Chapter Four
Mason
“Your sister is a case.” Mason chuckled as he watched Olivia run in the direction of the venue doors.
Tony looked at him with a grin. “She is that.”
“Why did she run?”
Tony sighed. “She ran because of you.”
“Why?”
Tony shook his head. “I don’t think I should tell you, you might think poorly of her.”
“Olivia has had a tough time. She’s allowed to have her secrets, but if they concern me don’t I have a right to know?”
“You have a way with words, Mason.”
“That’s what makes me a good salesman.”
Tony let out a breath. “I’ve already told you about Ryan.”
Mason nodded.
“Well, Olivia has been struggling lately. His birthday is coming up and this year it seems to have hit her harder than ever. Just when we think she is letting go, she takes a step back.”
“People deal with death in different ways, Tony. You know how you feel about losing Ryan, but Olivia was the closest to him.”
Tony swallowed hard, “I know. I miss him more than anything, he was my best friend and I understand Olivia’s grief, but I think she’s using it as a wall to hide behind now so she doesn’t have to engage in life.”
Mason frowned. “How so?”
“A little over a month ago, she saw you.”
“I saw her too.”
“You did?” Tony asked him in surprise.
“Yes, I saw her, and I was struck dumb by how beautiful she is. Her floral scent danced on the breeze as she walked past, teasing me.”
Tony raised his eyebrows. “She changed coffee shops so she could watch you from the window.”
“I know.”
“You know?”
“About her watching me? Yeah, I know because I was watching her too.”
“Wow, it’s a love story in the making.” Tony muttered. “Olivia is drawn to you. It seems you’re drawn to her too, but you need to understand, Olivia is sad. Her spark disappeared when Ryan died. She used to wear bright colours, she was always singing, always smiling. I don’t think I’ve heard her sing once since he died and she lives in black.”
“There’s something different about her today.”
“Yeah, Ava made her wear yellow shoes.”
Mason shook his head. “No, she is different. There is more than just sadness in her eyes now.”
Tony grinned. “It’s probably embarrassment.”
“Yeah, maybe a little, but she looks alive.”
“What are you planning on doing about your attraction?” Tony asked seriously.
“I’m planning on marrying her.”
“But…” Tony spluttered.
“Relax, we’ll be friends first.” Mason grinned.
“Dude, you’re crazy.”
“Nope, I’m in love.”
“Don’t be stupid. Love doesn’t happen that fast.”
“Yes, it does.” Mason disagreed. “Most people just ignore it because they believe it isn’t right to feel that way so early on.”
“But you’ve only spoken for the first time today.” Tony objected.
“When I first saw her I felt her sadness. I promised myself I would see her smile again.”
“So you pity her?”
Mason shook his head. “It’s not pity, its selfishness. I want to make her happy and I want to be the reason she smiles again.”
“Ok. You’re both loopy. I’d say you’re made for each other. Just don’t hurt her.”
“I swear on my life I will never do that.”
“That’s all I need to hear. I should go and check on her.”
“You do that. I have something I need to do.”
“I’ll speak to you later, pal.” Tony smacked his shoulder as he passed him; heading toward where Olivia had ran.
Mason stayed where he was lost in his thoughts. He could understand why everyone was so worried about Olivia, but she became animated when she looked at him. The feel of her in his arms had damn near had him hard, and in a church of all places, but she’d fit there perfectly. He knew she wasn’t ready for him. He’d offer her friendship and let their relationship happen naturally. He had been watching her that had been no lie, he’d known when she’d entered the coffee shop, and he’d always made sure to stay in her view so he could see her. She obviously had no idea he did that, probably never guessed that the only reason he’d gone into the coffee shop the other day was because she looked so sad and he’d wanted to see if she was ok. The wine bar had been a happy coincidence though. Now, it was time to wage war on her grief. He was going to pursue her slowly, make her see they were perfect for each other. He didn’t want her to forget Ryan, but he wanted her to see that Ryan wasn’t her only source of happiness. It was time to show Olivia that life went on and that he would make her happy. Mason knew they’d be happy together, they were meant to be, he just had to push her enough out of her comfort zone and into his arms so she could see it too.