Page 56 of Bang

Chapter 20

Cami

I knew something was up the moment he walked into the kitchen. Willow was sitting at the kitchen table doing her homework, and I was sitting across from her, doing homework of my own.

Even though I could've done all of mine during the day when Willow was at school, I'd saved a portion of it for the evening, so she and I could finish our schoolwork at the same time.

Mason, who was obviously returning from the office, had just walked in from the attached garage, which was near the kitchen.

All in all, this was fairly normal, except for one thing.

Mason looked royally ticked.

Okay, even on the best of days, he wasn't all sunshine and roses. Still, there was something about the look in his eyes today that made me want to gather up my things and bolt for the privacy of my bedroom.

But I'd never do that.I was no coward. And besides, there was no way on Earth I'd leave Willow on her own, not with Mason looking so ominous.

His gaze was dark, and his mouth was set in a thin, angry line as he stalked toward the table.

Still, I tried to smile. "Oh, hi. How was your day?"

His jaw clenched. "I might ask the same."

I winced.Oh, crud.

So he'd heard?

But of course, he had.Although that little tiff in the parking lot hadn't been agiantspectacle, it had definitely turned a few heads. Obviously, one of those heads had belonged to someone who'd called Mason to tell him what had happened.

Bad luck for me.

But in my own defense, I'd been planning to tell him tonight, as soon as we had a moment alone. Until then, I saw no reason to drag Willow into our discussion, especially since I'd managed to shield her from the worst of it.

Hoping Mason would take the hint, I gave Willow a meaningful glance before saying, "My day? Well, it was definitely interesting. I'll fill in you later, alright?"

His expression only darkened. "No. Not later.Now."

Jeez, could he not take a hint?With another meaningful look, I replied, "Then maybe you want to talk outside?"

So far, he'd said nothing at all to Willow, and she was eyeing him with obvious concern.

I knew why.It was Mason's demeanor. Normally, regardless of whatever else was going on in his life, he managed to summon up at least a smile or two for his little sister whenever he walked in the door.

Not today.

And why?It was because he was too busy giving me a cold, silent stare. And he neverdidrespond to my suggestion of talking outside.

With a stiff smile, I tried again. "Like, maybe we could discuss it out on the back patio while Willow finishes her homework? You know, so we're not distracting her."

"Fine. I'll see you in five." And with that, he finally turned his attention to his little sister. With a pale imitation of a smile, he said, "And how wasyourday?"

At the table, Willow visibly relaxed. "You really wanna know?"

His gaze softened. "I always wanna know."

Watching, my heart went out to both of them, even Mason, who was surely about to read me the riot act. I bit my lip.Was I about to be fired?

At the table, Willow beamed up at Mason and announced, "It was the best day, ever."