Page 13 of Yours To Hold
“Holy shit, Mason. That’s really cool.”
I rest my elbows on the counter, leaning in closer to her. From here, I can see light flecks of gold in her eyes.
“I’m really hoping it works. I pushed Peter into doing it, and I’d hate for him to have to fire his older brother.”
“Why wouldn’t it work?” Ivy settles onto the barstool.
I shrug a shoulder. “Just like with any new venture, it could completely flop.”
“Not that my opinion means much, but I love The Clara.”
“You have to say that.”
“No I don’t. Trust me, if it wasn’t any good, I wouldn’t get it every time I go to The Tipsy Cocktail. I think it’s a good idea.”
“You do?” Why am I seeking confirmation from Ivy on this? It’s not like I need her to validate how I’m feeling about this.
“I think it’ll be great for the bar. Especially with this big music fest you’re planning this summer.”
“Not me, thank God. There aren’t enough hours in the day for me to do that. But that’s what I’ve been trying to tell Peter this whole time. He’s so wrapped up with Nash and Logan that it’s hard for him to see that it can be a really good thing.”
“And I’ll be here to help you if you need me.” I can hear the question in her tone. Anyone who wants to hang out with my crazy kid is good in my book.
I’ll just have to push my feelings for her down and bury them.
Willow chooses that moment to come running into the house with Daisy, yelling and giggling as mud sticks to the floor behind them as they race to her room.
One more thing to add to my ever growing to-do list.
Ivy is fighting a smile.
“Are you sure you know what you’re signing on for?” I quirk a brow at her.
“If that’s the worst of it, I think so.”
At least I can cross something off that list.
“Can you start tomorrow?”
ChapterFive
IVY
“Are you nervous for your first day?” Gemma’s voice is loud through the car speakers.
“No. I like Willow. We had a good time together yesterday.”
I don’t tell her that the part I’m nervous about is Mason. He was fine the day I came over.
That’s it.
Just fine.
Maybe if he acts indifferent to me like he did that day, I’ll be okay. It’ll crush these simmering feelings I’ve always had for him.
“Well, if you need anything, let me know. I can pop over real fast.”
I turn onto their street. “I’ll be fine, Ivy. How bad could it be? She’s seven.”
