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Then they shoot back to Mason with a worried glance.
Then, they fall on me again.
Suddenly, the entire yard is silent. All eyes are on me and I’m certain this is the part where pitchforks and torches come out to play.
Andthat’swhy I opted for sneakers instead of heels.
“Hi, Bailey,” I try my best smile, but I’m sure it comes out as more of a pained grimace.
“Bailey,” Mason murmurs darkly. “You remember Hannah.”
Bailey falls back another step, teetering on surprise and concern.
Can’t say I blame her. I don’t know what to do, either.
“She’s . . .” she starts and I know she’s pointing out the elephant in the room. I’m Melissa Gaines’ sister. Her twin.
“Mine,” Mason replies without blinking an eye as if anyone would try to challenge him.
“Well,” a soft voice that sends a shiver down my spine rings out from behind Bailey. “She certainly is beautiful”
“Mom,” Mason greets and she pulls him into a hug while Bailey stares at literally anything but me. “You’ve met Hannah.”
“Oh, I’ve seen her before, but I don’t think I’ve ever gotten to speak to her. I’ve always admired her pretty red hair.” She turns to me and I’m sure this is the moment all hell breaks loose.
So, imagine my surprise when she pulls me into a hug.
I freeze, unsure what to do. It feels like I’m holding the pin to a grenade and if I let my guard down for even a second, shit’s going to hit the fan.
Clumsily, I hug her back and Mason gives my hand a squeeze.
“Monica Parker, dear,” she says, pulling back to look at me, her soft voice reminding me of an old film star. “And I’m so happy you came. You know, Mason never tells us about his life.”
Worry pools in my stomach. Mason be damned, I can’t stay here if I’m not welcome.
“Monica,” I start, dropping my voice. “I understand if you’d like me to leave. I know—”
“Stop that,” she cuts me off, stepping beside me to wrap an arm around my shoulders. She steers me toward the back yard where everyone is still watching us while pretending not to. “Tell me, has my son been treating you well?”
I debate on making a joke but stop myself. Things are far too tense for that at the moment.
“He has,” I admit quietly, while Mila comes over to hug Mason. Finally, he lets go of my hand and butterflies swarm the inside of my stomach at the heaviness in his gaze when he steps away.
“Good. You know, he’s a lot like his father,” Monica says softly. “Strong and loyal to a fault. He’s a good man.”
Is this the part where she warns me away from her son?
My stomach falls to my toes in distress.
“You’re a good girl, too. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.” I pause for a beat, looking at her. Bright blue eyes like Savannah and Bailey. Soft, gentle smile.
She’s nothing like the shell of a woman she was before. I’m happy for her.
“Now, come. Let me introduce you to everyone.”
“That’s okay,” I stammer, even as she pulls me along beside her. I look back at Mason who just snickers and shakes his head, his eyes glinting with something like a promise for later. “I’m not sure they’d care for that.”
“Nonsense,” she lowers her voice, now that Mason’s out of earshot. She stops by the edge of the large in-ground pool and watches the water ripple in the late evening sun. “Let me tell you a story, Hannah.”
