“Uh, yeah, you might beat me back though.” I chuckle as I think about my impromptu afternoon.
“Where are you? You’ve been out?”
“Yeah, I went to see your sister and dad.”
“Where?”
“Lowerwick.” I frown, gripping the phone tight.
Shit.
Should I have asked him first?
“The girls were both working, and I knew Scar would be home,” I try to explain.
“It’s fine. I’ll see you at home.”
I already know it’s not fine. The tone of his voice tells me it’s not fine. I keep fucking this up.
“Okay. I’m sorry, Mase.”
“Stop saying sorry. Please. There is nothing for you to be sorry about.” He exhales heavily down the phone, and my heart aches in my chest.
Why does he feel a million miles away from me right now?
“I’ll see you soon,” he says, hanging up.
My mood hits rock bottom, and I regret calling him. I drop my head to the taxi window and let the first tear fall.
Crying. Again.
I feel fed up.
I feel hurt.
And I feel like a fool. I can’t mask the turmoil that’s plaguing me, not when my only escapes are gone.
My studio and my Mase.
Mase
I make it back before Nina, and with my head thoroughly fried after a day trying to find the perfect studio, I decide to order in Chinese for dinner, knowing it’s her favourite.
I’ve been in the gym every morning and evening this week, trying to work off the guilt that seems to be hanging over my head. Despite my constant workouts, my body is still wound tight, and I have no idea how to shift it.
And as for her, I struggle to even look at her, knowing what I’ve taken away.
“Mase?” she calls, making her way through the penthouse.
“In here,” I call back.
“Hey!” She smiles as she steps into the kitchen, and my heart sinks when I see her red-rimmed eyes.
I go to her, taking her in my arms and holding her close. “I can’t stand to see you cry.”
“I’m okay.” She sniffles as more tears fall to my shirt.
I take her chin and lift her face so I can see her. I haven’t given her this connection in days. Our eyes blaze, and I can’t look away, something passing between us that’s deeper than anything I’ve ever experienced before.
