“Nice picture in the paper,” he said with a laugh. “That’s twice now.”
“It’s so weird, Mace. I’m nervous.” I tentatively took a sip of my coffee, which was steaming.
“Don’t be, Lucy. You can tell the man genuinely cares for you.”
“I know he does, and that’s what worries me.” I slumped back in my chair. “I’ve never felt this way about a man before. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted, except the public figure part.”
“Then go for it. You deserve to be happy. I’ve known you for ten years, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile as much. Please don’t let your head get in the way of your heart.”
Mason stood when the bell rang. “Looks like another day of dealing with pubescent teens is upon us.” He strolled toward my door. “Have a good day, and I’ll catch you later.”
My day went by like all other weekdays, one class ended and another one started. Students had begun to get antsy, ready for the school year to end, and I wished they were younger or that I taught elementary school so I could take them outside for recess. But we were stuck inside reviewing for the state tests that were quickly approaching.
After the last bell of the day, I was exhausted. I didn’t get much sleep this past weekend—although for very good reasons—and it was time for me to go home and chill out. Maybe I should take a bubble bath.
But first I needed to deal with the Metro. My car was low on gas, and I didn’t wake up early enough to stop and fill up, so I gladly took public transportation today.
As I was sitting on the train, my phone beeped.
DRAKE: Thinking of you.
I couldn’t help but smile when his text popped through.
LUCY: I’m thinking of you too. I’m on the M.
DRAKE: Wish I was with you. I’ve been in meetings and have dinner with Ben tonight.
LUCY: Okay. Have fun. Going to go home and relax.
DRAKE: If I don’t get home late, I’ll call.
LUCY: Okay.
When I got home, I turned on the faucets to start a nice hot bubble bath. As I waited for the tub to fill, I poured a glass of white wine and set it on the tile ledge surrounding the tub.
My thoughts plagued me. I’d never thought about my parents so much since I left Colorado ten years ago. I didn’t even know if they were dead or alive, and sadly, I didn’t care much either way. To me, they were already dead.
Ever since I found out that Ben wanted to investigate me, I’d been freaked out. It was so hard to explain what happened when I was younger, but it was harder for people to understand.
Mason was the only one who knew my entire story. When I’d shared it with him, I was at an all-time low and extremely depressed. If I didn’t confide in someone, I was sure to have a nervous breakdown. Mace had always been there for me, but once he heard my story and didn’t judge me for it, we became family. He was the only person I had in my life that I truly loved.
I’d never forget that day. Mason had wanted to hop a plane and go after my parents once he’d learned what they’d done, but naturally, that wasn’t an option. Maybe Tina was right; maybe I could confide in Drake.
Thoughts scurried through my mind as the bubbles in my bath started to dissipate. After I drained the now-cool water and wrapped myself in my terrycloth robe, I meandered into the kitchen to refill my wineglass and make a small sandwich, which I devoured while standing over the sink.
As I stared at what was left of my wine, I wondered if I could fall in love with Drake. What a stupid thought; of course I could. I felt as if I already loved his mom and sister. They were so kind to me, but all the Prescotts were. I supposed that was what a real family was like—a supportive, non-judgmental group of people who loved you unconditionally.