Page 32 of Mr. Almost

Of course.

Chloe

Good. I’ll be out of town this weekend for that wedding, but when I get back, it’s a date.

Me

Sounds good, and if I don’t talk to you before then, watch out for serial killers.

Chloe

Same sister. Same.

I chuckle as I slip my phone back into my pocket. Chloe doesn’t even know it, but she managed to calm my raging thoughts, leaving me feeling more settled.

It’s all going to work out.

I know it.

While Mason might not agree with me right away, surely he will see logic. It’s time for him to take a step back before Ari starts getting the wrong idea.

OrI do.

MASON

I set my phone on my desk and take a deep breath.

Ever since the truth came out about Arianna and how my mother knew that Olivia was pregnant and looking for me, my rage has been simmering.

I wanted to go to her. Confront her.

Only I knew that I had to play it smart and wait for her to come to me. I couldn’t barge into her home and demand answers.

The clicking of heels on the tile has me standing up straight and straightening my tie.

“Dear,” Mother says as soon as she crosses the threshold of my office.

“Mother,” I say coolly.

If she could raise a brow, she would, but thanks to Botox, her face doesn’t move. “Are you not going to properly greet me?”

“I’d rather not. Now tell me, why are you here?”

“You know better than to talk to me like that,” she scolds.

“Why are you here?” I ask again.

“Well, I just got done having brunch with the ladies, and I found out Melinda’s daughter is back in town. You know, the doctor. Anyway, I took it upon myself to set up a date with her for you. You will pick her up tonight at six, and you have a reservation at seven at Mana. It is black tie, so make sure you wear your best suit.”

How fucking dare she.

“No,” I tell her as I fist my hands at my side.

Her head rocks back slightly. “Excuse me?”

“No, I’m not going on a date with one of your friends’ daughters.”

Mother purses her lips. “Yes, you will. Hillary comes from a good family. She practiced ballet up until medical school. She’s beautiful and would make a lovely wife.”

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