AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She walked off, and I slowly stood and scanned the restaurant. Ruby was waiting on Ashley in the back corner. I hurried around the counter and sat down next to Sutton.
“Okay, what’s going on? You’ve never been embarrassed to be seen working here before,” Sutton said with a worried look on her face.
Brax whispered, “It’s Mason’s ex.”
“Where!” Sutton nearly shouted.
“Oh my God. Does being pregnant make your brain not properly function?” I asked.
She stuck her tongue out at me. Then she frowned. “You know, Harlee asked me the same thing yesterday when we were at the store.”
I rolled my eyes and peeked over my shoulder. Ashley was still alone and looking at the menu. “Why is she still in town?” I mumbled.
“When did she get here?” Sutton asked.
I turned back around. “Christmas evening. I was still at Mason’s place when she showed up. She claimed she wanted to see Charlie, but Mason and his parents think she’s here for another reason. She said she didn’t have a room booked and wanted to stay at Mason’s.”
“Wow, that’s rude,” Brax stated.
Nodding, I replied, “I know. I arranged for her to stay at Seaside Bed and Breakfast. She only stayed one night.”
“And how do you know that?” Sutton asked with a curious look in her eyes.
“I talked to Terri, and she told me Ashley left the next morning.”
“Have you asked Mason?” Brax asked.
“No, I’ve been avoid…” My words trailed off.
“Avoiding him?” Sutton asked as she bumped my arm. “And why is that, baby sister?”
Sue stopped in front of me. “Food or drink?”
“No, I’m good. Thanks, Sue.”
She winked, grabbed the pot of coffee, and left.
I turned back to my siblings. “Now is not the time or place to talk about why I’m avoiding him.”
“How do you avoid your boss?” Brax asked.
I shot him a glare. “I’m not watching Charlie right now because it’s winter break and Mason’s mom and dad are here. So it’s easy to avoid him.”
“And when they leave?” Sutton asked.
The bell on the door rang again, but I was too lost in Sutton’s question to pay attention to who’d entered the restaurant.
Brax let out a soft chuckle. “Well, looks like you might have to jump and hide behind the counter again. Mason just walked in.”
“What?” I whisper-shouted as I peeked over my shoulder. My heart dropped as I watched him walk over to Ashley and slide into the booth across from her. “They’re meeting again?”
“Ms. Seaside will love this. Especially if she finds out you dropped to the floor and hid from Ashley,” Sutton said with a giggle.
I closed my eyes and cursed.
“The way I see it is, you have two options, Palmer,” Brax started. “You don’t let it show that them being here together bothers you. Or—”
“Wait,” I said as I held up my hand to stop him. “I’m not bothered that they’re here together.”
Both Sutton and Braxton gave me a look that said they were calling bullshit.
I implored myself to speak clear and strong. “I’m not bothered that they’re here together.”
“Riiiiight,” Sutton mused.
“I’m not!” I insisted.
Sutton looked past me toward Mason and Ashley. “Then go on over and say hi.”
“Why would I do that?”
She shrugged.
“Okay, as fun as this is, I need to get going. I’ve got some repairs to do on one of my boats.” Braxton stood, dropped his napkin down, then pulled out some money and left it on the counter. We always ate for free but made sure to leave a good tip. I almost got up and started to clear his plate and cup, but Sue beat me to it.
“Have a good one, Braxton!” she said with a wide smile and wink.
“You too, Sue.”
Turning to face me and Sutton, he gave us one of those sweet brotherly grins of his. “Palmer, I’ve never in my life seen you so rattled. Maybe it’s time to admit how you really feel.”
My mouth fell open as I watched my brother give Sutton a kiss on the forehead, grab his coat, and head out.
“Did our brother give me advice about…feelings?” I asked.
Sutton giggled. “I believe he did. And I must admit, I think he’s right, Palmer. You haven’t been acting like yourself since Mason Bryan moved to town.”
I wanted to cross my arms over my chest and pout, but instead I harrumphed.
“Palmer.”
His voice sent shivers down my back, and I was pretty sure I stiffened like a board.
Turning, I forced myself to play it cool. “Hey, Mason. How are you?”
He smiled, and I felt that familiar flutter in my stomach. I fought the urge to press my hand to my midsection. “I’m good. I’ve been trying to get ahold of you. Did you get my text?”
“About talking?”
“Yes,” he said. “Are you free now?”
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is when the ugly green monster decided to show up.
My gaze drifted past him, and I met Ashley’s cold stare. “Aren’t you eating with Ashley?”
