AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Can’t wait.” The joy beaming from his face is contagious, and I find myself smiling too.
I sigh, and my gaze drifts about the room. Mason is there again, watching me. He curls his finger for me to come. I turn to my boss. “I’ll see you around.”
Ethan wiggles his brows, and I roll my eyes and give him a glare that says nothing is going on between Mason and me.
He nods and squints like he doesn’t believe me.
I smooth a hand over my satin dress and approach Mason.
He takes my hand. “Let me introduce you to my new secretary.” Mason turns and waves to a man. “Jonathon, come and meet Lauren.”
I open my mouth and shut it again. His secretary’s name is Jonathon?
Mason leans forward and whispers into my ear. “I thought you’d appreciate me hiring a male secretary since I’ll need to collaborate with him a lot.”
I’m about to remind him his business arrangements have nothing to do with me when Jonathon sidles up to Mason and grins. “Nice to finally meet you. Mason doesn’t stop talking about you.” He pats Mason’s shoulder. “Good things, of course.”
I cross my arms and give Mason a cautious smile. “Is that right?”
A ting, ting, ting on glass has our heads turning. Mason’s mother calls over the mumbles of conversation. “Can I have your attention, please?”
There’s a hush about the room, and people turn to face Mrs. Brooker.
“Gran would like to say a few words and thank you for being here. Mason will give a speech afterward. Please, make your way toward the stage and take a seat in the first few rows.”
There’s a bustle of activity as guests become a flock of sheep, leave the open foyer, and fill the middle aisle of the theater. Gran rolls her wheelchair to the base of the stage, and Mrs. Brooker hands her the microphone.
Mason nestles next to me, and I breathe his delicious scent of soap and heavenly cologne. After tonight, the torture will end. He will continue his hectic business life, and I will . . . I will jump on another inflatable boat and ride the current wherever it leads.
Once the guests are seated in the red cushioned seats, Gran clears her throat.
“It’s wonderful to have all my family and friends around me celebrating my life and health while I have it. Because once I’m dead, I’m not gonna be thinking about you all.” She points a bony finger. “I’ll be partying in heaven, enjoying my new body. So don’t feel sorry for me when I go.”
A few chuckles echo about the hall. She’s a classic.
“First, I want to thank my family for their patience. My mind hasn’t been as sharp as it used to be, and I’ve caused my son and grandson more than a bit of stress.”
Mason cups his mouth and calls, “We love you, Gran.”
A tear pricks at the back of my eyelids. Mason loves his grandmother dearly, and it’s the sweetest thing.
Gran smiles. “There’s another special person in my life I want to thank. Lauren.”
I flinch and swallow the lump of sand in my throat.
“You’re a beautiful soul, and it’s a privilege to know you. I’m grateful Mason brought you into my life. I’m still hopeful that you’ll carry on the legacy of the sassy Brooker women.”
A chorus of laughter breaks out.
“And I’d like to hand over the microphone to my wonderful grandson, who I’m very proud of. Mason, I love you, darling. You’re the apple of my eye.”
Mason leans over to me and whispers. “Sounds more painful than a tennis ball in my neck.” He adjusts his jacket, takes a deep breath, and strides toward the stage. He bends at the waist and kisses Gran on the cheek before taking the mic.
He turns to face the audience, and his smile stretches wide across his cheeks. “As Gran said, we appreciate you all coming tonight. There’s another reason we invited you all here. Please direct your attention to the screen.”
He swings his arm toward the stage, and the curtains roll back. The digital screen brightens with the still image of Mason and me on our European vacation.
What the heck?
