Mason wasn't wrong, the soup was delicious and I took my time to savour every single spoonful.
" This was scrumptious, " I beamed once I scooped my last spoonful of food, making Mason raise his head to look at me. He was indeed meticulous in everything he did. He ate slowly and relished every single mouth full.
" I'm pleased that you like it," Mason picked the napkin from his lap, patting his luscious lips. And suddenly I felt envious of the napkin. It was lucky enough to touch his lips.
" Thank you for today," I said smiling and also wondering what had spurred the little outing.
" As always, a pleasure, Miss Abernathy. The outing on your birthday had been cut short. So this is just to make amends for the little mishap." Mason picked up his glass of wine and halted before he brought it to his lips.
" My deepest apologies for ruining your birthday" He added, wearily smiling and took a sip from his wine.
" I understand. No need to apologise. We all had to make adjustments. I understand that me intruding in your life hasn't been" I paused trying to find the right word " The most pleasant surprise" I finished my thoughts. It was a sugar-coated version of my thoughts on the matter, but judging how his expression changed, I knew I got my point across.
" A surprise, indeed. I wouldn't call it unpleasant." He shuffled in his seat " Unexpected. I was a little troubled by the sudden responsibility. My apologies, if it came across any different." Mason added fiddling with his wine glass. If I didn't know any better, deprecating, but I knew better.
" It is alright, Mr Kinnaird. I understand " I finally said ready to let it go. I wasn't planning to dwell on it any further.
Mason nodded " Would you like anything else?" Mason asked eyeing the server, which scurried his way to the table. I wasn't the only one that Mason kept on his toes. I knew once the day was over so did the little slice of heaven that I was living in, would end.
" No. Thank you," I said as Mason pulled on his wallet and left the money on the table. And for the first time, I wondered who was paying for the meal. Was it me or him? I had no control over my finances.
Pushing the chair to stand up Mason walked to my side and reached his hand for me to take. When I took his hand he pulled the chair from under me without the slightest of noise, smooth.
"What would you like to do next? There is a beach not far from here. Would you like to see it?" Mason asked as we climbed down the steps of the Pea Green restaurant.
" Yes. " I said without giving it a second thought. Mason nodded, as we made our way to the car. I was out and about with a dreamy man, and he was treating me like I was the most precious thing. And he wanted to take me to the beach. I would've been indeed crazy to say no to that.
" Adam, I'll be showing Miss Abernathy the beach. Feel free to have some lunch while we are away." Mason waved towards the restaurant and pulled out his wallet again, handing it to Adam.
" Thank you, Mr Kinnaird," Adam said as he stepped out of the car and made his way towards the restaurant
" We should get going" Mason glanced at his wristwatch again. I had a feeling that he timed everything. Or maybe he was feeling obliged to indulge me. Whatever it was, I didn't plan to waste the opportunity by thinking too much about the why and enjoying every moment of it.
Walking along the esplanade, looking down at the golden sandy beach filled with people who enjoyed the sunshine, sunbathing, swimming, children laughing, screaming on the beach. It was beautiful.
" How did you know my father?" I finally asked the question that had been at the back of my head for six months.
Mason took his eyes off the blue water and glanced at me " Hector was the only man that had offered me a helping hand when no one else did. When I met your father, Anika was pregnant with you." Mason didn't go into detail " I owe your father a great deal of debt. And this is me repaying that debt" I had gathered that Mason wasn't doing it out of the kindness of his heart. I knew there was more to it, but I didn't pry any further. Why poke the bear? The bear was so tame and docile.
" I see" I absently mumbled as my eyes drifted towards the sea. It was late afternoon, the sun was slowly sinking into the sea, splashing the sky with a reddish glow.
" Do you mind if we go down to the beach?" I asked as politely as I could, almost pleading. I never felt the hot sand under my feet, and I wanted to try it. From all the books that I've read, they all said the same. It was a unique experience.
Mason nodded and halted next to the steps that led down to the beach.
" We should take our shoes off" Mason lowered himself to his heels unstrapping my sandals first and then his shoes. He didn't plan to go to the beach since he was wearing suit trousers and shoes to match.
" Thank you," I shyly added reaching for my shoes. I felt spoiled and once again I found myself wondering again if Mason treated all the women the same way he treated me.
" I'll hold them for now. You should enjoy your time at the beach" Mason smiled and unhooked his arm from mine, so I can go whichever way I wanted.
A little unsure, I placed my foot on the sand and the feeling of the little hot grains of sand brushing against my foot was indeed amazing and felt so good. I looked at Mason wide-eyed, with the widest grin that had ever graced my lips.
" This is amazing" I breathed out the words. I was ecstatic, and put my other foot on the sand twirling on the spot, sinking my feet deeper in the sand.
" We should get you a bathing suit. For now, you can always dip your toes in the water." Mason waved towards the waves that gently ebbed against the beach, smiling. I wasn't sure if I was dreaming, or imagining everything that had happened that day but if I was I never wanted to end.
" Come with me, " I beamed as I forgot myself for a moment and tugged on his arm, like a rowdy child. His smile fell, and the stern man that had been lumbering all day made his presence known when his icy eyes looked at me humourless. And with those words and that little gesture, I ruined everything.