While the duo falls into a comfortable conversation, I slide up next to Eric. Trying to appease him somehow. The man looks like he is in pain.
" You won't even know I'm here," I say quietly, and he looks down at me with pinched brows, draws a deep breath, and says, " Somehow," The word comes on a breath," I find that hard to believe, Miss Abernathy," His shoulders slump and shakes his head.
"I will see you around. Now, if will excuse me. I have to go and appease an oversized bulldog," I frown at that analogy because I sense he is not referring to an actual animal.
" Mr. Friedreksen," He clarifies reading my confused expression. And that makes perfect sense. Aldo seemed on the verge of having a meltdown when I walked out of his office.
" Thank you," I try to smile, " And I'm truly sorry," I can't help myself. I never wanted to be a bother to anyone. But as it appears, it is not in my cards.
Eric nods, but doesn't add anything and settles for watching Mason and Graham catch up.
After a few moments, Mason pats Graham on the shoulder and says something too low for me to hear. I assume it is goodbye because he leaves Graham and stalks to us. Eric hasn't moved and seems to be ruminating on the recent events. And I should probably do the same, but I'm in over my head. I still don't have all that I need to complete the picture. Mine still has wholes, the size of the South Sea, and very few patches of land.
" What is your input, in this whole business?" Eric asks in a softer tone, and Mason smiles.
" I'll do the most dangerous part, my friend," He tucks his hands in his pockets and looks at me.
" Which is?" Eric presses for more answers. And at this point, I'd also like to know.
" You'll see," Mason inhales," When the right time comes. It will be quite a revelation," I'm breathless. He knows what I am. How? Micah could have revealed it to him. Ahh, my head starts to spin, and I have to stop that train of thought because I can't do that to myself anymore.
Eric nods, " Good luck. I trust that you will show Lily around the facility. I'm afraid I must go. Miss Abernathy, Mason. I'll see you around," And with that, he takes his leave.
Mason looks at the people around the room over his shoulder, " This is enough excitement for one day. I wouldn't want you to get addicted," He turns and smiles at me, places his hand on the small of my back, and gently guides me toward the door.
Shay follows after me and nips at my jeans to get my attention. I stop, look at Mason, then at Shay, and wonder if Shay remembers me.
" Hello little fella, " I lower myself at eye level with him, and he blinks his electric blue eye at me, tilts his head, and whines.
" I know. I'll be back. I promise. Go to Graham, " I gently weave my fingers through his velvety coat, watching those eyes study me with the intensity of a volcano.
" We should go, " Mason quietly says and I rise to stand, and let myself get led away from Shay. He hasn't moved and watches us disappear through the door.