Page 76 of Boundaries

I had been fine without Mason in my life in a romantic way, I would be fine again.

Ignoring the feeling of those hairline cracks across my heart, I closed my eyes and slept like the dead.

*****

It was Saturday morning, the day of the fair and the sun was bright as it shone in through the cracks in my curtains. I could already feel the heat through the glass and I stood there for a moment, basking in those rays. I loved to feel the sunshine against my skin.

The fact that it was looking to be a scorcher made my decision for me in respect of my outfit. I pulled on cream lace underwear and a white broderie anglaise sundress. It was fitted with capped sleeves and a sweetheart neckline, highlighting the small amount of cleavage I possessed and it was well above the knee and showed off my tiny waist. To add to the look, I pulled on flat strappy sandals with ties that crisscrossed up my slim ankles. I left my long hair loose and it fell in waves across my shoulders. I decided to add a bit more makeup than normal and went for a darker shade of lipstick that made my mouth appear fuller.

As I looked at myself in the full-length mirror, I felt amazing. Knock them dead type of stuff and the confidence that had been drained away by Mason’s silent treatment rocketed to the surface.

I was a Taylor-Joy, there wasn’t a male in the village who could resist me.

My phone pinged to say I had a message and I grabbed it from my dressing table and peered down at the screen. ‘Dickhead’ stared up at me.

Typical! Mason chose that very moment when I was feeling good about myself to message me. Did I have some type of beacon that was shining in the sky, like that message Gotham sent to Batman which said ‘Amy is feeling good about herself again, please do make sure you shit all over that right now.’

I toyed with not reading the message but of course, my resolve lasted seconds. Stay strong, stay strong. The guy has mugged you off for the past week and don’t forget his sell-by-date bullshit!

I’m back around lunchtime. Pick you up at one?

I placed the phone back on the dressing table and wrung my hands together, toying with how best to reply. I didn’t want to look like he’d upset me. He’d know his power over me then.

Retrieving my phone, I thumbed in, I would have loved to but I’m off into the village to meet some friends. Wowzer, I was impressed with how breezy my message sounded as I read it back, about six times!

You’re going to the Swaffham thing?

Yes, are you coming? I replied hopefully.

Not really my scene. He should have wanted to go because I was going! Boys were so fricking dumb sometimes.

I was gritting my teeth the entire time; our message exchange was like nothing had fucking happened. Save me from boys who haven’t got a fricking clue about how female emotions work!

K. Well maybe I’ll see you later. I tapped back

Maybe you will. Mason replied. Cocky fucker! I wanted to bite down on my phone.

Grunting, and deciding against replying to his text which was borderline indifferent, I checked the time and messaged Mattie to ask what time they were coming to get me.

He replied. We’ll be outside in five and please play nice.

Grabbing my bag, purse, and lipstick for essential top-ups, I made my way downstairs.

Jenna suddenly appeared from the kitchen which was a surprise.

“I thought you were at Lamb Hill?” I questioned, fluffing my hair.

She shook her head, looking a bit lost, “No, I stayed here last night whilst Nixon is away. Mitchell is quite poorly and I wanted to give them space.”

Titling my head, I digested her words, totally understanding. “Well, you can come home whenever you want can’t you,” I replied in an even tone.

She ignored my reference to the fact of where I considered her home to be, “You look lovely. Are you going to the fair?” she said. She was still dressed in her nightie and looked about fifteen.

“Yes, I take it you’re not working today, so you’re welcome to come.”

“No, Nixon is on his way back from London and he’s going to take me out for lunch,” she cooed in that sweet voice of hers.

So, Nixon was taking her to lunch whereas Mason’s text suggested he just wanted to see me for sex. Great. The dirty little secret and all that. I batted off those unhelpful thoughts.

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