Page 83 of Please Hate Me

Once their loud greetings subsided, I finally had a chance to look at Sophia’s friend. She wore a white tank top that showed off the butterfly tattoo on her shoulder. Her skin reminded me of chestnuts, both in color and in texture. Her hair came to her waist in dark twists that were sporadically adorned with bits of gold jewelry. In short: she was hot.

“Jade, this is Mason.” Sophia bubbled, turning to grab my hand.

My heart fell to my stomach as I prepared for her to realize who I was. Jade stepped closer, bending over slightly so she could see me better. Nervous butterflies erupted in my chest, but I couldn’t pinpoint if they were from the fear of being recognized or just how pretty Jade was.

Her umber gaze bore into mine before a smile lit her face.

“Is this your girlfriend?” she asked, to which Sophia enthusiastically nodded. “Ugh, you get all the cuties, don’t you?”

Sophia laughed and pulled me closer. “Yep! I’m just lucky like that.”

I was glad I had a mask to hide my smile. It felt nice to have Sophia so happy to have me at her side.

“Are you just going to get your usual?” Jade asked Sophia.

Sophia looked down at her well-maintained acrylics. How often did she come here?

“Yeah, but Mason needs her nails done, too. Do you have time?”

Jade held her palms to the sky and looked around the empty salon. “Soph, can’t you see I’m swamped?”

She and Sophia laughed, but I wasn’t sure why.

“Come on, you two. Let’s get to work.”

Jade led the way, and Sophia dragged me along until we came to a white marble-looking counter. On one side was a stool and a cart full of nail supplies, and the other side had white leather armchairs. Sophia helped me into one of the chairs, then sat next to me and rested her hands on the marble.

“Remember, these two need to stay short.” Sophia’s brow lowered as she spoke, showing Jade the pointer and middle finger on her left hand.

My face went hot as I recognized the purpose of that peculiar style.

“I know, I know. You don’t want to scratch yourself when… yeah. I bet that goes double since you have a girl in your harem now.” Jade winked before grabbing one of Sophia’s hands.

I buried my face in my hands, hiding just how red this conversation was turning my cheeks.

“Lighten up, baby; your girlfriend is going to make sure you’re taken care of.” Jade started the process of filling Sophia’s nails. “Even if she doesn’t take care of herself.”

“I do too take care of myself!” She huffed. “Once a week, I take time, get my nails done, get a spray tan, and sometimes I even get my hair done!”

Jade chuckled as she continued to work on Sophia. “You make sure you’re pretty. That’s not taking care of yourself.”

An uncomfortable lump formed in my throat. This felt like going to a friend’s house only to watch their mom yell at them.

“It is too! Plus, I get to chit-chat with you. Someday soon, you’re going to be booked so far out I won’t be able to drop by and visit anymore.” Sophia’s lips formed into a small pout.

“Even if I had a hundred clients a day, I’d make time for your once-a-week appointment.”

I continued to listen to the two chatter for a few more minutes. It was kind of relaxing to listen to the aimless girl talk. But part of me wondered if I should do something to help Jade’s business; clearly, it was important to Sophia.

“Mason, you can take off your mask.” Jade’s voice broke through my thoughts. “I know who you are.”

My breathing stopped, and my pulse skyrocketed.

“I–I’m sick,” I said, trying to make my voice husky.

Jade’s hair swayed as she shook her head. “Since the day I met her, Sophia’s never shut up about how she once dated ‘Mason Albright—yes, thefamousone’, blah blah blah. I always thought she was making it up.”

I snuck a glance at Sophia. She... talked about me? All the time? The thought made my hands shake.

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