“What?” Mason asked flatly.
“Nothing,” Jace said, too quickly. “Just saying he’s very… present.”
Mason stopped walking for half a second.
Then continued.
But slower.
Controlled.
Too controlled.
Later, during the interview setup, Caleb stood beside me explaining timing cues.
I was listening.
Mostly.
Except I could feel Mason somewhere behind us.
Not looking directly.
But aware.
That was thedifference now.
He wasn’t watching.
He was registering.
And I didn’t know which version I preferred.
Caleb leaned slightly closer to show me something on the schedule sheet.
Just normal proximity.
But Mason’s voice cut through from behind us suddenly.
“Coach wants me back on court.”
Not looking at either of us.
Just leaving.
Fast.
Too fast.
Jace followed him immediately, muttering something under his breath.
But Mason didn’t slow down.
Didn’t turn.
Didn’t acknowledge me.
Which should’ve been fine.
