“I can’t say they were in my prospective dates,” Mason drawled, looking right at his sister. “Why don’t you ask Kirsty? She is online dating right now.”
“You are?” His mom’s head moved so fast I thought she’d give herself whiplash.
“I’m dabbling,” she replied hesitantly. “Why don’t you ask Lauren? She was online, after all.”
Seriously. Had I once stolen her boyfriend without knowing it or something? What did she have against me?
Instead of glaring daggers at her like I wanted to, I smiled at Grandpa Ernie and said, “Mr. Jackson, I’m sure there are women out there who would be honored to go on a date with you. You should get online and find them yourself.”
“A diplomat. They have those in Congress, you know. They’re usually known as bullshitters,” Great Uncle Charlie said musingly. “Not that I’m saying you are, dear.”
“Charles!” Pru leaned across the table and whipped him with her napkin. “Don’t be a rude old dolt!”
“Graham,” Nadia breathed, pinching the bridge of her nose.
“Excuse me,” I said before it descended in chaos. “I need to use the restroom.”
What I actually needed was a break from Kirsty’s probing gaze before she said something else that would drop either one of us in it. We were only ready for so many questions, and I had a feeling that she had a list of them, and none of our answers would be correct.
I pushed into one of the stalls and locked the door, taking a moment to breathe. Cupping my nose and mouth, I took some deep breaths. I could do this. We were already halfway through. The pensioners had taken up most of the conversation with their endless—yet amusing—bickering, and it’d only recently turned onto me.
After a couple of minutes, I undid the lock and froze.
Kirsty was waiting in front of the sink area for me. “They’re pretty crazy, huh?”
“Yeah,” I said slowly. “They are. Excuse me.”
She stepped to the side so I could wash my hands. “I feel like we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot.”
“I didn’t think we’d gotten off any foot, if I’m honest. I’m pretty much on my ass here.”
She grimaced. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
“I just—” I stopped and turned, taking a paper towel. “Without sounding like a bitch, what were you thinking?”
Sighing, she leaned against the counter, pushing her dark hair from her face. “Honestly, it was a joke. I never thought you’d agree to it again.”
I smirked. “I’m the youngest sister, too. Try again.”
“Okay.” She laughed, holding up her hands. “I was meddling. Mase has been single ever since Claudia, and I thought it was time he moved on. You two seemed to have fun at the reunion so I thought I’d try my luck. That’s all.”
At least she was honest about it.
“Do you know how uncomfortable this is for us?” I asked gently. “Or what an awkward position it puts us in?”
“It doesn’t look awkward.”
“That’s called lying. I’m pretty good at it.”
Her lips tugged to the side the same way Mason’s did when he was amused. “I’m pretty sure he’s feeling something for you for real.”
I grabbed another paper towel to finish drying my hands. “It’s fine, Kirsty. You know this isn’t real, don’t you? Don’t project something that is—”
The door swung open, and we both froze. Turning, we saw Nadia as she strolled in in her heels.
“Oh, goodness. Are you hiding out in here, too?” She slipped in between us and checked her reflection in the mirror. God only knew why. The woman was flawless.
“Just washing our hands, Mom.”
“I don’t blame you if you are. Pru just ordered tequila shots.” She wiped under her eyes and straightened, smiling at us. “Getting to know each other, are we? What are we talking about?”
I shot Kirsty a panicked look.
“Claudia,” she said quickly. “Mom, did you know Mason took Lauren to his reunion last week?”
“Oh, yes. I think you mentioned it.” She paused and looked at me. “So you met Claudia.”
Her distaste was evident in the bitterness that hardened her tone.
“Unfortunately,” I said honestly. “It wasn’t the best part of my week.”
“Mm.” Nadia pulled some lipstick from her purse and slicked it over her lips. “She’s not exactly everyone’s best friend, is she? Did she act how I assumed she would? Trying to under Mason’s skin?”
“And everyone else’s,” Kirsty muttered.
I hid a smile. “Pretty much.”
“I heard a rumor that a little birdie shut her down.”
I glanced at Kirsty. What was she doing? Stop talking. I didn’t need Nadia to like me.
She turned to me anyway. “Didn’t you basically tell her where to go?” Kirsty continued. “Trevor told me it was apparently hilarious.”
“I, uh…”
“Good.” Nadia was matter-of-fact. “It’s about time someone put that madam in her place.” She blotted her lipstick on a paper towel and tossed it in the trash. With one last glance at her reflection, she met my eyes and said, “I didn’t think Mason would date anyone worth bringing home, if his past is anything to go by. I have to say, I’m more than a little pleasantly surprised by you, Lauren.”