Lindy and Shawna stood at the door to watch me leave. “You’ll have to come see us in the new neighborhood,” Shawna suggested.
“I definitely will. Two weeks, right?”
“Yes.”
“Thanks again for the interview.”
“Sure thing.”
I stood there in the sun, the heat pressing against my skin, and I didn’t want to walk away. Shawna wasn’t Hailey. And Lindy wasn’t Gracie, but when I was near them my family didn’t feel lost. I didn’t picture Hailey changing her hair color and using a fake name. I pictured this. A mother loving her daughter. Playing dolls, dishing out snacks, scolding her for dropping crackers on the floor.
I turned. “Hey, Shawna do you need any help packing before then?”
“Actually I could use a little help. I’m not about to let them hook up the trailer and pull it down the street without wrapping up my glasses and plates.”
“I could help with that,” I offered.
“That would be nice, but you don’t have to. I’m used to doing things on my own. I’ve learned the hard way not to count on people.” She waved her hands in the air. “I didn’t mean that about you.”
“I know.” Although, I didn’t know who had let her down other than Lindy’s father. I shook my head. “I want to. Or I could at least keep Lindy entertained while you do the packing.”
She sighed. “That would be huge. She is a full-time job.”
“Ok, how about next week? I can bring boxes and a bottle of wine. And maybe play-doh.”
“It’s a date.” Maybe it wasn’t fair, but it hurt less when I was near them. I could pretend somewhere someone was helping Hailey. For a day or only a moment maybe my sister didn’t feel so alone.
It felt good. Not being a reporter freed me from ethical shackles I always had to worry about.
“Bye.” I waved to the pair on the front stoop.
I tried to read his expression. His eyes were focused. His jaw clenched. I didn’t know if that was good or bad.
“So, what do you think?” I finally broke the silence with the question.
Mason turned to me. He held the pages in front of him, they hovered in between us. If he didn’t tell me what he thought of the article I was going to jump out of my skin.
“Just tell me. Is it what you wanted?”
The sun was starting to sink outside. I wanted to grab a bottle of wine from his fridge and sit on the balcony and talk about our first day working together. I wanted to tell him about my conversation with Mark and his HR department. I wanted to tell him how my car was making a funny noise when I drove back from the Cove. But most of all I wanted to thank him for giving me the job. But first, I had to know if he liked the damn article.
“Miss Paige.”
“Yes?”
“I think you’re going to fit in nicely at Lachlan Corporation. You are quite a talented writer.” He tossed the article on the bar.
“Oh good. You liked it?”
“It’s exactly what I needed.”
“I was really trying to show how much you’re going to help the transfer residents.”
“I see that.” He tapped the top page. “Do you believe the sound site will be better for them?”
I had wrestled with it, but it felt as if Mason was helping Shawna for more than positive Lachlan Corporation press.
“I stopped there today, and if you ignore the bridge traffic, yes I think it’s going to be a happier place for them.” I chewed the edge of my pen. I was ready to make edits if he asked. “Thank you for helping them. I know you didn’t have to.”
I thought I made him blush. His gaze moved from the article to my lips. “I needed to do it.”
I smiled. “Whatever your reasons, Shawna knows she and Lindy can count on you. She told me today she hasn’t had that in her life.”
“Let’s not go too far.” He turned for a moment. “You did a nice job on the article.”
I raced to the refrigerator, knowing I had struck a raw nerve with him. “Are we officially off the clock now?” I asked.
He looked at his watch and then at me. “Yes. Crack open a beer for me.”
I started to giggle. This entire situation was absurd, but it made me giddy and silly. I felt like I was part of a movie script, but the feelings were too real. I crossed the kitchen to hand him a beer.
“Cheers.” He lifted the beer toward my glass. “To our first successful partnership.”
“This is our first successful partnership?” I teased.
“Second.” He winked.
He followed me to the balcony. I watched the gulls hovering near the boardwalk below.
“Looks like Grey’s going for a run.” I pointed. The other tall Lachlan was passing near the boardwalk, his earbuds tucked in his ears. Man, did they all look like that without shirts? I turned toward Mason.