Page 16 of Mr. Almost

“I’m so hungry,” I groan.

“Me too. I totally plan on ordering lunch from the Italian place across the street.”

“That sounds delicious. I could kill for some pasta right about now.”

“Want me to order you some at the same time?” Tristen offers.

I bite my lip and contemplate it for a moment. Should I splurge and order myself lunch or take that money and save it away? “No, I better not. I brought my lunch with me today.”

“Well, if you change your mind, let me know.”

“Thanks.”

He must have been nearby, and I hadn’t noticed. Either that or he’s convinced Tristen to spy for him.

No, she wouldn’t do that. She doesn’t even know that he and I have a past.

Shaking away the thought, I heat up the food before sitting down and devouring it.

After finishing the meal, I pull off the folded note from the top of the container and open it.

You look beautiful today.

-Mason

I crumple up the paper as my anger flares again.

I squeeze my eyes shut, I just don’t get it.

“Hey, looks like it’s my lucky day. I was hoping to catch a minute alone with you.”

I open my eyes and see the man in question standing in front of me with a smile on his face as if nothing is wrong.

My eye twitches. “Is that so?”

“Of course. How was your lunch?”

“Horrible.”

Mason frowns. “Really? The place across the street has excellent reviews. I know it’s been a while since I’ve eaten there, but surely it hasn’t gone downhill that fast.”

“It was horrible because I didn’t want it. Some man-child thought it would be fun to get rid of my food that I brought with me and replace it with something I didn’t want.”

Mason steps inside the break room and shuts the door behind him. “Okay, what am I missing? I heard you tell Tristen that you wanted pasta, so I made it happen. Did you change your mind?”

I scoff. “Did you ever think that maybe I didn’t want it because it came from you?”

Mason frowns. “Olivia, what am I missing here? I’ve been trying to get your attention all week, and you’ve been avoiding me.”

“Because I want nothing to do with you!” I explode. I stand up so fast I tip over the chair I had just been sitting in. “Let me make myself crystal fucking clear. Mason Williamson, I want nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing to do with you. Now, for the love of all things holy, leave my fucking food alone.”

“Tell me why we can’t pick back up where we left off.”

I laugh maniacally.

“Are you insane?”

“No…” he says reluctantly.

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