Page 51 of The Sweet Part
“Bachelor life for me,” I say to the quiet house.
I flop on the sofa, grab the remote, and turn on the game to fill the silence.
11
May
Not long after Mason’s mom visited, I was surprised to get an email from Shayla and Owen’s wedding photographer, Rafael, asking if I could have the inn ready in a week for a photo session for the website and marketing materials. I did everything I could to get it in tiptop shape, besides the ceiling repair. Mason must’ve sent him. He didn’t have to do that. I can’t help but feel warmly toward a man who goes out of his way to help me, asking nothing in return.
All week I had hope in my heart. Even though I pushed Mason away, he’s still in my life. That means something. He cares about me as a person not just a casual fling.
I was hoping to see him today, but a man named Ralph showed up in Mason’s place this morning to repair the ceiling. I guess he’s keeping his distance. I had made Mason a dinner to take with him as a thank you for the repair work, since I know he likes my cooking, and gave it to Ralph instead. Ralph’s in his sixties and divorced. He was thrilled with a home-cooked meal since he eats frozen dinners every night.
I hate to admit it, but when I saw Ralph this morning, all the hope leaked out of me. Mason cares, yes, but he doesn’t want to see me. That hurt more than it should have considering I’m the one who ended it. Maybe I made a mistake.
After Ralph leaves, Sophie asks, “When’s Mason coming over again?”
“I don’t know. He’s really busy. Hey, how about we invite Olivia H. or Carrie over for a playdate after the photo session?”
“Can they both come?”
“Sure. I’ll text their moms.”
“Yay!” She runs toward the kitchen. “I’m thirsty!”
The doorbell rings. That must be the photographer.
I open the door to a tall, handsome guy with short brown hair, sparkling blue eyes, and a scruffy jaw. He could be a model or a movie star. Movie star, definitely. “Hi, Rafael.” I didn’t notice how strikingly handsome he is at the wedding. Probably because my focus was on Mason.
He flashes a smile that lights up his face. “Hey, nice to see you again. Not sure if I mentioned before, I’m the groom’s younger brother.” I connect the dots. Mason’s cousin and Claire Jordan’s son. No wonder he’s movie-star handsome.
“I see the resemblance now. Come in.”
He steps inside. “Mason covered my fee, so don’t give it another thought.”
“He did?”
“Yup.”
“I’ll have to return the favor somehow.”
“Nah, just let him do his gallant thing.” He winks.
I laugh. “Come on. I’ll show you everything I want to highlight. The third floor is my apartment, so we can skip that.”
“Sure.”
Sophie appears from the kitchen, wearing a milk mustache. “Who are you?”
“Rafael,” he says. “And you’re Sophie.”
Her eyes widen. “How do you know my name?”
“We met at the wedding, but I was mostly behind a camera.” He holds the camera to his face and then lowers it. “I’m taking pictures of the inn for your mom today.”
“How long do I have to wait for my playdate?” Sophie asks me.
“I’ll see if you can go to their house. Go get ready while I check on who’s around.”
