Another day, accompanied by another letter from Mason. Each and every word is carefully curated to send a clear message, without too many incriminating details. Mostly, they are health checks, and I have to repress the urge several times a day to pick up the pen and write a reply. I know, he will understand that I'm not purposely ignoring him, and merely preserving the illusion of our break up. As per Eric's request.
Saturday rolls around bringing a mix of anxiety, anticipation and a whole lot of jittery nerves. It has been three days since I last saw Mason, and the swarm of butterflies in my stomach is making me slightly queasy.
Although our time apart has been unbearable, it also provided me with a window to dig myself deeper into my studies in order to keep myself preoccupied, so I don't go stir-crazy.
Itchy feet- as I've recently discovered- are in fact an actual symptom of an affliction that knows no cure. The urge to climb up that damn window and make a beeline for Northenhay has knawed at me incessantly in the past week. For once, I've succeeded in controlling my knee-jerk reaction and remained rooted on academy grounds.
Standing in front of my bathroom mirror, I check one last time to see if everything is in good order. I'm dressed to impress.
The dinner party is an excellent opportunity to conceal an illicit affair and that's exactly what I'm going to do.
The dress I've chosen is meant to give a few heart attacks to those with a weak spirit and raise a few flags. Although my target is not the general populace, I'm not exactly invisible.
The burgundy colour has never been among my favourites, but the way it hugs my curves and the way the vaporous fabric flows from the waist down, with a high slit on the side that stops at my hip bone, showing just enough skin to entice but not enough to qualify as tacky. The sweetheart neckline is doing wonders for my bust, making them the centre of attention. I'm dying to see Mason's reaction.
With that thought in mind, I grab my shoes and make my way out of the loft at maximum speed. Louis should arrive any minute to pick me up.
Mason said that he would have preferred to come himself, but reconsidered and I agreed. Louis is by far the safer choice if we are to keep this a secret.
By the time I step outside, I'm panting, adrenaline coursing through my veins, making me fidgety, and restless.
When I spot the luxury car driving through the wrought iron gates of the academy, I can barely fit inside my skin with excitement. I'm buzzing like I have a hive of bees under my skin.
As soon as Louis pulls over I reach for the handle and jump in the car, " Hi Louis, " My voice comes out more of a shriek. Poor Louis winces.
" Good evening, Lily. You've beat me to it. I was given very specific instructions on how to conduct myself this evening. I was supposed to help you get in the car," Louis says as he puts the car in drive. I wouldn't expect any less from Mason.
" Your secret is safe with me," I shrug sliding between the two front seats so I can have a better look at Louis.
Louis shakes his head in disapproval, " Some things don't change," He mutters just as we slip through the gates of the academy. It's slow at first, but I feel the anxiety leaving my body with each metric foot we put between us and the academy. Northenhay is home.
" What do you mean?" I ask after a beat of silence.
Louis glances back, and lifts a shoulder in half a shrug, " When you started volunteering for the soup kitchen in the Quarter, I was given the same directive, but you never gave me the chance to get around to doing it. You always jumped out of the car like a lunatic. Not what I expected. Very unladylike," He smirks, and I chuckle. Not the first time someone has noted that about me.
" I grew up in a modest home, Louis. This," I wave a hand at the luxurious car with spotless interior and cream leather smoother than a baby's bottom, " Is very unnecessary, " I land on that, suddenly unable to think of a better wording.
" I have a car. I could have driven myself. I only gave in because Mason has made the arrangements and I had no way of telling him that he doesn't have to go through all this trouble," I add in the ensuing silence.
Humming, Louis takes a deep breath," No trouble at all, " He smirks, " He will tell you himself when you see him in a few minutes," He says sullenly, shifts gears and the car lurches forward picking up speed, making me slide back in my seat.
So conversation over, I guess.
While Louis focuses on driving the car, I take in the passing landscape. Not much has changed since I last saw it. Even though it hasn't been that long ago, it feels as though years have passed since we drove down this road.
From afar, the roof of the imposing mansion comes into view, slowly coming into focus against the darkening horizon. By the looks of it, all lights are on and all hands are on deck.
On the pavement, with his hands tucked in his pockets, Mason scans the street with razor focus. Looking as debonair as ever, wearing a deep blue three-piece suit, with satin lapels and a hairline pinstripe. He is freshly shaved, hair intentionally mused just enough to add a little of casual charm. Absolutely, outrageously charming and handsome.
And my heart, oh my poor heart is one beat away from giving up beating.
All of a sudden I'm lightheaded at the realisation that this is our first formal outing as a couple. I know what you are thinking. Nobody knows. Those who matter do know, and for now it's enough. It has to be.