Turn Over

“We always had a good time togethe

r. It will be good to see her.” Eden couldn’t help that they were best friends, but this line of questioning was transparent.

“And that’s it, Mason?”

“That’s it. I’ve moved on. I’m sure she has to.”

Eden crossed her arms. “Of course she’s moved on. Why wouldn’t she move on? But the question is who have you moved on with? Someone in Dallas?”

I took a sip.

Grey interrupted. “I’m going to go ask Mac something. I’ll be right back.” He pecked her on the cheek and walked inside the bar.

“So? Who is she?” Eden leaned forward, her eyes lighting.

“I didn’t say there was one girl.”

She slapped my arm. “You’re such a jerk. Hooking up with a bunch of different women doesn’t count as moving on.”

“It does for me.” I raised my eyebrows and smiled, knowing she was about to slap me again.

“I don’t get why you and Taylor broke up. Christmas was fun wasn’t it?”

I sat my empty bottle on the edge of the table and reached in the bucket for a second round. “Sweetheart, Taylor is a great girl, but it wasn’t going to last. She wants what you and Grey have, and it wasn’t fair to her to drag it out. I was trying to do the right thing.” I twisted the top off the beer and tossed it on the table. “I couldn’t lead her on.”

Eden huffed. “But the wedding is going to be awkward for you. She’s my maid of honor. And you’re standing up with Grey. Wait.” Her eyes filled with panic. “You’re still standing up with Grey aren’t you?”

I placed my hand on top of hers. “Yes. Yes. I wouldn’t back out of that. I promise I won’t make it awkward with Taylor. I’m a drama-free kind of guy, right?”

She finally smiled. “You are. If you could patch up things with Grey I guess I shouldn’t worry.”

“That’s right. If we could go from trying to rip each other’s throats out to drinking beer at Pete’s, you should have a little faith in me. I can handle Taylor. Any woman for that matter.”

I thought about where Grey and I had been a year ago. I had walked into the Palm Palace office ready to tear it from his hands and demolish it into a pit of rubble. I had sued him for complete ownership of the motel. It wasn’t the best family introduction, but it was the only one I knew.

My father had betrayed both of us. He may have kept me hidden as the family’s dirty secret, but I had emerged on top.

I looked up from the table. Eden was watching me.

“I get Taylor’s not the girl for you, so tell me your type.” She leaned on her elbows.

“Why? So you can set me up with one of these island girls? One of Marin’s friends?” I shook my head. “Not interested.”

“You like blondes or brunettes better? Athletic? Smart? Oh, what about someone in the business world? You could hash out business negotiations together. That sounds like you.”

I shook my head. “That is definitely not happening.”

“Then who? Who are you looking for?” The smile dropped from her face.

“All I’m interested in is a little fun. I have enough to keep me busy.”

“Come on, Mason. You are working yourself to death. Driving between here and Dallas, flying all over the place. You need someone in your life. You need more than fun. You need a girl.”

“What I need right now is for this project to go through.” I looked around for Grey. He might be the only who could save me from her inquisition.

“Beach Combers Cove?”

“The one and only. It’s my next project. The deal was accepted before I walked in here. Now I have to get through the red tape.”