Page 19 of Grand Love

I hit send and stare at the message.

I did it.

I texted him.

My palms sweat as I stare at the words.

This is huge progress, it’s been seven months.

Three dots begin to bounce on the screen and I lock and toss my phone onto the desk as if it burns me, my body flushing with heat. I can’t deal with this communication thing. It’s too much. I don’t think I’m ready for his words.

If I’m being honest, the reason I’ve kept myself from him is because I’m weak. Mason Lowell has the ability to bring me to my knees. He did it time and time again in the months I was with him. And I let him. Blinded by lust, and his perfect fucking face. Asshole. The thought of seeing him and having him explain himself, or try to win me back, scares me. He killed my dreams in more ways than one, even if that did give me the greatest gift in return. I don’t think I will ever forgive him.

I busy myself with the computer, doing nothing in particular and trying to keep my mind off my phone. It’s useless. Picking it up and flipping it over, I spot his name.

Swiping my thumb over the notification, I open the text.

Mason: Ok.

That’s it?!

Ok!

I reach out after nearly seven months, allow him access into my home, and all he has to say is OK! Is he kidding me?

Squeezing my eyes tight, I stand and smooth my hands down my skirt. I’m at work, I need to keep my cool. I can’t let him get to me. Not anymore, that ship has sailed. He’s the father of my child and not a single thing more.

Fucking ok! Who does he think he is?

* * *

The Audi is idlingat the curb as I cross the road. Climbing in, I smile at Vinny and do up my seat belt.

“Hey!”

“Good day?” he asks.

“No. I’m terrible at everything, Vinny. I did well in school! I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

“You aren’t in there enough to get to grips with it yet. It’s been a month—eight shifts? It’ll come.”

“I hope so,” I mumble, my head dropping back to the seat.

“You will.” A smile pulls at his lips. “So, Mason left with Scarlet this afternoon. That was a surprise,” he tells me, looking at me knowingly.

“He went to mine?” I wasn’t sure if he would.

Will he still be there?

“I’m proud of you, love.”

“Have I done the right thing, Vin?” I ask, scrubbing at my face, completely drained.

Checking his mirrors, he pulls out onto the quiet road. “You did the right thing, and you didn’t do it for you. You’re remarkable.” He pats my leg. “I hope you know that.”

“Is he still there? At the apartment?”

He nods. “Should I have him leave first before you go up?”

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