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Was I really so blind not to see just how much she only cares about money and appearances? If I wasn’t completely over her I would be eating this up. I still can’t believe how much I adored all of this before.
“We really didn’t come out to eat though, right?” I ask her without looking up from my menu. “You wanted to talk to me about some things, right?”
I lift my eyes up to her face and catch her eyes widen and her mouth form an ‘O’ before she catches herself and puts her fake smile back in place. Wow! There are so many sides to Julia that I hadn’t seen before.
“Of course, you’re right Mason,” she says in that saccharine tone again. “I want to talk about us getting back together. I made the biggest mistake walking away from you. I never should’veleft. You were the best thing to ever happen to me and I am so very sorry. Do you think you can forgive me?”
I keep my face neutral as I take in her words. If she had said this to me eight months ago I would’ve taken her back in a heartbeat. There wouldn’t have been any hesitation. I was completely blind to everything that Julia is and what she really wants.
I wonder if she thinks me being at these events means that I’m rejoining a team. It has to be something like that. Julia isn’t in love with me, she never was. She loved what I could give her, not me. I see it all very clearly now.
“Julia—”
“Mason,” Adam interrupts me and pats me on the shoulder. I look up and see him and Emily.
“Hey, Adam. Em. How are you? Did you have a good dinner?” I look directly at Emily hoping she can see this is the last place I want to be.
“Hey, Mason. Julia,” Emily greets us with a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. Is it just me or is she looking anywhere but at me?
“Amazing,” Adam responds with his normal cheerful personality. I’m finding it extremely annoying. “Emily wasn’t exaggerating when she said this was a great bar and grill.”
“Cuzzy’s is one of the best. Em, Jack, and I stop here all the time. Glad you enjoyed it.” I meet Emily’s eyes but she quickly looks behind me. I look back at Adam.
“I wanted to ask you if it would be okay if I took Emily to the final fundraiser tomorrow. I know the two of you are supposed to be going together, but I’d really enjoy getting to spend a bit more time with her before I leave. I figured since this was just a friendly arrangement you wouldn’t mind. However, I wanted to double check with you before assuming.”
My jaw clenches and my heart races. I imagine me hitting Adam in the face and then pounding my chest like a gorilla claiming Emily as mine. I give myself a mental shake and force myself to calm down.
“If that’s what Emily wants,” I look at her with my heart in my eyes. Our gazes meet and my breath catches.
“It is,” she responds quietly before looking away.
“Then it’s settled,” I say a little too loud and a bit over excited. “You’ll take Emily tomorrow and I’ll go with Julia.” I regret the words as soon as they’re out of my mouth. Apparently jealousy makes me do and say some stupid things.
Emily looks at me and I swear I can see the hurt in her eyes. She looks toward Julia and gives her a fragile smile. Julia’s grin is stretched from ear to ear looking like the cat who caught the canary.
“Great, man. Thanks!” Adam says excitedly, slapping me on my shoulder again. “We’ll see you tomorrow then. Thanks again and enjoy your dinner.” He puts his hand on Emily’s lower back and guides her to the front door.
I watch as they walk out, and continue to stare at it until the door fully closes before turning back to Julia. She’s looking at her menu as if nothing just happened but I don’t miss the smirk on her face.
I inwardly groan as I realize what I just agreed to and how Julia probably thinks that this is me agreeing to get back together.
I run a hand over my face.Great job, Mason. You just let the woman you love walk out with another man and you agreed to take Julia to an event. You truly are an idiot.
I will fix this tomorrow. Right now, I want a beer.
Chapter Fourteen
Mason
The event is asuccess. I’m happy for Coach, the team, and Cottage Grove. All of the boosters have loved the small town charm and the community has benefited from the exposure. The only thing that would make this event perfect is Emily on my arm instead of Julia.
She looks beautiful today and I can’t take my eyes off of her.
“Mason,” I cringe at Julia calling my name as she grips my arm like I might run at any moment. Truth be told, I might. She’s been trying my patience. I glance in her direction as acknowledgement.
“I’m going to head to the ladies’ room.” She goes to kiss my cheek and I pull my head back.
“Mason,” I glance over to see Mike and Lily walking up to me as Julia leaves. “What are you doing here with Julia?”
