Page 94 of Grand Love

“Why?”

Because it would tear me apart to go back to the only place that ever felt like home. “Too much happened at the penthouse. I don’t think I’d be comfortable there.”

“That’s ridiculous, you pretty much lived there for five months.”

“Like you lived at Lowerwick for seventeen years but now can’t go back, not even for your sister.”

His face turns hard and he starts fiddling with the remote control. “Forget it.”

“I’m just saying, it’s how I feel.”

“I know, that’s fine and I understand.” He brushes it off, and I try to bite my tongue, but I know I need to get it off my chest.

“Have you spoken to Scarlet recently?”

“Nina—”

“We can talk about the house, and Scar if you want.”

“You aren’t turning this around on me. I asked you to do one night a week, for our son. This doesn’t need to become a screaming match because I don’t go to the estate.”

“I’m not screaming, Mason, I’m willing to compromise if you will.”

“What do you mean?”

“You say it’s for Ellis, having an evening where we eat together. And I agree, he seemed to love tonight.”

“Right…” He studies me, unsure of where I’m going with this.

“I take Ellis to the estate every other week, sometimes more. But what if we do one week here, one week at the penthouse, and one week at the estate? With Scar.”

His jaw locks and he stares down at the coffee table.

“I’d be willing to face the penthouse if you are willing to face Lowerwick.”

“It’s not the same thing. I lost everything at that house,” he mutters, not looking at me.

My throat grows tight and I move to sit on the same sofa as him, hating the distance between us.

“Yes, you did. But they’re still there—both of them. Scarlet shouldn’t have to be there alone all the time, Mason. I worry about her.”

“I worry about her too.” He rolls his lips as if his confession pisses him off.

“I’ll be there, Ellis too. It would mean the world to Scar. We don’t even have to do it right away, just think about it.” I give him a small smile, eyeing his fingers that are playing with a small piece of frayed cotton on the pillowcase.

He lifts his head, looking so deep into my eyes, I worry he will see the secrets I bury deep in my soul. “I’ll think about it.”

“Okay.” I don’t mention the ball. I figure baby steps are the best tactic with him after getting him to even consider going to the estate.

“I’m going to go check your clothes. I think it’s best that you wait here.” I give him a wink, trying to lighten the mood.

“Nina.” He stops me as I pass him, grasping my wrist.

I look down at him, wanting to laugh at the stupid pillowcase but completely caught off guard by the look in his eyes. “Thank you.”

“What for?” I frown.

His thumb traces my skin, where his bangle once sat. “I haven’t been able to take Ellis to the estate. I presumed you went—obviously you did that day you got fired, so I hoped you did. But to know you make the effort to take Ellis to see them. It means a lot.”

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