Mason & Sophie Duet

Chapter 3

CHAPTER THREE

MASON

TWO YEARS BEFORE THE FIGHT

With my first year of grad school complete, I’m ready to party my a*s off this summer. Only two more semesters left until I’m done, and it can’t come soon enough. My internship ended on Wednesday, and now I have to figure out what the hell I’m going to do next. It’s only been two days, but I’ve been taking this time to relax and refresh before moving on to the next thing—whatever that’ll be. I’ve been going nonstop since graduating college last year, so taking some time off to recoup is needed, but I know it will be short-lived. Gaining more experience is my number one priority, but I currently don’t have any prospective jobs lined up, not even a temporary one. I recently submitted applications for six- and twelve-month internships, but I haven’t heard anything back yet.

I check the time and realize I need to leave now if I’m going to be on time for lunch. My father doesn’t tolerate tardiness from anyone, especially not his own son. While I hate the country club and everything it stands for, he insisted I meet him there to eat. Probably so he could brag and rub elbows with all the politicians and elected officials. It’s actually disgusting how fake they are to each other, considering they’d all climb the backs of their colleagues to get to the top. Nothing like a fifty dollar plate of shitty shrimp and booze to make a person feel elite.

While I drive across town, I think about my dad. I haven’t seen him in a few months, using school and work as an excuse. Now that those two things have ended, he knew I couldn’t say no even though I wanted to. Each time we get together, he reminds me of how much of a disappointment I am for not following in his footsteps and going to law school. At one point, I considered it, but after seeing how much his job took over his life, I knew it wasn’t for me. Being the district attorney always took priority over our family, no matter the occasion, and when worked called, he’d bail. I promised myself I’d never put my career over my wife and kids, if I ever have those things. Deep down, a part of me feels like I don’t deserve to be happy. I had happiness once and wishing for it again would be selfish.

The country club is set off in the distance on a beautiful golf course. If I were just an outsider looking in and didn’t know anything about the members who frequented it, I’d probably think it was paradise. It’s far from it. Before I get out of the truck, I sit in the parking lot and give myself a pep talk. No matter what my father says today, I’m not going to lose my cool. I repeat it a few times.

I walk inside and am greeted by a few people who know my dad. “Mr. Holt, welcome back.”

The last time I was here was over a year ago, so I’m almost impressed that they remember who I am. Then again, it’s impossible not to know who my father is, and I’m the spitting image of him. I smile politely and catch sight of my dad sitting at a table across the room. The years have been good to him even though I can’t say he deserves it much.

“Mason,” he calls out with a fake smile as soon as he sees me.

Heads turn toward me, and I feel like that embarrassed kid again. He loves attention, but I can’t say I do.

“Hey, Dad,” I say, sitting across from him at the table.

He snaps his fingers, and the waiter immediately comes over to take my drink order. I look down at his glass of bourbon and get one too, because I’m probably going to need it. Awkwardness floats between us when he answers his cell phone and begins talking to his wife. It takes everything I have not to roll my eyes, and I’m thankful when my whiskey arrives.

“I really don’t have time to talk about this right now, Hallie. I’m having lunch with Mason.” He shakes his head, growing more frustrated with her. “We’ll discuss it when I get home,” he says between gritted teeth. After he ends the call, he looks at me and shrugs. Seems as if he treats her like a child too, but it could be because she’s only four years older than me. The whole situation is f****d up.

“Women,” he says with a chuckle as if I’m one of his golfing buddies.

“Hmm.” I take another sip, wishing the alcohol would kick in sooner because I don’t want to discuss her. The thought of Hallie has always left a bad taste in my mouth, especially considering how they got together. Being the new attractive fresh out of college secretary for the DA really worked in her gold-digging favor. After an affair and a pregnancy announcement from her, he left my mother high and dry with nothing but resentment and a paid-off house. A year after the divorce, she threatened to fight him in court for half of his s**t, and since he didn’t want the negative attention, he caved and paid her off. Like he does everyone.

I haven’t fully forgiven him for what he did. My mother is the strongest and smartest woman on the planet and was there for me when I had no one and when I felt the most alone. She’s my biggest supporter, and when everything happened with my previous girlfriend, Emma, she kept me sane. My father was too busy pointing fingers and covering possible scandals because he’s only ever concerned about number one—himself.

