Page 6
“I knew you’d feel that way. Besides, a stroopwafel is a snack. Not breakfast.”
I pick up my spoon and dig in. Mason takes his seat next to me, and I can feel his gaze on my profile. “I’m glad you’re doing this,” he says softly.
“Eating matcha chia pudding?”
“No. Doing your own content.”
I turn and look at him with curiosity.
“You’re talented, Catherine. I’ve heard your ideas for social media content, and they’re good. Better than what the current team churns out. I remember in Australia you wanted someone to teach us how to make pavlovas. I would have done that.”
My heartbeat picks up. Mason remembers a whole pitch I made when I was attending a social media meeting with Caleb. From March.
“You would?” I ask.
“Yeah. It was a good idea. I would like to have done that more than the same stuff we repeat all the time. And to be honest? I really wanted to eat one.”
I chuckle at that.
“There’s no reason they couldn’t have run with that idea. Even grumpy over there would have done it,” Mason says, shooting a side-eye at Caleb before looking back at me. “They’re threatened by you.”
“Because of my name. They don’t want to feel as if they have to take my suggestions because my last name is Collings.”
“No. It’s because you’re smart.”
I stare at him, shocked.
Mason chuckles. “Catherine, don’t look at me like that. Your ideas were good. More than good, actually. I’m sure you have a million more that would make for better content than what they have us do on a weekly basis.”
“Thank you for saying that.”
“I’m not just saying it. It’s the truth.”
“But I’m also aware who I am is an issue. I don’t want anyone to do something just because of who I am.”
“No, I agree with that. But should they do something that is a good idea, and better than the rubbish stuff they make us do, no matter who suggests it? Yes.”
“Hey, Mase, ready to go?”
We both turn and look across the table at Caleb. “Engineering meeting?” he prompts. Then Caleb smirks at me. “I think you’re supposed to be reminding me of this.”
GAH! “I’m sorry, you’re right,” I say.
Caleb grins. “It’s okay, I was only teasing you.”
Mason turns to me. “See you between practices.”
Again, my idiot heart betrays my brain, leaping excitedly when I think of seeing him this afternoon.
“Okay. Thanks again,” I say.
Mason gets up from his chair, pushing it back underneath the table. “Don’t thank me. This will be fun.”
Oh yes, it will be fun. But dangerous, too.
Instead of putting my stupid crush on Mason to the back of my mind, it’s come racing back to the forefront.
Oh, who am I kidding? It never left.
