Page 98 of Fallen Hearts

I couldn’t argue that point.

“Mason,” he started. And with that tone, I knew where this was headed. “You’ve got to be fucking kidding. What is the number one rule?”

Yep, exactly as suspected.

“Never say ‘I do’?”

“Sure. Ultimately. But what comes before that?”

“I’m not in the mood for games.”

“Love. That’s what. No. Falling. In. Love. Easy enough.”

“I’m not in love, asshole.”

“No?”

“No.”

“Sounds like it.”

I started cleaning up. “First of all, if I was in love, I wouldn’t give a shit about the pact and you know it. I don’t deal with the worst of humanity on a daily basis—and that’s NYPD and not even touching my military tour—to have my life be decided by anyone but myself. Second, I’m not in love.”

What was the saying? He doth protest too much? Or something to that effect.

“Mace.” Cole switched gears and now used his Mr. Professor lecture persona. “We made the pact for a reason. That’s all I’m saying.”

“I hear you loud and clear.”

And I did. Even now I could see my dad sitting on that dock. Heartbroken after so many years had passed.

“Let’s go get a drink,” he said, the words we’d exchanged forgotten.

By the time I cleaned up and the four of us had all gathered in the kitchen, I’d hoped to have heard from Pia. When she left earlier, I had asked if she had plans tonight. She’d said it was another girls night, a new Friday tradition, but that she’d text me later.

So far, nothing.

“Are we heading to O’Malley’s?” Cole asked, joining Parker and me.

“Sure,” Parker said. “Or we can start somewhere else and head there. Up to you guys.”

“You look like you’re interviewing for head teacher at some fucking prep school,” I added to Cole, for good measure.

“Or maybe some yuppie Ivy League college professor?” Parker asked.

“Shut the fuck up, both of you.”

I was barely listening. No text. Should I get in touch with her? We hadn’t been together all week, but giving her space to sort things out didn’t seem to be helping. Instead Pia and I were growing farther apart.

Isn’t that what you want?

“Earth to Mason,” Parker said.

“He’s in love.” Cole just couldn’t help poking the bear. I was about to lambaste him when Parker spoke up.

“Yeah, I know.”

My head shot up. “What did you just say?”

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