“How’s Michaela?” I ask, changing the subject. Even if I hate Hallie, I can’t treat my five-year-old sister poorly. She deserves better than either one of her parents.

“She’s good. Starting kindergarten in the fall. Can’t believe it,” he tells me, looking over the menu. I halfway wonder if he’ll force her to go to law school since I didn’t. It wouldn’t surprise me since they even named her after my father. It’s pretty disgusting, and I can only imagine how much pressure she’ll have on her to be the best at everything. I’ve lived that life without the result my father wanted. She’s his second chance.

The waiter returns and takes our order. My dad asks for another drink but makes it a double. It’s almost as if he has to be wasted to be around me. Good to know I make him just as miserable. When his freshly poured glass of bourbon is placed in front of him, he cuts straight to the chase.

“So what are your current plans now that the semester has ended?”

I suck in a deep breath. “Not sure yet. I’m waiting to see if I get another internship since I found the last one so beneficial. I learned a lot and was grateful for the opportunity to work so closely with people in the field.”

He nods. Doesn’t give me a congratulations or a “proud of you” or anything, not that I expect it. A zebra can’t change its stripes, and he won’t change his ways either.

“I can get you an internship at the morgue to be a coroner’s assistant. A position just came available yesterday, and it will look good on your resume. I’ll call when we leave here.”

I open my mouth, then close it, knowing I don’t have any other option at the moment. Though it’s not my first choice of places, death is an important part of a forensics investigator. I know it’ll be good experience, so I can’t complain about the opportunity.

“That’s settled then,” he says when I don’t offer any argument. I could explain how I don’t need him continuously butting into my life, but at the moment, I do need his help, though I’d never admit it out loud. Each time I walk into a new job, one he’s pulled strings to get me hired at, everyone instantly assumes I’m some privileged punk who doesn’t work hard. One would think being the DA’s son would make life easier, but the reality is, it doesn’t. I have to work ten times harder than someone who comes from a normal family to prove myself.

Our food finally arrives, an indication that this meeting is halfway over, and Dad talks about his new secretary. I wonder if he’s sleeping with her too, but I don’t say s**t, allowing him to run his mouth and talk about her tight a*s. And in a snap, he starts in on me. I’m almost shocked it took him this long.

“I honestly don’t know why you chose to go this route with your career. You would’ve made a great lawyer, Mason. You’ve got that no bullshit attitude, just like me. You could’ve climbed the ranks, worked on criminal trials, and really made a name for yourself.”

“Sounds boring as hell,” I tell him around a mouthful.

“It’s not too late for you. Many people go to law school after they work in their field for a few years.”

“It’s pretty much not gonna happen. After I get my master’s and a few more internships under my belt, I’ll have enough experience to start fieldwork. I’d rather help understand the ins and outs and whys of homicides than putting the bad guy behind bars with paperwork and words. The evidence is what’s important.”

He scoffs. “It’s just as important for justice to be served.”

“I didn’t say it wasn’t. Investigating crime scenes directly relates with the cases, just not in the way you want. You can’t keep pulling this s**t. It’s exhausting for you to constantly bring this up each time we’re together. Just accept what I’m doing and be happy that I’m happy.”

He looks around the room to make sure no one is paying attention to our conversation because it’s always about appearances to him. I made sure to keep my voice low, not wanting to set him off, but I can tell with every passing minute that he’s growing more annoyed with me.

“It’s just a waste of your intelligence.”

“And that’s your opinion,” I rebut. “And we all know what those are like.”

I push the rest of my food away and place the napkin over my plate because I’m done talking about this. All I’ve ever wanted is his support or, at the very least, his acceptance, but I doubt I’ll ever get either. After everything that happened with Emma, he’s held my career path over me, and I think he’s forgotten why I wanted to become a forensics investigator in the first place. It doesn’t matter to him, though. His only concerned is that I’m not walking in his shadow, making the Holt name proud.

The check is delivered just in time. Dad hands over his credit card, then signs the receipt, and we both stand. He speaks loud enough for everyone near us to hear. “We’ll have to get together again soon, son.”

He pulls me into a tight hug but shows no emotion. It’s just an action for him without any meaning behind it. I force a smile and get the hell out of there as quickly as I can. He doesn’t follow me.

Once I’m in my truck, I pull out of the parking lot and head toward the gym to work off some of my frustrations. Keeping an extra bag of clean clothes with me comes in handy at times like this. The lunch itself didn’t go terribly bad, but too much unspoken tension has lingered between us for years. To my father, I’m a failure, or at least that’s how he makes me feel. What sucks is, even after all this time, a part of me still wants to make him proud.

