Page 13 of All Your Reasons Why

“I’m not just being an ass,” he says. “When I was in grade school, a friend of mine died of leukemia. He just got sicker and sicker, until one day he stopped coming to school and then a few weeks later ... our teacher told us the news. This brings back those memories.”

My heart squeezes in sympathy. “I’m sorry,” I say, sincerely. “Really. But that was the past, and these kids are here today, and you can bring a little fun into their lives. Can we revisit Juan and then see the rest of the kids?”

He nods. “I’m still planning horrible, horrible revenge on you for this, just so you know.”

A minute later, we pop back into the ward where Juan and the other kids are. Mason loudly announces he has just “one more thing.” to say. And then he bursts into song, a ridiculous made-up song about Rover the dog.

It’s a terrible song.

He has a really bad singing voice, a keep-your-day-job singing voice.

The kids love it. Juan beams from ear to ear. That smile would melt a glacier.

The rest of the visit goes smoothly, with Mason singing, clowning around, and sending the kids and their parents into peals of laughter. He signs autographs, he hands out swag, he charms the pants off of everyone. Of course, the second we’re done, he practically runs into a men’s room to strip the clown costume off.

“See?” I say to him, as we head for the lobby. “Wasn’t it worth conquering your cauliflower-phobia?”

“Absolutely not,” he says, plucking a red hair from his shirt and shuddering. “Gah. Why do clowns always have horrifying red hair?”

“Maybe you could give a donation to the hospital while you’re here?”

“As part of my publicity stunt? I don’t buy my image, thanks.”

“I’m not worried about your earthly image. I’m trying to get you points with the man upstairs so you don’t spend the afterlife backstroking through brimstone.”

He makes a snorting noise as we cross the lobby. “Calm your ta-tas. I’ll write a check. Anything I write at this point would be generous, because I wasn’t planning on using a donation as another publicity stunt. And I’m not taking the town car with you. I have an uber waiting for me.”

Ugh, what an ego. Did he actually think I was hoping to spend the rest of the day with him? “Imagine my disappointment. Enjoy your two weeks off. I’ve got plenty of time to plot my next move.”

He narrows his eyes at me. “Leave the costume at home next time.”

I spin on my heel and walk off, and he follows me through the lobby and out the door.

“No more costumes. I’ve done my time; I’ve paid my dues.”

He’s still trying to negotiate with my back as I climb into the town car, smiling wickedly as I think about the next costume. I have the perfect choice all picked out.

THE DAILY SNITCH

The Daily Snitch

September 4th

Before the start of preseason camp, Mason Raker has been seen around town spending time at the local children’s hospital. A good deed or mandated? Either way, we loved to see the smiles on those kiddos’ faces.

However, as we are genuinely terrified of clowns, we’re hoping his next appearance includes a costume that doesn’t scare us all. A little less Bozo and a lot more Mason would suffice.

And for all that is holy... if you snap a pic, share it.

Our biggest question this week? Could the bad boy be changing his ways?

Only time will tell, but don’t you fret, my dear readers, this star stalker will spill all the deets as they land on my desk.

5

ROWAN

It’s beentwo weeks since our first appearance, which means my moment of Mason-free bliss is over. On today’s agenda: a one-hour ride to New Jersey, trapped in a town car with Mason Raker.

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