“I’m sure it’s nice to have a man who can keep you fed.”
“That and it’s kinda hot watching you work. You’ve been talking to me this whole time and whipping up a meal I’ve been too lazy to make like it’s nothing.”
“Well, it’s a very easy recipe. I can show you anytime you like.”
“That’s fine. I like the view from here.”
“You’re not flirting with me, are you now?”
“If you couldn't tell, I barely have an internal filter, especially when it comes to you. I’m not flirting. I’m just incapable of not telling you what I find attractive about you. It’s embarrassing as hell, so if you could please stop pointing it out, I’d appreciate it.”
“I’ll consider it. It’s kinda cute when your voice gets all high that way.”
“It does not.” She pressed her hand against her cheek, crossed the kitchen and grabbed another beer. Mason liked teasing her, but he knew he had to give her a break. He checked his pasta, then searched for a colander.
“And what about you?” he said to her. “What dreams are you putting off to the side?”
“What makes you think I’m not living my dreams?”
“You tell me. What’s it like teaching the wee ones? I did magic tricks for two of Palila’s little friends and I thought they were going to eat me alive.”
“Oh, the kids are easy. I don’t know. They’re… they’re easy, but the work? It’s not as fulfilling as I’d hoped it would be.”
“How so?”
“Well, I knew I was going to aim for a private school. Higher salaries, better resources. I work with two of my best friends. It’s a great school. Not too many problems from the administration. The parents are okay. But, like, these kids do not need me. They have everything. Money, access, privilege. A few times, I’ve thought about moving over to a school where I can really mentor students who need it, but I’m not sure I want to be a teacher for the rest of my life. Wow, I have never said that out loud to anyone.”
“What do you want to be when you finally grow up?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Well, come Monday, when all the paperwork is filed, you won’t have to do it for the money anymore.”
“God,” Xeni said, making a noise like a strangled gasp. Mason looked over to see a sort of wide-eyed terror spreading over her face. “I didn’t even think of that.”
“Of what?”
“The actual money beingmine. I was so stressed out about my mom and my aunt and my aunt mom and all this other shit. I didn’tthinkabout the actual money and what it would mean for me. What is wrong with me?”
“You’re under a lot of stress and you just lost someone very close to you. It’s not like you won the lottery or got luck at the slots.”
“Do you play piano?” she asked, abruptly changing the subject.
“I do.”
“Will you play something for me after dinner?”
“What movie are we roleplaying? Pretty Woman or Twilight?”
“Actually, another one of my favorites. The Oscar award-winning hit You’re Sleeping Alone Tonight, Chump.”
“Available now on Blu-ray and Redbox.”
“Yup.”
12
“Here’s a question for you.”
