“That’s what?—”
He’s cut off by his ringing phone. Reaching forward, he taps the car’s touchscreen, answering on the first ring.
“Anything?” Mason snaps, his voice echoing through the entire car.
I give Vinny a wink to let him know I’ve got this. “Hello Mr Lowell, how are you this evening?” I purr playfully. Vinny shakes his head as he looks out the window, but I can see his smile as I try to hold back my giggles.
“Good, you’ve got her. I’m ready when you’re finished there,” he responds, then hangs up.
I sit back in shock.
Is this prick for real?
“He’s had quite the day, don’t take it personally,” Vinny tries to explain.
I unbuckle my belt, leaning forward in my seat. I tap on the screen pulling up the recent call list and then press on Mason’s name.
He answers on the second ring.
“What?” he huffs.
I shake my head, blinking in surprise. “You didn’t say please,” I say, looking at Vinny. His eyes are wide as he stares straight ahead.
I shrink back a little.
“Excuse me?” Mason shoots back.
Crap. I have to follow through. I can’t back down now. “You didn’t say please when you asked Vinny to pick you up. Some manners wouldn’t hurt, you know, and if having someone drive me home is such an inconvenience to you, don’t do it.” I keep my voice steady, making sure I get my point across. At no point have I asked Mason to go out of his way for me.
I sit back in my seat, and the car goes dead fucking silent, no one saying a word for what feels like forever.
I’m waiting for him to flip.
Or hang up.
Vinny lifts his hand to end the call.
“I will see you soon, Vinny, thank you,” he replies.
My head flicks around to Vinny in shock, his face mirroring mine.
“Mason?” I murmur with a slight teasing in my tone.
“Yes, Nina,” he sighs, addressing me for the first time.
My dimple creases my cheek. “Thank you for the lift home. I didn’t want to walk alone this late. I really do hope you have a better evening,” I say softly.
I end the call, sitting back in the seat as I process the last few minutes in my head.
Maybe I should have sat back and said nothing, but manners are free, and his are lacking.
“Put your seat belt back on, Nina,” Vinny tells me, his voice quiet.
The rest of the ride home is made in silence.
SIX
Nina
