“They’re beautiful. I just thought there may be a story behind them.”
His chin rests on my shoulder as he responds. “More than one story, love. Each flower stands for something.”
I trace a purple flower on his bicep. “What’s this one stand for?”
“Purple hyacinths are given as an apology.” Oh, what’s he sorry for?
“This is a magnolia.”
“Yeah, it represents perseverance and stamina.”
“Well, you have no shortage of that.”
His deep chuckle makes me grin. “You sure know how to test it. Are you feeling better?”
“Mmm Hmm, high as a giraffe’s tit,” I slur, and Mason laughs aloud. He stretches out beside me, and I lie down on my side, resting my cheek in the crook of his arm. Whew! That pill is kicking my ass. My mind is full of fog and I realize I’m falling asleep again. “I really fucked up.”
“No, baby, you didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I fell in love with a cheater again.”
* * * *
Mason’s side of the bed is empty when I wake. Shit. No wonder, it’s nearly noon. Those pills wiped me out. I feel a little better, my head is bearable, but my whole body still aches. Slowly, I manage to make my way to the bathroom to pee. My image in the mirror is disgusting. Nearly three days without a shower has left my hair limp and oily.
A large purple bruise covers my temple, stretching from my cheekbone to my hairline. I’m grateful to find my toothbrush on the counter and waste no time brushing my teeth. After pulling my hair into a ponytail, I hear Mason call my name from the bedroom. “Coming,” I reply.
“You should’ve waited. I’d have helped you.”
“I’m okay. What’s all this?” A large tray laden with food waits on the bedside table.
“You need to eat. Are you hurting?”
“Not as bad as last night.” When he picks up the pill bottle, I shake my head. “I don’t want knocked out again.”
“Lightweight,” he teases. “Put some food in your stomachand then just take one. It won’t fuck you up so bad. Then you can soak in a hot bath to help your sore muscles.”
God, he’s being so sweet. “Okay, look, Mason…”
“Eat, baby, then we’ll talk.”
“Okay.”
“If only you were always this agreeable.”
“Give me a day or two to recover, then you won’t be able to boss me around.” I laugh. Once I start eating, I realize how hungry I am and scarf down the oatmeal, toast, and banana in record time. I can hear Mason running a bath and a lump forms in my throat. He’s been right beside me the whole time, just like he promised. How can he be so caring and sweet, then run to other women?
I don’t argue when he pulls off my t-shirt and pushes my panties to my feet so I can step out of them. “Oh, Evie.” His voice is low and tortured as he takes in the bruise stretching from my back around to the right side of my chest. Another covers my left hip.
“I’m okay.” He holds my hand as I step into the hot water. The tub is massive and the water reaches my chin when I lie back. “You don’t have to babysit me. I’ll be fine.”
“And miss out on this view? Even covered in bruises, you’re stunning, Evie.”
“Mason, please. You’ve been great, but I can’t…”
“Shh. Let me show you something and explain before you finish that sentence.” He produces his phone and holds it up where I can see the photo of him with his arm around a blond woman. He flips through the remaining pictures that were mailed to me, then zooms in on the blonde’s face. “Look at her. Does she look happy?”
On closer inspection, I see her eyes are red and puffy. “She looks like she’s been crying.”
