15. Chapter Fifteen
Chapter 15
Mason told Linda about the fireworks at the condo building next door as they went back in. He suggested they go to dinner, stroll up and down the beach, and get back in time for fireworks.
She agreed to fireworks only, saying she needed time in the evening to work on a new project for her boss. That was true, but she would be done with the new project in less than thirty minutes. She needed some non-Mason time to work through the conflicting emotions that had been coursing through her ever since he’d suggested they go to Laurel’s wedding together.
The idea was preposterous. Weddings were one of the most romantic events you could attend. They were full of hope and dreams and sprinkled with wishes and joy. It was hard to protect your heart at a wedding, and that’s what Linda needed to do. Protect her heart from Mason.
When he’d broken up with her last time, he’d tossed her heart aside like moldy bread, when she’d decided he was her soulmate. She would have followed him anywhere in the world if he’d asked her. She saw their future together vividly. Their house, what cars they’d drive, and how many kids they’d have. She was excited and fired up about that future with Mason.
And then he’d said he needed to go. Alone. She’d cried for hours and wondered if she needed to go to prompt care for her heart palpitations and shortness of breath.
Devastation had consumed her. Once he’d left, she’d collapsed on her bed and hadn’t moved until her sister had stopped by the following evening.
The sight of Laurel on her doorstep unleashed a new flood of tears, but like a good big sister, Laurel had wiped her tears, brought her ice cream, and hugged her until Linda could smile again. The sadness slowly faded away, leaving her feeling adrift, like Rose on the door in the Titanic movie.
She hit send on the email to Grady that included her research on a commercial property in downtown Normal. Even distracted with thoughts of Mason, she knew her research was thorough and exactly what Grady was looking for.
Moving to the couch, she typed a text message to Sorcha.
Linda : Can you talk?
A few seconds later, Sorcha called.
“Hey, Lulu. What’s up?” Sorcha said.
“Hi! I had some downtime; thought we could catch up. How are things going?” She pulled her legs under her and leaned on a large throw pillow to get comfortable.
“Wonderfully. Living the dream. How are things going there with Mason?” The way Sorcha drew out his name made Linda laugh.
“Things are fine. We’ve been volunteering together this week, so I’m spending a bunch of time with him. I feel like I’m getting the closure I needed.”
“Oh, yeah? Tell me more.”
“Things are nice. Comfortable. I think we will come out of this as friends again.”
“Friends?”
“Yes, just old family friends,” Linda said. “Nothing more.”
“Uh, huh.” Sorcha was not buying it.
“Simply friends,” Linda insisted. “Hey, I was thinking about Wyatt again. Do you honestly think he might be interested in me?”
“Duh. Yeah.” Sorcha’s eye roll was evident, even over the phone. “I’ve told you that a dozen times. You think you might hit him up when you get back?”
“Yeah. I think I will. I’m going to have to make sure I have a date for Laurel’s wedding. There’s no way I’m flying solo. Mason will be there. And I think he’s bringing a date.”
“And that’s okay, because the two of you are friends…”
“Right! It’s okay, but I still don’t want to be dateless. Even if Mason wasn’t going to be there, but it’s an added incentive.”
“Yeah, yeah. Whatever. But when you get home, we’ll go and say hello to handsome Wyatt. You’ll have to drop a hint or two that you’re interested, because you’ve acted oblivious so far. He may have given up on you looking his way.”
“Great. I’m home a week from Sunday.”
“That’s too long. I miss my roomie.”
“Same.”
“What are you doing this weekend?”
“Meri gave us tickets to the festival that we’ve been volunteering for.” Linda stretched her legs out. They were cramping. “We’re going on Saturday. Tomorrow, I’m going to drive to Tampa and check out a few stationery stores. Hoping to get some inspiration for new printables. No plans after Sunday. And one more week to relax, spend time on the beach.”
“Sounds amazing.”
“Right. I think I should set a goal, though…”
“You and your goals. Can’t you relax?”
“Not really. I think my goal will be two new printable designs each day, Sunday through Saturday. With a stretch goal of twenty total for the week.”
“That sounds like a lot for someone on vacation.”
“I know, but it feels doable.”
Linda looked out the patio doors. The sun was setting, and the sky was lit up with pink and purple streaks. The clouds seemed extra fluffy and happy. If Linda wasn’t careful, she’d thoroughly enjoy the evening and the fireworks.
When Linda answered the door, Mason couldn’t catch his breath for a moment. She’d curled her hair into soft waves around her face, applied dramatic purple eye makeup, and had on a light purple long-sleeved T-shirt that made her blue eyes pop.
She was always beautiful, with or without makeup, but when she took extra time getting ready, as he could tell she had, she was stunning.
She had a tote bag hanging on her shoulder and said she was ready to go as soon as she opened the door.
Linda brought the “sand-proof” beach blanket and Mason brought a cooler of assorted cold beverages. He was looking forward to sleeping in on Friday morning, his first opportunity all week.
