Page 47 of Word to the Wise

“You say that…” Lyla narrows her eyes, skimming me. “But even if you don’t want a baby, you looked halfway ready to start practicing five minutes ago.”

“Ooh.” Candy drops into her seat and pins me with her stare. “Do tell.”

“There’s nothing to tell.”

“Reed’s been crashing with Mason above the shop.” Lyla shares on my behalf.

“The tall one?”

She nods.

“Hot.” Candy fans her face, and Lyla laughs.

“Almost two months now. And if you saw the way they were looking at each other when they got here… I give them a couple of weeks until they’re practicing themselves.”

“Well, sorry to disappoint you, but we’re just friends.”

“Friends?” Lyla frowns. “Who live together.”

“He’s giving me a place to stay.”

“You brought him lunch three days this week.”

“My brother is such a fucking gossip.”

“Only to me.” She smiles triumphantly.

“Whatever, there’s nothing going on. I’m still trying to get my head on straight from Carter, and Mason probably thinks I’m a mess.”

Candy and Lyla share a look that has me crossing my arms over my chest.

“What?”

“Is that what this is really about?” Lyla leans forward, tapping her fingers on her water glass. “Because he doesn’t look at you like he thinks you’re a mess.”

“Well, he should.”

“Why?” Lyla frowns. “Because Carter was a dick? I’ve never gone through what you have, Reed, so I can’t pretend to understand it. But I can promise you that whatever doubts Carter planted are wrong. You’re smart, funny, beautiful. I’m not the only one who thinks that.”

I drag my fingers into my hair and pull it off my face. “Mason’s a good guy. I know that. But I’m still this raw wound, bleeding all over the place. He doesn’t need that kind of mess in his life. He’s been through enough.”

Her face pinches, but I don’t say more because his family history isn’t my story to tell.

“I think it’s better if we just keep things as friends.” Even if that’s the last thing I want to do lately.

“Understood.” Lyla nods. “But just know that if you change your mind, there’s nothing wrong with that. You’re allowed to move on at some point. However fast or slow feels right to you.”

She reaches out and places her hand over mine, squeezing it.

“Thanks.”

I’d like to be ready now, even if it sounds too soon. Mason makes me feel ready for things I didn’t think I’d ever want again.

15

Mason

It’s pouring rain whenwe make it back to the apartment. Reed flips her hoodie over her head, and we run for the gate, quickly making our way up the stairs.