Page 95 of Take Me
Make that Erika and Lucy.I told my twin everything after last night’s family dinner, including how the whole thing imploded.
She gripped the lapels of my jacket on her front porch as we said our goodbyes.“Don’t let Erika get away, Mason.She’s scared and hurt and hiding.”
“Okay, I get it.”I sometimes forget that Erika’s tough-girl act masks tender feelings.“I’m giving her space to?—”
“To forget you’re the love of her life?”She shook me a little, making my head snap back.“Good plan, dummy.”
I stared at my unhinged twin.“You sure the wedding stress isn’t getting to you just a little?”
“You’re not stressedenough, Mason.This is serious.”
“I can see that from your death grip on perfectly innocent Gore-Tex.”
My sister did not look appeased.“If you don’t fix things with her, so help me God, I’ll?—”
“Relax, Bridezilla.”I pried her claws off my raincoat.“I’m working on a plan.”
“Whatever it is, count me in.Anything at all, if it means winning Erika back.”
“Shouldn’t you be focused onyourwedding right now?”
She made a dismissive sound.“Ever heard of transference?”
“Eighties band, right?”I ducked back before she could grab me again.
“Fixing your life takes the focus off my stress around wedding plans.It’s therapeutic.”
“You know, we really should ask Brooke about family discounts on therapy.”
She ignored me and skewered my brain with an intense stare.“Please get her back, Mace.Do it for me.”
“Okay.”I couldn’t believe how passionate she seemed.“I’ll think of something.”
I’m still thinking now, scant hours before I’ll waltz down the aisle with Erika.Leave it to Lucy and Mom to pair us up for the procession.I guess it’s better than seeing my girl on the arm of one of Peter’s law school groomsmen.
She’s not your girl.
“Mason?”
I shake myself back to the clinic.To Annabelle’s look of concern.“Yeah?”
“You kinda spaced out there for a minute.”
“Sorry.”
My ex looks concerned.“You’re sure I can’t do anything to help with Erika?I’m serious about sending Lucy my regards and skipping the wedding so Erika won’t feel?—”
“No.”That’ll just make it weirder.“You’re Lucy’s friend.You should be there.”
Annabelle nibbles her lip.“I’ll sit near the back.I’m going with Hayley, and she’s always late anyway.”
Interesting.“Neil’s not your date?”
“No.”She gives me a halfhearted shrug.“I told him I couldn’t marry him.We agreed to stay friends, but who am I kidding?He already reenlisted.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.”Her expression turns sheepish.“Guess we both rushed into things a little.”