Since they were crashing the party, Mason suggested they set up their blanket about twenty yards away from the crowd. They could see the fireworks and hear the music that was being pumped through large speakers but wouldn’t be in the way of the residents.
Once they found a spot for the blanket, Linda asked, “Do you want to sit on the right side or left side?”
Mason glanced around. “If they are shooting off the fireworks directly in front of their building, why don’t I sit on the left side, since I’m taller?”
“Makes sense.”
Linda sat down and opened the cooler. “What did you bring?”
Mason caught a whiff of her shampoo as he sat next to her. He imagined putting an arm around her and pulling her close but resisted the urge. “I have a few IPAs and a couple of light beers and a few seltzers. Take whatever you want.”
She reached in and grabbed a seltzer. “Can I get something for you?”
“Yes, an IPA. I have koozies in the front pocket if you want one.”
Mason took the beer from Linda. She’d put it in a koozie with the Miami Dolphins logo on it.
“Cheers,” she said, holding her can towards him.
“Cheers, Lindy. Thanks for coming out with me tonight. I might have felt like a dweeb out here by myself.”
Linda looked towards the water. “Don’t you have lots of experience going into crowds alone? Since you move so frequently, I mean.”
“You’re right.” Her words poked at the loneliness that followed him like the cloud of dust that follows the Pigpen cartoon character. “I do.” He half shrugged. “I don’t mind being somewhere I don’t know anyone. I take a few minutes to survey the crowd and look for friendly faces, then I introduce myself. Easy-peasy.”
“Wow. I can’t imagine. I’ve lost my ability to strike up conversations like that. Haven’t really done that since college. Everything is transactional now. I say hi to people I interact with and chit-chat, but I’m not good at making friends. I have my circle and can fill up my social slots each week. I guess I don’t have very many available slots. I like to work, watch movies, and read. I’m a simple person.”
“You’re not simple,” he replied. “You’re complex, and you have a lot of interests. Look, you went parasailing the other day. That’s daring. I’ve never done that. Now I want to. If I can make reservations next week, would you go back with me?”
“Heck, yes!” Linda’s eyes glowed.
Mason checked his watch. The fireworks should start soon. Looking out at the Gulf, he watched a large ship move north. It was too far away to make out more than its large shape and a few windows.
It would be nice to take a boat ride with Linda. Maybe he’d look for an excursion to do with her. They were both going to be there for another week. He was thankful none of their other family members were around. It was great having so much one-on-one time with her.
Mason chuckled. “See. You’re daring. Few people would try parasailing. So what if you’re not all that social? That’s okay. It doesn’t make you simple.”
“Are you sure?” Her voice was soft and uncertain.
“One hundred percent positive. Hey, did you hear back about the deadline issue from work yesterday?”
“No.” Her eyes were steady and her voice was resolute.
“Shoot. Sorry I brought it up. I didn’t mean to bum you out.”
“You’re not. I’m not stressing over it. It was a mistake, not a crime. Not that I’m being flippant about it. I have high standards for myself, and I hated to disappoint Grady. But he’s reasonable. Even if he loses out on the opportunity because of my mistake, he’ll take it in stride and move on.” She paused and leaned into Mason. “After he gives me three tongue lashings to make sure I’ve learned my lesson.”
Linda’s light blue eyes were so close he could see the dark outer ring of blue. He wanted to lean even closer and search for freckles on her nose, but he restrained himself. “Serious?”
“No. I’m kidding!” She laughed. “I think he said his piece yesterday. He was clearly disappointed, but he won’t continue to berate me over it. That’s fair.” She shrugged. “He’s not one to keep bringing it up.”
“That’s good.”
“Yeah, it is. That’s why I enjoy my job so much. He’s a great boss.”
Mason hated hearing her admiration for her boss. He imagined the guy walking around in three-piece suits, dressed like a billionaire, with thick, slicked-back dark hair. He probably drove a Maserati and vacationed in Europe. Mason didn’t even know the guy, but he was starting to dislike him.
“I’m glad you like it. It makes me happy knowing you’re in a good place in life.”
“Oh, sure. I’m in a great spot,” she said, dripping sarcasm. “My sister is getting married in two months, and I’m not in a relationship, but other than that, it’s fabulous.”
“Do you want a relationship?”
She took a long sip of her drink instead of answering him. After a few moments, she shrugged and looked towards the crowd. “Think the fireworks will start soon?”
She wouldn’t answer his question; that shrug did not count as an answer. He’d hit a sore spot. Maybe it was too soon for them to talk about relationships, when he’d been the one to ruin theirs.
A large boom sounded, and a flash of light rocketed skyward. The fireworks were being launched from the edge of the water, going almost straight up. They were launching towards the water to reduce the risk of someone getting burned, which Mason was happy to see. He didn’t want to have to launch into nurse mode and leave Linda’s side.
Tonight was for having fun with Linda. And they had been having fun until he’d brought up the relationship thing. He’d have to move their conversation into a safer realm soon.
