“Let’s open some Doritos to tide me over until my future bro-in-law is here,” Eliza interrupted. “I didn’t have lunch because some bitch stole my sandwich at work and had the nerve to put the empty container back in the fridge. I’m gonna start putting hairs in my food.”
Half an hour later, a very harried and tired Mason walked through the door. “Sorry everyone. Work’s been a madhouse lately.”
“Busy is good,” James said. “Jobs are safe when it’s busy.”
“Yeah, for sure. I kind of like it though. Being challenged all the time. Did Anna tell you I’m talking at a conference next week? I leave Sunday” Mason asked, clearly seeking some kind of approval or validation from James.
“Yes, she did. That’s great! We’re all very proud of you,” James soothed.
As they all sat down to dinner, with Eliza prattling on about her grumpy neighbor’s noise complaints, Anna felt happy again. Her emotions were giving her whiplash lately. She felt contented and relaxed one minute, then suspicious and full of doubt the next. And for what? Ungrounded suspicions and a random banking app? She needed to get a grip on herself. She had a wedding to plan!
Chapter 4: Anna—Pencil skirts and heartbreak
“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” Anna hissed at Rosa and Mel. They were sitting in Rosa’s mother’s car outside Mason’s office building. Rosa had insisted on taking her mom’s car in case Mason recognized her distinctive little hatchback.
“Just putting your mind at ease and playing out Mel’s romance novel fantasies,” Rosa assured her. Mason had been supposed to meet her for lunch that day, as they did every Friday, but claimed he had a meeting. Given dance classes were over for the day, Rosa and Mel had urged Anna to engage in some light stalking to check Mason’s story.
As they sat awaiting an appearance from Mason, Anna’s mind drifted to three years ago, when she met Mason at a careers expo. Madame Celeste had insisted on setting up a stand at the expo because apparently the school had a strong performing arts program. That was debatable, but it did lead Anna to Mason, who was manning the StaffWare group stall. The attraction was immediate, mutual, and scorching. Mason was charming and funny. He made her feel special, like she was the only woman in the world. She’d had a six-month relationship before Mason, which had ended amicably when they both decided they were better off as friends.
Years later, here she sat in a car with two wannabe Nancy Drews. She twisted the ring on her finger, suddenly feeling a bit guilty and overdramatic for letting things come to this.
“Guys, I think I’m wrong. We should just—”
“Shut up! There he is!” Rosa squawked.
They all shuffled down in their seats, feeling like the most obvious stalkers in the world. Ahead of them, Mason strolled down the street alone. He seemed determined, not glancing atthe cafes and takeout spots he passed. Maybe he just knew exactly what he wanted for lunch.
Rosa started the car, waiting until he was almost out of sight before she took off. He turned down a laneway, and Rosa parked the car at the end of the laneway.
“This is a tow zone Rosa,” Anna warned.
“I’ll pay the ticket,” Mel rushed. “This is how it happens. We follow him in and he’s eating with some haughty bitch who looks down on Anna.”
“I’m not getting Mom’s car towed,” Rosa stated flatly. “Get your asses out and follow him at a distance. I’m going to find a proper park. I’ll meet you in the laneway, out of sight of course.”
Mel and Anna left the car, creeping up the laneway, their efforts not to be suspicious resulting in them looking extra suspicious.
“I’ve forgotten how to walk normally, Anna. How should I walk?” Mel puffed, clearly forgetting how to breathe properly too.
“Just walk. He’s gone in so we don’t need to be nervous,” Anna assured her.
When they reached the window, they saw Mason standing at the counter talking to the hostess. She waved her hand toward the back of the restaurant, leaving Mason to find his table.
Anna’s eyes blurred as he sat down at a table with an attractive brunette. She looked to be in her late 20s or early 30s. It was difficult to see her fully with her seated, but she looked to be slim and athletic.
“It could just be work.” Mel looked at her sympathetically. “He did say he had a meeting.”
The woman rose. Yes, she was slim and athletic. Ah, sweet relief. She was wearing a wedding ring. Anna immediately felt foolish. She felt even more foolish when she recognized the woman.
“Quick, tell me. I ran here and I have a stitch. What’s happening?” Rosa appeared beside them.
“You’re a professional dancer and you have a stitch after a short jog? Anyway, I think I’m an idiot,” Anna laughed. “That’s April, the accounts manager. I met her at the Christmas party. I don’t really know her story but she’s wearing a wedding ring. Okay ladies, enough drama for today. I’m just gonna sit Mason down tonight and clear everything—”
She stopped talking. Rosa and Mel stood on each side of her, grateful for the cover of the ferns they hid behind.
Mason had kissed April. On the lips. In a cozy, dark restaurant. They rubbed noses and April looked up at him adoringly. She was a tall woman, at least 5’10”. Glamorous looking and very put together. A neat black pencil skirt showed off her athletic frame and a tight red blouse skimmed her trim stomach and elegant neck.
“She looks expensive,” Mel commented.
