This is freaking maddening.
An hour had passed since Mason’s parents and Jerome had marched him out of the auditorium and over to our hotel. I swear, Mason’s expression made me think they were leading him to the gallows. I followed, because what else was I gonna do? Sit in my parents’ hotel room and count the stripes on the wallpaper? I stood across the street, watching the door to the lobby, admiring the Shelby GT500CR in the parking lot, and casting frequent glances at my phone for any messages.
Nothing.
I’m going over there. I can’t wait any longer. Ihaveto know what’s going on.
But as I was about to cross the street, Jerome stormed out of the hotel and got into the Shelby.
He may be a douche but he has great taste in cars.
Which was possibly the only positive thing I would ever have to say about the guy. So if he was gone, that meant Mason would appear any second now.
Any. Second. Now.
Twenty minutes after Jerome had left, I was still saying it. Okay, now I was worried.What is going on?After another twenty minutes passed, I’d had enough. I stomped over to the hotel, ready to do battle if necessary. I checked my phone for the message Mason had sent that morning, telling me what room he was in. When I got to it, I pounded on the door and called out for him.
It opened, and he stood there smiling at me. “Hey,” he said in a bright tone.
I blinked. “Hey? That’s all I get? What the hell is going on?”
“I don’t have to go back with Jerome.” He sounded almost chirpy.
“Yeah, I saw him leave. He wasnota happy bunny.”
“Oh, he wasn’t. He?—”
“Is that our future son-in-law?” Mason’s mom called out, her tone cheerful and just a bit scary. “Let him in!”
“Sorry,” Mason said in a low voice. “For everything.”
I stepped into the room and was instantly set upon by Mason’s parents, who hugged me and clapped me on the back, welcoming me to the family. My head spun, but I tried to retain my composure.
“Where are your parents?” Mason’s dad asked.
“They’re staying in another hotel, Mr. Devlin A lot of them were booked up because of the graduation.”
His dad snorted. “I think we’re past the Mr. and Mrs. Devlin stage. I’m Donald, and this is Rachel.”
I gave them both a polite nod. Mason was staring at me, but instead of unnerving me, I found it calming.
“So what happened?” I asked.
Rachel tugged Donald’s arm. “We should go. I know you two have a lot to talk about.”
Donald smiled. “Sure. Ask your parents if they’re open to having dinner later tonight, okay, son?”
Rachel giggled as they left the room, closing the door behind them.
What is up with her?
I could hear them talking as they walked away, the words becoming more indistinct with every step. Finally, I turned to Mason.
“What the hell is going on, dude? I need to know, especially about Jerome.”
“The good news is I don’t have to marry him.”
It was as if a huge weight rolled off my chest. “That’s great. I’m happy for you.”
