Page 11 of Mason: His to Convince

“What about you, Maggie?” he asked. “Is the overtime a hardship with the kids?”

Maggie sighed, letting her guard down for a moment. Her whole demeanor changed when she talked about her kids, the softer side shining through.

“No, Jason’s old enough now to watch the other two and my Mom checks in with him. To tell you the truth, the more tired I am when I get to bed, the better I like it.”

Understanding flowed between them and he nodded as she put her hat on and went back to work.

Maybe that’s what I need he thought. A little extra physical activity might help. Over the last couple of years he’d become almost completely desk bound as the company grew. With Maggie running things in the field he didn’t have to worry about that aspect and only made occasional site checks unless there was a problem. Getting up he strode across the room and opening the closet got out his hardhat and steel toed boots. A little while later he was unloading concrete blocks. Maggie never said a word, she just smiled knowingly.

* * *

Rebecca pushed the hair out of her eyes for the third time and concentrated on getting the little black felt hat together. Everyone’s pilgrim was finished but hers and she was the teacher. Embarrassed she tried again and proceeded to prick her finger painfully.

Sara, standing behind her, laughed and bent down to whisper in her ear as Rebecca tried to wipe the little drop of blood off the pilgrim dolls vest.

“Leave it. Pretend the Indians got him,” Sara continued, clasping a hand to her chest and staggering backward dramatically.

“Very funny,” Rebecca responded, tossing the little man down on the work table in disgust.

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me lately,” she sighed dejectedly, elbows propped on the table supporting her chin. “Normally I’m good at this sort of thing but for some reasonI can’t get him,” she pointed at the little doll accusingly, “to cooperate.”

“Probably because he isn’t the man on your mind,” Sara returned grinning cheekily.

“Who says I’ve got a man on my mind?” Rebecca demanded.

“Look sweetie, we’ve known each other since grade school. I was around when the delectable Mason entered your life. Besides being consumed with jealousy,” she continued, dropping into a chair and crossing her legs gracefully, “and waiting patiently for him to notice me, your loyal, gorgeous friend, I learned to read you like a book. You’re hooked. Big time.”

“Booked?” Mary Havens questioned loudly, causing the others to stop what they were doing and look up in surprise.

“Who’s doing time? Have you gone and gotten yourself arrested? I told you not to park in that No Parking Zone Rebecca,” Mary continued, deep concern etched in her face. “Oh, dear me.”

Mary pushed her glasses up farther on her nose, something she unconsciously did whenever she had difficulty hearing, as if that would improve it.

“Bookie?” Harry chortled, “I had a bookie once, fine fellow, made me a lot of money too. Don’t know if he’s still around, but I can give you his number.”

Rebecca couldn’t help but smile at the absurdity of the conversation. Hugging Mary, whose hearing was fast becoming a real problem for her, she spoke loudly enough for all her seniors to hear.

“No, I’m not getting arrested and I don’t need a bookie. It’s just a misunderstanding,” Rebecca informed them drawing out the words slowly.

“Huh? Standing? Here take my chair,” Harry offered, rising stiffly on his arthritic legs.

Smiling helplessly, Rebecca patted Harry on his thin shoulder gently.

“No Harry, I don’t need your chair. I have some paperwork to do in my office. Sara will help you now.”

“Well if you need any help you just let old Harry know,” he said patting his thin chest. “I still have some friends left in this town my girl.”

“I surely will Harry. You can count on it,” Rebecca choked out. Hurrying to her office she had a mental image of Harry brandishing his cane at Mason. Shaking her head she closed the door and burst out laughing.

Chapter Four

Mason slammed the phone down for the eighth time in two days. If he got her voice mail just one more time…

The more she avoided him, the more furious he became. This was exactly why he hadn’t wanted to get physically involved and he cursed himself for his weakness.

Rebecca had been a part of his life for so long that he couldn’t handle the separation. It had been two long weeks since he’d seen her. She hadn’t shown up for class last week and he felt responsible. Her grades couldn’t take any neglect. Economics was a tough course for someone who wasn’t exactly practical minded.

Pacing his office he tried to think of a way to recover what they’d lost, knowing instinctively that they couldn’t go back. His body burned for her in a way he’d never experienced before. The women in his life had always been fun, but forgettable and he’d never been faced with this gut wrenching indecision. ‘Witch’ was a good name for her he thought dejectedly. She’d cast a spell on him, haunted his nights and thoughts of her consumed his days.