Page 204 of Sins & Secrets

It’s wonderful that we’re having a baby, isn’t it?

See how I changed subjects there? I hope that made you laugh.

I’m so grateful for this baby and I want to feel happy, Mom.

But my life isn’t okay and I kind of hate myself right now.

This guy, Jake, changes that. Does that make it better?

Please tell me it does, because I want it all to be okay for the baby. Not the mess that it is.

I know it can’t last, but maybe just for a little while?

CHAPTER 10

Evan

“It’s been a while,” Mason says as I sit down at the booth in the back of the restaurant.

“I saw you just a few weeks ago,” I point out to him.

“Not what I meant,” he says, correcting me. “It’s been a while since the two of us have been up to no good.”

That comment pulls my lips up into an asymmetric smile and he follows suit with a wicked grin. “And how do you know that’s what I’m here for?” I used to buy some good shit through Mason and vice versa. I came from the poor part of town, and he was from the rich. The only real difference that makes is which drugs you’re doing. Pot or snow.

And if you want a taste of the other, all you need to do is make friends with the right people. Long story short, that’s how I met Mason and as I moved into his circle, he made a spot forme when I needed one. When he got into trouble, I got him out. It was years ago, but a pact like that never dies.

Mason shrugs at my question. “I’m going to take a guess and say that whatever you want from me, it’s something I could go to jail for.”

I huff a sarcastic laugh and toss my phone down on the white tablecloth, then glance around casually to make sure I don’t recognize anyone. The place is mostly empty, with only a few guys at the bar and a couple in the corner of the diner.

“Are we good if that’s the case?” I ask him.

“We’re good,” Mason answers. “I have to say, considering what’s going on, I’m intrigued.”

“Intrigued is a word for it, I guess.”

The waitress saunters over with a beer, setting it down with a smile and I thank her, although I didn’t order it.

“I got you an IPA, seasonal.”

“Thanks, man,” I tell him gratefully, but I don’t touch the tall glass sitting right in front of me. I take off my coat and hang it over the unused chair to my left as the waitress pulls out her notepad and a pen. She’s a skinny little thing, which makes her look even younger than she probably is.

“Welcome to Murray’s,” she says evenly. Her top’s unbuttoned a little too much and the way a blush colors her cheeks as she looks at us makes what she’s thinking more than obvious.

“Can I get you guys anything?” She bites down on her lip and Mason raises a brow at me.

“Not me,” I tell him and lean back in my seat, not looking back at the broad and risking leading her on.

He waves her off politely. “We’ll just grab the drinks from the bar,” he tells her and her smile falls. She seems to falter, and she clears her throat.

“Sure, if you need anything …” she says and shrugs, “just let me know.”

“So, how you been?” I ask him as the pretty little blonde walks off.

“Better now,” he tells me.

“I’m sorry to hear about your father.”

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