Page 63 of Power Play Daddies
Mason
The buzzingin my head is relentless, like a pissed-off bee trapped in a jar. My mouth’s dry, my body aches, and my brain’s screaming at me about whatever I drank last night.
Finnegan’s was way too much fun, and we had way too much tequila.
“Never again,” I mutter, dragging myself out of bed.
Lie. It’s always a lie.
The shower’s cold at first, shocking, but it helps. By the time the water’s hot, I’m leaning against the wall, letting it pound on my shoulders.
A few deep breaths more, and I feel halfway human.
Once I’m out, I towel off and check my phone. Yoga’s in about an hour.
Perfect.
I throw on a loose tank and shorts and head downstairs.
The smell hits me before I see her. Vegan pancakes.
Only one person in my life can make those smell like they came straight from a fancy brunch spot.
“Mom?” I call as I walk into the kitchen.
She’s at the stove, flipping pancakes, looking way too put together for this hour. Her blond hair’s tied back in a lowponytail, and she’s got a soft smile on her face that makes me feel like a kid again.
“You’re up early,” I say, walking over to kiss her cheek.
“I could say the same about you,” she teases, sliding a couple of pancakes onto a plate.
“Hangover,” I admit, grabbing a piece of fruit from the bowl on the counter. “Why are you up?”
“I’m heading home today.”
That stops me mid-chew. “Wait, already? I thought you were staying longer.”
She turns, plate in hand, and shrugs. “I want to, but don’t worry—I’ll be back in a few days. Remember, I’m having my kitchen retiled. I just thought it’d be nice to spend a little time with you before I go.”
I grin. “You’re the best, you know that?”
“So you keep telling me,” she says with a chuckle.
“I’m heading to the beach for yoga in a bit. Wanna join me?
She raises a brow, considering. “How about we have breakfast first, then yoga, and after that, you can show me that matcha place you love so much?”
“Deal.” I grab two plates and start setting the table.
As we sit down, she’s watching me, her expression softer than usual.
“What?” I ask, mouth full of pancake.
“I’m just really, really proud of you, Mason.”
I swallow hard. “Yeah?”
She nods. “You guys played so well against the Outlaws. Do you know who you’ll be facing next?”
