She nods, looking back to the ceiling. “How do you feel about it?”
My phone starts to vibrate on the table, and I’m glad for the interruption. As much as I love Maggie and appreciate all she does for me, there is nothing I hate more than discussing Mum.
Mason’s name lights up my screen.
Finally.
“Hey!”
“Where are you?” he panics.
“I’m at Lucy’s parents’. I couldn’t get hold of you. Did you get my message?” My voice quivers and Maggie’s hand slips into mine. “Erin sold the studio.”
“Yeah, did she say why?” he asks.
“No. Maybe. I can’t remember; I was in shock. They changed the locks. Can they do that? I don’t even have my things from inside.”
“We will get your things. Send me the address, I’m on my way to get you now.”
Relief fills me, and I let out a breath.; He is all I need right now.
“I will text it over now. Thank you, Mase.”
Maggie stands, pulling me up with her. “He seems like a good egg. I’m pleased for you, but you know where we are.”
“Thank you. For everything.” I smile, wrapping her up in a hug.
* * *
Mase
Once again,I underestimate Nina Anderson and her ability to remain so strong. She made it easy. Easy for me to lie to her.
Lucy and Megan have been here for the past three hours, and never have I been so grateful that she has such good friends. I’m in my office looking up potential studios for her—I know what I need to do.
Make it right.
I’ve narrowed it down to three, and they are all above and beyond what she had before, but it doesn’t ease the weight of my guilt.
I print out the advertisements and gather up all the information.
The girls are all laughing when I enter the living area, and I pause, the sound grating on me. This whole time I’ve been worried about how Nina would deal with all this. I didn’t stop to think about how I would.
Can I do this?
How do I live with myself—with her, knowing I will have to keep it from her. There’s no way she would stay if she knew.
She doesn’t deserve this.
“Mase, take her to bed and make her forget about today. She’s considering stripping as her next form of income.”
I snap my eyes to Nina’s in mortification, but she gives me a reassuring look. “Calm down, Bossman. You know I would never.” She looks at Megan. “Why are you trying to wind him up?”
“It’s too easy.” They chuckle, and I plaster a forced smile on my face.
“Come on, bed,” I tell her.
The girls stand to hug Nina, and Lucy whispers into her ear, but it’s loud enough that I catch it. “He’s so hot when he gets aggy.”
