“I’m presuming he doesn’t know you left.” He eyes me, letting it ring for the third time.
I shake my head. “You can answer it.”
He accepts the call, his expression stony. “Mason.”
“Vinny.”
I close my eyes at the sound of his ragged breath. I picture him tearing through the penthouse, searching for me.
“I need Nina’s number. She took off this morning and Scars just called, the doctor is coming out to see Dad, I need to go to the estate.”
Guilt eats at me, and in the cold light of day I second-guess myself.
Did I overreact?
Is his dad okay?
I look to Vinny, swallowing hard.
I wish I didn’t leave.
“I will send the number now. Mason, calm down. Do you need me to drive you out?”
“No, I’m fine. Scar’s just worried; he hasn’t stopped vomiting. She thinks it may be alcohol poisoning.”
‘He’s nothing like your mother.’
I drop my head, staring at my lap. Vinny shouldn’t have to lie for me, and now I’m sat absorbing information that isn’t intended for me. It’s just as bad as what he did, looking me up.
“Okay, let me know if you need anything. Drive safe, Mason,” Vinny says calmly, then hangs up.
“I’m sorry I put this on you.”
“Send him your number, Nina,” he tells me, holding out the phone.
I don’t question it, typing out my number and hitting send. My phone rings moments later, and I stare at it, not wanting to answer.
“I won’t tell you what you should do,” Vinny starts.
“But?”
“I haven’t ever seen Mason act like this. He seems to care for you very much.” He shrugs as if it is that simple.
“I’m damaged goods, Vinny. I prefer to be alone.”
It’s what I know.
He nods, smiling smugly. “You don’t think one day though, if you found the right person?”
I glare at the side of his head as he throws my words right back at me.
I check my clutch for my keys, hoping I have spare clothes in the studio. I need to get lost for a while.
“Can you drop me at the studio, please, Vinny?”
* * *
Unexplainable calmness.It seeps into me and makes me forget about everything that exists outside of the room. I’ve only had my studio a little over a year, but the sense of belonging here, the sense that I’m not alone. It doesn’t make sense really, but I figure to have a place I’m so proud of, something I built on my own, having people who depend on me for a place to come and express themselves.
