Page 75 of Yours To Hold
“I’m surprised I was able to drag you out today.” I give Gemma a hug before sitting across from her in the booth.
“I should say the same about you.”
“Me? Why?”
“You’ve been so busy watching Willow lately. Do I have to have a conversation with my brother about how hard he’s working you?”
I school my face, not showing her what those words mean.
“It’s fine. I’m glad I can help since he’s been so busy at the bar.”
“It’s more than that.” Our waitress stops by, dropping off a pitcher of mimosas and two glasses.
“Thanks for ordering.” I fill up two glasses and gulp down half of mine.
“I knew we’d need it.” She sips on hers. “What were we talking about?”
“You and that man of yours.”
Gemma gives me a look. “More like my brother. He’s been way too happy lately.”
“Why is that a bad thing?”
“Oh my God. Do you know something?” Gemma asks.
“What? No. He barely says more than two words to me when he comes home after work.”
I am the worst person. Lying to my closest friend in the world.
“Is he dating someone? Is that it?”
I shake my head, taking another big gulp of the fruity drink. I’m going to need a lot more of these if I’m going to make it through this breakfast with Gemma.
“Like I said, he doesn’t tell me these things.”
Gemma waves me off. “No. He probably wouldn’t. You’re just my best friend to him.”
“I mean a little bit more than that.” Her words hurt, even though I know she didn’t mean them that way.
“I only mean that Mason doesn’t see you as anything more than Willow’s nanny and my friend. It’s okay. It’s not like you’re dating him.”
“No, that’d be crazy.” My laugh is awkward.
“You two are so different. That’s just insane.”
I don’t think we’re that different. We actually go together pretty well.
Why am I arguing with her in my head? It’s not like this thing with Mason is going to be permanent. I have a month left.
If I’m not spending my time with Willow, I’m sneaking away to meet Mason or out taking photographs.
As much as I love Gemma, even our time together has become less frequent because of her new guy.
“Speaking of people we’re dating…” My face is hot. I need to move the conversation away from Mason and who he’s not dating before I give us away. “How’s Blake?”
“I’m so happy he’s back.”
“Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Phillips were all too happy to bring him their pies.”
