Fallen Crest Home(44)

“Holy shit,” I breathed.

“What’s Mason up to?”

And we were right down to business. Good to know. “Uh…” I cocked my head to the side. “Even if I did know, I wouldn’t tell you.”

“He went into Channing’s bar. My boyfriend was there. What would Channing and Mason have to talk about?”

“You mean besides the fact that their girlfriends are best friends?” I shook my head, mocking her. “Because we are. Heather Jax. Me.” I linked my hands and showed her my entwined fingers. “Like this. Tighter than your vagina ever was.”

“Nice.” She rolled her eyes, smacking her gum. “Same old annoying-as-fuck Samantha Strattan.”

“Yeah. That’s what I am. Annoying.”

A second eye roll. “Has Mason picked up some of Logan’s sarcasm, too? Because if so, he’s not the guy I fell for in school.”

“Oh, no.” Well… “He might’ve picked up some of Logan’s sarcasm, but he’s definitely not the guy you fell for in school. That was just a guy using you for sex. The guy he is now is way better. Better standards. Better girlfriend. Better everything, really. Better future, too.” I forced a smile, knowing she’d see the hard edges. “You’d never have a shot with him now.”

“I stand corrected.” She snapped. “You’re a bigger bitch than you used to be. Too bad I didn’t get you worse than I did in that bathroom.”

I sucked in a breath. This bitch didn’t just go there… My hand formed a fist, and I thought about swinging. I might’ve, except Mark stepped out from the shadows behind her. She didn’t seem to notice he was there, but his presence brought me back to reality. Mason and I were here for the summer. We were moving on in a couple months. And everything I’d said was true. Mason had a much better future.

Mark circled around her, his hands stuffed in his pockets. His confused gaze switched from me to her as he came to stand next to me.

“Who are you?” he asked.

I let some control back in, smoothing my fingers out.

“Who are you?” Kate countered.

I didn’t want to hear some jab about whether I was going to screw this stepbrother, too, so I said quickly, “He works here. He’s a friend.”

“Really?” She skimmed him up and down, interest softening her mouth into a seductive smile. “How good of a friend?”

“You’ve got no shot with me.”

“A good, loyal friend.”

“Hmmm.” Her features flattened. “Whatever then, but I meant what I said. Mason needs to keep out of Roussou, Sam.”

“Why are you here warning me about this?”

“Because I still care about Mason. I think I always will. It’s not his fault he has piss-poor taste in women, but it is his fault if he keeps poking his head around Channing’s bar.”

I felt Mark’s gaze on me. I could feel him wondering what the hell she was talking about. I ignored him. “Channing’s a friend.”

“And Mason has enemies who hang around with Channing. Enemies he doesn’t even know about.”

Oh. That wasn’t good.

“Just warn him for me?” she added. “I’d hate to see that fine, rich ass six feet under, if you get my drift.”

“Are you kidding me?”

“Yeah.” Now her sarcasm was thick. “I’m here as a big prank, because I’ve been hoping to seek you out for the last three years. You know, for the fun of it.” Her gaze intensified. “I mean it. This is for Mason’s safety.” She gave Mark another long, considering look, and let out a soft sound before she turned and left.

“What was that about?” Mark asked after a moment.

“I have no idea.” But I was going to find out. “What are you doing here? I thought you finished earlier.”

“I did, but Mom called. Thought I’d give you the heads-up in person.”

“Oh.” That didn’t sound good. “What is it?”

“She’s doing a pool party at the country club, and everyone is invited.”

“Everyone?” The hairs on the back of my neck stood up.

“Everyone. Cass, Quinn, Becky, Amelia. Even Peter is going to be there.”

“Why would Malinda do that?”

“Because it’s my birthday.” He threw an arm around my shoulder, pulling me tight. “I want my stepsister there, so buck up, Sam. We’ve got another shindig to look forward to.”

I groaned. I almost would’ve taken more Kate over this event. Almost.

Mark walked me to my car after I clocked out. He followed me home until I turned left toward Helen’s house and he kept going. I texted him after I parked.