Eventually, the shock wanes in the ensuing silence. It doesn't last as long as I thought it would, but in that time, Mason perches himself on the edge of the bed, cup in hand and waits for either one of us to say something...
When that doesn't happen, I begin with something I consider light and funny to break through the awkwardness of the moment.
I raise my ring-bearing hand. " So, this happened," I say with a frazzled smile directed at Laira. She gives me an equally frazzled smile and glares at the ring on my finger. I know what she thinks of it without her having to say a word. Disapproval is written all over her face; there is no need to translate that; it is written in big bold letters. Even a myopic person could read it.
" I see," She says after a brief moment of silence and takes a sip of her tea. I know Mason, and I also know he didn't put any sugar in the tea. She grimaces at the bland taste and looks at Mason over her shoulder. He smirks back and crosses his legs at the ankles, looking pleased with himself. I don't want to be the one to say it, but his attempt at getting a rise out of Laira will fall as flat as a three-day-old beer.
Laira turns her attention back to me and rolls her eyes. Bitting down a smile, I look at Mason over her shoulder, and he gives me the thumbs up in question.
" Would you two stop having secret conversations about me while I'm present?" She says in an exasperated tone and shifts in her seat so she can face Mason instead of me.
Mason clears his throat and turns his attention to his cup of tea, trying and failing to look inconspicuous.
" I have no words to describe how imbecile is the fact that you two decided to wear wedding rings. In plain sight. Where everyone can see them. Matching wedding rings. What's next? Matching t-shirts that say ' I'm with her'?" She huffs annoyed beyond belief. I hate to admit it, but she has a point. I look down at the ring on my finger and then at Mason, who, just like me, is studying his intensely.
" Imbecile?" He mutters under his breath and looks up at Laira with a quirked brow. I'm surprised that so far, Laira has insulted him several times without suffering any repercussions. Why?
Laira hums and takes another sip of her tea as if this is a conversation we would have daily. We don't.
Laira works for Mason, and as far as I know, that's how far their relationship goes.
Mason huffs a sigh, " Laira," He begins cautiously, " I love the fact that you are trying to protect Lily, but you have to stop calling me names, darling," He says it almost pleadingly, while Laira takes a deep breath as if repressing the urge to throw a few more insults his way.
" Fine. But that doesn't change the fact that " She waves a finger between Mason and I," this is absolutely bonkers. You know I'm right. You can't deny it. I'm just baffled that a man of your calibre would make such a greenhorn mistake. You've built your business from the ground up and have become a respected member of Morston and other districts. I don't understand why you would jeopardise all that you worked so hard for," She turns to me, caught in the thrall of her fiery speech," And you, you bent over backwards to earn your place here. I guarantee you that if this whole affair becomes public, you'll lose everything. Ask yourselves, is it worth it?" She poses the question with the tact of a bullet.
" Yes." We both answer in unison and cue the eye roll.
" Love does make you stupid, doesn't it?" She fires back almost immediately, and I wonder if she ever rehearsed this damn speech before she marched up to my door. Well, hatch, but you know what I mean.
" It does," Mason and I answer in unison, knowing very well that will indeed get a rise out of Laira.
" Jesus. What difference does it make? Wait until you finish, and then you two can get hitched in peace and quiet without the added drama," We are trying, I want to say, but it is getting increasingly harder each day. Also, there is a good chance that in four years, I won't be awake to be able to do what she is suggesting. So, all we have is now.
" Miss Winters, we appreciate your input on this matter," Mason pauses briefly, choosing his words carefully," But...I kindly, and respectfully ask you to stay the fuck out of it," Mason says with unnerving calm and not so tactfully. I study his posture, and the expression he is wearing, and there is no sign that he is rattled by this whole exchange. Strangely, nor am I, but that's a whole different matter. I'm used to Laira's unfiltered opinions. It only happens occasionally and only when she is passionate about something. I suppose, I should consider myself lucky.
" Don't say I didn't warn you," Laira says smugly, brushing right past Mason's jarring remark and takes another sip of her tea.
" As you pertinently pointed out earlier. I've successfully grown a business, and become a pivotal pillar of Morston, all of that with nothing but my blood and sweat. Now, as much as I enjoy our riveting conversation, I'd be grateful if you could let us handle how we deal with this affair," Mason rises from the bed, a picture of calm and nonchalance. He locks eyes with Laira, who strangely doesn't shrink under his gaze, and nods at her.
" Once more, thank you Miss Winters for all that you have done for Lily. I will be in debt to you for the rest of my life, but don't push your luck," He warns and struts into the kitchenette to dispose of the cup, and then slips into the tiny bathroom.
" That was very interesting," More than interesting. I've never seen anyone speak to Mason with such blunt honesty.
" Indeed it was," Laira hums in her cup of tea.
" Tell me again when you and Mason have become the best of friends," I can't keep the defensiveness out of my tone.
" The project I'm working on for the Quarter has been challenging and on more than one occasion, Mason and I happened to disagree. We argue a lot. I might've said some things to him, but because I'm your friend he doesn't seem to mind it all that much. Plus, I have dirt on him" She smirks at me and finishes her tea.
Stumped,I look at her, and then at the bathroom door," Wow, you're an evil genius," I chuckle, as Mason slips out of the bathroom, and begins to rummage through the cupboards, probably getting some food ready. We haven't eaten, we've been too busy arguing.