It doesn’t take me long to park, go inside the gym, and change. I grab some gloves and put them on, then enter one of the training areas. With everything I have, I work out all of my pent-up annoyance. I’m gasping for air as I push myself to the limit. It doesn’t take long for exhaustion to hit, and I’m thankful I found this escape after graduation. While getting my undergrad degree, I kept busy training and playing football. It helped me cope, and I needed that when I left. Boxing keeps me sane.

My arms feel like Jell-O, and I suck in deep breaths, trying to cool down as I grab my bag and go back to the truck. I pull out my cell phone and text all my friends to see if they want to go out tonight. Considering I’m gonna be forced to work with dead people for the next six months to a year, I need to be with the living while I can. Before I reverse, text messages come like crazy. Brandon has plans with Lennon, but Liam and Hunter are down. The three of us together only means one thing—trouble. I grin because that’s exactly what I need. Tonight, we’re gonna relive our frat days. f**k, I can’t wait.

I go home and put my dirty clothes in the wash, then hop in the shower. After I’m dressed, I decide to head to the bar and pre-game. Even though that’s probably a bad idea, I don’t give a damn. By the time Hunter and Liam arrive, I’m three shots and a beer in.

“Dude, are you already f*****g drunk?” Hunter asks with a smirk.

“Not yet!” I yell over the music.

Liam places his hand on my shoulder. “Ready to get this party started?”

“f**k yeah!” I tell him as he orders double shots of tequila for the three of us. We’re the loud, annoying guys at the bar, but I give no f***s. We take our shots, and Hunter orders another round. I’m tempted to text our other roommate to come hang out with us, but she’s been so busy with work that I’m sure she’s already in bed.

“How’d it go today with your dad?” Liam asks before we shoot down the alcohol. I’ve already gotten to the point in the night where it all tastes like water, so I just grin like an i***t.

“The same as always. He reminded me of how much of a d**k he is and how much of a disappointment I am.”

“f**k him!” Hunter says. “He’s just like my dad. Both assholes.”

“Totally.” I nod and laugh. Since Hunter’s dad is in politics, he grew up in the same type of household as me. Their relationship is just as rocky, but he’s totally written his father off. I wish I could do the same, but since I hope to one day be working as a forensic investigator, and that department reports directly to the DA, he’ll always be in my life in one way or another.

The music blares, and I find myself needing to sit because I’m too wobbly on my feet to stand. Hunter and Liam are both snagged by ladies and led to the dance floor. Instead of trying to follow along, I pull out my phone and start scanning through my contacts and come across Sophie’s name. Sweet Sophie. Just seeing her name programmed in my phone makes my heart pound. Our friendship hasn’t changed much over the last year, and I still think about her kisses and the way she tasted, though I shouldn’t. I don’t want to give her the wrong idea by getting too close, but anytime I’m with the guys and she’s there, it’s hard to take my eyes off her. I know my rejection stung, but I wish she’d believe me when I tell her it’s what’s best for her. That doesn’t mean I don’t wish I were capable of giving her more.

Since I’m a glutton for punishment, I find myself typing up a message because I want her here, right now. Though I’ve restrained from texting her after our amazing night together, the tequila is encouraging me to do it.

Mason: Whatcha doin’ tonight? Come meet me at the bar.

The text bubble pops up, and it makes me smile. I’m sure she’s going to tell me to f**k off or throw it back at me that we’re just friends.

Sophie: No thanks. Not looking for a repeat of the first night we met.

Mason: But you have to admit it was pretty unforgettable. ;)

She sends me an eye roll emoji, and I find myself reliving those moments with her in the bathroom bar. f**k, it was one of the hottest moments of my life.

Sophie: Error 404. Contact not found.

Mason: That’s for websites, so nice try.

Sophie: Whatever. Go away.

Mason: Oh, come on. I’ll buy you a drink.

Sophie: Isn’t that what got us into this mess in the first place? Also, I’d prefer not to watch you flirt with every chick in the bar, you know, because you’re not “relationship material.”

I laugh because the only person I’m talking to right now is her. She’s the only woman I’ve talked to all week.

Mason: I’ll buy you two drinks then since, you know, you said it took more than one drink to seduce you ;)

Sophie: I must’ve blacked out during our first conversation.

