Page 11 of Beneath the Surface

She pouts. “Can’t your neighbor do it? Just one night, Lily. You’re this big ball of energy, but you never do anything fun.”

I laugh, my brow rising. “You ever live with a three-year-old?”

Her nose scrunches as she shakes her head.

“Exactly. Try that first, and then come back and tell me my energy doesn’t have an outlet.”

“Well, whatever. I’m gonna keep pushing until you give in.”

“Good luck.” I walk out the door, waving at her behind my back.

As I head home, a tendril of sadness weaves its way around my heart, because Annabelle isn’t wrong. I don’t go out at all anymore. Don’t have any money, or any time to do it. Shots of my old life flash before my eyes, back when I used to be the life of the party. Before things got so bad I couldn’t fake it.

Sometimes I miss that life.

But then I shake my head, reminding myself of how far I’ve come, and I go home and pick up Chase, cuddling him on the couch while we watch an old Disney movie and fall asleep.

This is all I need.

Right here.

Friends are overrated.

6

Mason

Iwatch Lily leave just as a plate filled with steak fries and a turkey club is plopped down in front of me. I wasn’t planning on eating here, but this new waitress, Annabelle,is persistent and I can’t survive solely on black coffee and the craving for nicotine running through my veins.

The toothpicks are my half-assed attempt to curb the habit, but I’ll be honest, they don’t really do the trick. I’ve always been one to give into my vices. One of which is being offered to me on a very obvious silver platter in the form of a curvy, redheaded girl who I’ve seen in passing but never paid any mind to until this moment.

I’ve always had a thing for redheads.

“So, what ya in town for?” Annabelle asks, leaning her hip against the side of the opposite booth.

“Work,” I grunt, diving into my sandwich and taking a bite.

Her face scrunches up and her head tilts. “What kinda work is here in Raindale?”

I arch a brow. “Theworkkind.”

“Oh. Okay then.” Her mouth thins. “Well…” She leans in, her polo stretched tight across her chest, and my eyes drop, my dick twitching at the sight. “If you need some company while you’re here, you know where to find me.”

Her voice is low and breathy, and blood rushes into my cock, hardening it further.Fuck, I need to get laid.

Setting down my sandwich, I wipe my hands on a napkin as my eyes take her in, trailing up her curves and considering her offer.

I smirk. “I’ll think about it.”

The bell above the front door chimes letting us know that customers are walking in. She clears her throat and straightens, running a hand over her ponytail.

She’s occupied for the next few minutes, and after I finish my food, she comes back around to set down my bill.

She leans in much farther than necessary, her tits grazing against my forearm. “Don’t think too hard, handsome. Be a shame to miss out on a golden opportunity.”

I grace her with a wink and drop some cash on the table.

When I’m back at the motel, I fire up my laptop, pulling up the file I keep on Lily. Bypassing the photos I’ve taken—her walking with her son, and working at the diner—I drop down to the bottom of my notes and type in the new information.

---