The conversation with David went on for hours, blabbering about numbers and how amazing they are. We got so caught up in it that when I looked at the clock on the wall, it was already lunch.
" It was nice talking to you, Lily," David said as he began putting the things that he'd pulled out of his bag to show me what he would be studying at the academy.
" We should do this again. Do you have a phone number so I can get in touch? " I nodded and finished the fifth cup of tea that I had that morning.
" Yes," I pulled out a piece of paper and pen and jotted down the number for him.
" Sweet!" David beamed and tucked the piece of paper in his pocket.
" What are your plans for the rest of the day?" David stood up, and I wasn't sure if I was ready to be alone with my thoughts again.
" I'm on the hunt for a bathing suit at the moment and after that, I'm headed to the beach," I replied as I pulled a note out of my wallet and placed it on the table. The server had been going back and forth at our table. He deserved the tip that I was leaving him.
David looked at the note and frowned, " I have to drop by home to leave some things. We can meet up later at the beach and continue this..." David waved his finger at the table and both of us. I knew what he meant, and I was more than willing to stay away from Storm Mason.
" Of course," I said, smiling and picked up my bag, glancing around trying to find a store that sold bathing suits.
" Surf has nice things," David pointed at a shop further down the alley. " A bit pricey, though," He added with a grimace.
" Thank you," I made my way through the people who were either seating down or getting ready to leave. I hadn't noticed how busy it got in the time we spent talking about everything.
We said our goodbyes, and I made my way towards the shop that David had pointed out to me. I strolled through the shop, looking for something simple. I wasn't used to showing skin, but in the sea of people, nobody would notice me.
I picked up a green two-piece swimsuit, paid, and made my way to the beach. Once again, I was alone with my thoughts. My thoughts had a mind of their own and drifted back to Mason. I knew I was stupidly in love with him, and I had no control over the irrational sentiment.
When I reached the esplanade that I was on with Mason the day before, things took a turn from bad to worse. His smile played in my head, his words and everything we did that day, up to the point when all went down the hill. I puffed my cheeks, and strode into the first bathroom to change into the bathing suit.
I froze when I walked out, and I found myself nose-to-nose with Mason. I couldn't run now.
" Miss Abernathy," Mason sternly said, raking his hands through his hair.
" Yes," I innocently replied, trying to stifle a smile. Despite it all, I was happy to see him there in the grubby, smelling public bathroom.
Mason pointed his finger at me and opened his mouth to speak, but his eyes glided down on me, from my head to my toe, and walked out.
I was intrigued by his reaction and followed him outside, only to be met by a hand holding a towel. " Put this on. I cannot have a serious conversation with you when you are barely wearing anything," He calmly said, looking ahead of himself.
I took the towel and wrapped myself around it. I didn't think it was that scandalous. It covered all that it needed to be covered, so that was that. I stepped out of the bathroom and faced him. I was still angry, but happy that he was there.
" Green suits you, Miss Abernathy." Mason led with that, so he knew I was angry, but probably didn't understand why. Frankly, nor did I.
" Thank you," I stammered, trying to adjust the towel that kept slipping off me.
Mason cleared his throat and glanced down at me; he looked relieved for some reason. He was fully dressed in three pieces of suit on a scorching day on the beach. I giggled internally at that thought while I was waiting for Mason to speak.
" I don't know what I did to make you this upset. Now, I would be grateful if you could fill in the blanks." Mason's eyes locked with mine, intently scrutinising.
" That time of the month," I lied with a straight face, without even thinking too much about it. It wasn't a very good lie.
Mason smiled. " Then why are you at the beach, Miss Abernathy? You should be at home resting," Mason tugged on the towel and looked where I thought no man would ever look, between my legs. I wasn't a very good liar. A smile stretched almost instantly on his lips when I blushed. I got caught again.
" Now, the truth, Miss Abernathy?" Mason's smile fell and turned stern again. I fell silent while I was pondering what to say. I knew I couldn't tell him the truth that I felt rejected by him, and that hurt like hell. But I wasn't a very good liar either. I was stuck.
" Women are strange. One moment we are sweet as honey and the next, nobody knows," I shrugged casually and turned around to leave. I needed to leave before my mouth would start speaking without me and say things I would regret dearly.
" Very well, Miss Abernathy. As you wish, " He knew I was lying, but he didn't press any further. And I was so relieved that I let out the breath that I was holding, louder than I wanted it to be as if I had just escaped certain death.
" Enjoy your time at the beach. I will see you at home for dinner." I turned around at his words, surprised. He never came home for dinner. Mason ate out, mostly.
" I will see you at dinner, Mr Kinnaird." I smiled and unwrapped the towel to give it back to him.
" No, please keep it. You will need it more than I do. " Mason's gaze on me softened, smiling.