Mason: Trust me, you were very alert...checking out every inch of me.

Sophie: How much have you had to drink?

Thinking about it, I honestly can’t remember. A f*****g lot.

Mason: Too many? Maybe I need you to be my designated driver. :(

Knowing how motherly she is, I chuckle. If anything will get her here, it’s that. She’s too caring to ignore me, but we’ll see.

My bladder is full, so I stand and tuck my phone in my pocket. I stumble on my way to the bathroom, bumping into s**t. On the way back, I cut across the dance floor, which ends up being a huge mistake. I get knocked around like a ping pong ball and find myself laughing over the hilarity of it. There are so many people in here, I might never make it back to order another drink.

I run into Hunter who’s dancing close with some redhead.

“Lost?” He snickers.

Shaking my head, I flip him off and squeeze between bodies until I force myself to the other side of the bar. When I make it back, I plop down on my stool, and after I order another beer, a woman slides in the seat right next to me. The smell of her sweet perfume has me turning my head, and when I see Sophie, my eyes go wide.

“You came,” I say, grinning.

She narrows her eyes at me. “Only because you pulled the DD card.”

“I know you so well,” I say, the alcohol swimming through my bloodstream, giving me way too much courage.

“You wish you did,” she retorts with a smile. “Ready to go home? By the way your eyes are crossing, I think you’ve had enough to drink.”

I nod, just wanting to be alone with her without having to strain to hear her over the music. Standing, I nearly fall over, and luckily, she catches me. Our faces are so damn close that I can smell the peppermint on her breath.

“Sorry,” I softly say.

She grins and wraps her arm around my waist. “Yep, you’re so done. Where’s Liam?”

I shrug, playing dumb because I’m sure she’d ream his a*s, but we’re all three sheets to the wind at this point. She shakes her head at me but doesn’t let me go. On the way out, we pass Hunter and Liam dancing with two girls, and they give me s**t as Sophie explains she’s taking me home. As expected, she gives them a stern talking-to about drinking too much, which only makes them laugh their asses off.

“Don’t puke in her car.” Liam cackles, and I flip him off. Sophie holds me tight as I wobble beside her.

“Okay, okay. Time to go,” she says, pulling me away from them. When we walk outside, the warm summer breeze blows through her dark hair, and I can smell her sweet shampoo.

“You smell so pretty,” I slur.

She giggles. “You’re so drunk. It’s hilarious.”

When we get to her car, she unlocks the door and helps me inside, buckling me up like a little kid. She reaches over me, and I’m tempted to taste her lips again. It’s been so long, but it’s something I’ve never forgotten. Our eyes meet, and her breath hitches. I swallow hard, and she pulls away, shutting the door and walking around to the driver’s side.

“You’re too good to me. I don’t deserve this. I don’t deserve you,” I mutter.

After she cranks the car, Sophie looks over at me. “You might one day…when you grow up.”

I smile and close my eyes. “Hmm. Maybe one day, Sweet Sophie.”

On the way home, I drift off as the booze takes over. It seems Sophie drives like a bat out of hell because it only takes all of a minute to arrive at my house. She pulls into the driveway and parks. I look over at her, the streetlight casting an orange glow in the car.

“Damn,” I whisper. “You’re so beautiful.”

She tucks her lips inside her mouth. “You’re so wasted.”

I shake my head. “No. You really are. I’ve got a few regrets in life, Soph. But one of my biggest is not being good enough for you.”

Sophie leans her head back against the seat, and her eyes meet mine. There’s disappointment behind them, and while I wish she would say something, I know it’s not the time, not with me in my current state and my lips being way too loose.

“Good night, Mason. You should probably go to bed.”

I suck in a deep breath before reaching for the door handle. “Good night. And thank you.”

She gives me a quizzical look.

“Thanks for coming to my rescue. Hunter and Liam were preoccupied and intoxicated.”

She giggles. “You’re welcome. But next time, try Uber.”

“Nah, there’s no driver out there as pretty as you.” I blink hard and smile, then stumble my way through the front door.

Once I’m inside, I kick off my shoes, then slowly make my way upstairs to my bedroom. Plopping on my bed, I close my eyes, and all I can see is the sad look on Sophie’s face. I wish I could give her exactly what she needs, but I know I can’t because she deserves better than me.

Sophie deserves it all.