I glance at the papers tucked in my visor. One paper in that stack is the same itinerary Karoline just sent me, and I smile to myself.
Well, fellas. Looks like Karoline Wright went hunting for and found a reason to text me.
Chapter Sixteen
Karoline - Present
Iread the messageagain. He responded to me three days later, and I don’t know what to make of this. I found myself checking my phone while in class, while arranging displays at work, while showering… Basically, every buzz sent my fragile heart into a tizzy at the thought of Mason’s name on my phone. Yes, his contact name finally made it to his actual name.
Mason:Actually, I do have a few questions. Can we meet to talk about them in person? 7pm at the movie theater?
That sly man. Every fiber of my being wants to sit in a darkened theater with him…
Me:How are we going to talk while watching a movie?
Mason:Who said anything about talking during the movie? We can talk before or after. Grab dinner?
“Oooh, who are you smiling at like that?” Chanel asks, and I school my face back into a blank neutrality.
“No one. I’m not smiling at anyone.”
She slides up next to me, and I click my screen black.
“Whatcha hiding me from me, Kar?” Chanel bumps my hip with hers in her leggings and baggy sweatshirt. I match her appearance currently, but it looks like I’m going to be changing soon.
“It’s nothing. Mason just wants to meet up to discuss some questions he has about the promotional video that we’re shooting tomorrow.”
She wiggles her brows and starts making kissing noises. I’ve kept her up to date with everything regarding him, and she has solidly entered the camp of “the famous country star has returned for his long lost lover.”
“It’s not like that!” I holler, turning my back to her to pour a glass of water. My kitchen is small, very similar to the twins’ kitchen above me.
“The lady doth protest too much.”
I take a sip of water to cool the flame burning through my skin at the thought of sitting through a movie with Mason. “Fine. He invited me to go see a movie under the guise of needing questions answered.” I mean, it was obvious. Which makes me wonder if he saw through my text about the itinerary to beginwith? Iamthe one who handed him the paper copy before he left the boutique a few days ago.
My days since I’ve last seen him have been excruciatingly monotonous as I awaited a message from him. I worked the morning shift, then went to my afternoon classes. I ended my days studying with Chanel, which is what I’m currently doing.
Or was.
I think back to the simple message I sent him. I justhadto break my “don’t message first rule” and text Mason after our meeting because…
Fine. I’ll be honest. I texted him because seeing him with Genevieve got under my skin. I thought maybe if I caved and sent a message first then he would continue a conversation with me.
But no. Silence for a few days ensued. It sent my brain spiraling down a rabbit hole of thoughts and questions and research.
I have spent most of my class time googling the two of them, analyzing their photos, the interviews they’ve had, etc., looking for any indication of a relationship. I don’t think they have one judging by the way Mason continues to hit on me every chance he gets, but you never know…
There was radio silence for the past three days, after all.
Not that I care. He doesn’t have to text me.
I’mfine.
He apologized and I have forgiven him, but I haven’t forgotten what he’s capable of. And remembering that should quiet the stupid thoughts swirling in my head, desperately trying to kickstart my heart into chasing after his affection.
“Are you going to go?” Chanel asks, saddling up next to me at the kitchen table. “He apologized the other day. You said you forgave him. And for what it’s worth, by what you’ve told me,he seems sincere. Maybe it’s okay to give him the space to prove himself to you?”
I toss her words around, testing them out on my tongue. “Prove himself? What’s there to prove? He’s back to flirting with me, which signifies that he hasn’t lost the cocky, arrogant side of him. Who’s to say I won’t hurt his fragile pride again and elicit a venomous response from him?”
