Page 18 of The Sweet Part
Hailey smiles widely. “Mason’s a good one. He had a serious relationship once, so he’s capable of it. Just needs to find the right woman.”
I stare straight ahead. “Mmm, I hope he finds her.”
Finally, the slow song ends. Sophie dances madly to the next song with a thumping bass beat, and Mason walks off, looking for someone. Our gazes collide, and he heads toward me. I find myself smiling.
“Mason, join us on the dance floor,” Hailey says.
“Actually, I have to do a small secret errand for the bride and groom. I’ll be back before you know it.” He turns to me. “You okay with that?”
“Of course. No problem.”
He smiles and then jogs from the ballroom.
Hailey squeezes my shoulder. “Don’t worry, he’ll be back.”
“Oh, I’m not worried.”
“Good, let’s dance.”
* * *
After our fast dance, I excuse myself to get some water from the pitcher at the table. I feel strange dancing with Mason’s curious family, who seem to be studying me while they smile. Is Sophie the only reason he invited us? I don’t know why else his family would findmeso interesting.
I set the glass down and decide to step out to the ladies’ room for a bit of quiet. Sophie’s in the middle of things, dancing up a storm. She probably won’t notice I’m gone.
Mason meets me just as I step into the hallway. “Hi. Sorry to leave you alone. We went out to decorate the car for the bride and groom. We had to keep it discreet since Shayla needs security, so it was mostly on the inside of the car.”
“What’d you put in there?”
“A small banner saying congratulations on one window and a liberal pile of rainbow condoms and edible underwear.”
My jaw drops. “Seriously?”
He grins. “It was Nathan’s idea. He’s Owen’s closest friend and business partner. I’m sure there’ll be retaliation if Nathan ever gets married. Come on, I’ll introduce you to some more people.”
So much for a peaceful refuge in the ladies’ room, though I have to admit I feel much more comfortable when Mason’s with me. But then he leads me toward his parents.
“I met them briefly earlier,” I say, a little concerned about why Mason wants his parents to get to know me.
“They want to talk to you.”
I approach them with a pleasant expression, even though I’m nervous. I don’t need to get their approval since Mason is just a friend. I wipe my clammy hands on the sides of my dress.
“Hi,” I say.
His dad, Parker, smiles. His mom says, “Hey.”
I feel like I know his dad, Parker, from TV. He’s a chill guy and an expert mechanic. His mom, with her short bob of brown hair and sharp brown eyes, looks tough, like she takes no BS from anyone. I wouldn’t want to cross her.
“May’s opening the inn across the street from Mackenzie and Harper’s place,” Mason tells them.
Parker gives me a sweet smile that reminds me of Mason’s. “I heard about the inn. How’s it going?”
“Almost ready.” I cross my fingers. “Hoping for a full inn when I open on Valentine’s Day weekend.”
His mom and dad nod.
Mason smiles. “You’ll get there.”