Linda was thankful for the fireworks. She did not want to discuss her relationship status with Mason. There was no status. And if she didn’t watch her heart, it could let him back in again.
Unfortunately, the fireworks display only lasted for ten minutes. She oohed and aahed with the rest of the crowd, but her brain was tallying a list of all the reasons she couldn’t fall under Mason’s spell again.
First, she had no intention of living life out of a suitcase like he was doing. Even though her job gave her location flexibility, she had cats to care for, and they loved home. She hoped they were enjoying their time at Laurel’s. She needed to call and check on them. Probably needed to talk to Laurel about the wedding and shower plans, too. She added that phone call to her mental to-do list.
Secondly, she’d never seen a successful long-distance relationship, and that’s what theirs would be, at least for a while. He was leaving for somewhere else in a week, and she was heading home. That wouldn’t work.
Last, even if, and it was a big if, he would move back to Illinois so they could pursue a relationship, what would prevent him from leaving again?
Not only had Mason left, but her last serious boyfriend, Brent, had left as well. He was the last guy who’d made it past three dates. They’d gone out for a couple months. She had let her guard down, and then he announced he was moving back home to Pennsylvania. Luckily, she’d never told him she loved him, so it didn’t hurt as badly as Mason leaving but even though it had been over three years, the hurt still stung.
The fireworks ended, and there was a healthy round of applause. Linda set her drink down to join in. As others started to stand and gather their things, Linda looked to Mason to see if he was ready.
He was looking at the water and hadn’t moved. She wondered if he’d even watched the fireworks. He had a melancholy look about him.
Against her better instincts, she reached out and put her hand on his forearm. The heat from his skin seemed to spark against her fingertips.
“Mason? Are you okay?” she asked, leaning towards him.
“Hmm?” he asked, shaking his head and turning to look at her.
She smiled a half-smile. “Did you notice the fireworks ended?”
“Oh, that’s what the clapping was for.” He smiled and nodded.
“What’s wrong?” This was not normal behavior for him. He’d been happy and upbeat before the fireworks started. Up until she didn’t respond to the relationship comment.
“Sorry. I was thinking about a patient. The last thing we’d talked about was his plans for the Fourth of July. He couldn’t wait to see the fireworks.”
Mason dropped his head.
“Oh, did he leave the hospital before you could say goodbye?” She could see Mason wanting to see his patients before they left.
“No.” Mason didn’t look up. “He died.”
Linda inhaled sharply. That was not what she expected. “Mason, I’m sorry.”
She put an arm across his shoulders and leaned into him, letting him know she was there to support him.
He lifted his head and took a drink of the beer in his hand. “I thought it would get easier,” he whispered.
Linda’s heart squeezed. She hated to see him hurting. She remembered how crushed he’d been when his mom died. His sister Erin had called her to come and comfort Mason because no one else could. Linda rushed to his home to hold him. They lay on his bed for hours as he cried, and she held him. Hours of murmuring that it was going to be okay. Hours of rubbing his back and saying, “I’m here, Mason.”
She could do this again. She could comfort him as a friend. “But if grief was easy,” she said, “would you be the caring, generous, loving person you are?”
Mason sighed. “Wow. I didn’t expect that. Thank you.”
Linda wondered how long Mason had been bottling up this sadness. She thought it would help if he talked about it. “Tell me about this person who wanted to see the fireworks.”
Mason leaned his head back and she could see his eyes searching the stars. “Bradley. Ten years old. Leukemia. Smart kid. Loved to talk about space. He’d grill me on the planets and stars. He was always reading books about space. And in the end, his parents read to him constantly. Like they worried the moment they stopped reading, he’d stop listening. Broke my heart. I don’t plan to do another child oncology stint again, if I can help it.”
“Oh, Mason. That is so sad. I’m sure the kid and his family appreciated having you there.”
He turned towards her. “Thanks. I hope I didn’t bring you down too much. Did you enjoy the fireworks?”
“I did. I wish you could have.”
“Hey, don’t worry. I did.” He reached for her hand, and she let him hold it. “Thankful to be here with you tonight.”
His voice had grown softer, or maybe the crowd had thinned out. Or maybe both. Linda was more aware of the sound of the surf hitting the shore and the chill in the air. She shivered.
“Here. Take my sweatshirt.” Mason handed her his hoodie. She grabbed it eagerly and pulled it over her head.
When she emerged, cozy within the warmth of the heavy material, Mason was leaning towards her. His eyes searched hers and her pulse quickened. He’s going to kiss me! What do I do?
Mason leaned closer and his hand reached towards her face. To her dismay, he didn’t touch her face or brush his lips to hers. Instead, he pulled on the hood of the sweatshirt and smoothed it behind her.
“It was crooked,” he said, pulling away.
“Thanks,” she squeaked out between constricted throat muscles. She didn’t want him to kiss her, so why did she feel so disappointed?