as he passes. I tilt my head, slip the smoked salmon treat into my mouth, and let the flavors hit my tastebuds. When I open my eyes from the moment of bliss, I spot Mason watching me. I swallow the last piece of the cracker and smile. His gaze hasn’t left me all night.
Brielle swirls a drink in front of me. “This punch is divine.”
I take one flute glass from her. “Good thing it’s non-alcoholic, or you’d be flirting with some random guy like at that party you dragged me to last month.”
“Yeah. I couldn’t even taste the alcohol. Now I know to check. My head hurt so bad the next day.” She scans the room. “But there is one guy I’d like to flirt with here.”
I shake my head. “Brielle.” I’m the younger sister, but sometimes I feel like I’m the one who needs to look out for her.
“Do you remember Damien from high school?”
“Yeah. Who invited him? Ethan, I bet.” I stretch my neck to look for my boss. I frown at Brielle. “Damien married Bethanie and was divorced in six months. Maybe he’s not the greatest option.”
