The Seaside Retreat

Chapter 22

Violet's POV

After talking with Seth on the beach, we eventually returned back to the Seaside Retreat. I was sad that we couldn't spend more time together, but I had to get back so I could help my parents with breakfast. 

Seth and I had walked back together, holding hands. The walk was silent, but not awkward. When we reached the back porch, we gave each other a short goobye kiss, promising to meet up again. Seth's chocolate brown eyes bore into mine, and I found myself wanting to curl up into his strong protective arms.

I got down to breakfast and my parents were both already there. My mom was taking a batch of warm, delicious looking blueberry muffins out of the oven. My dad was getting an order together for guests. "I'm so sorry I'm late, Mom, I lost track of time and..." My voice trailed off as I got my server apron on and reached up into the cabinet to retrieve my serving pad. 

My mom shrugged it off, responding, "It's fine, honey. I think a man just walked in." She nodded her head toward the dining area, and I couldn't believe what I saw. Sitting there, in a light blue tshirt and khaki cargo pants, was Mason.  

He leaned on his seat, taking in surrondings. His brow was furrowed in concentration, and I wondered, briefly, what he was thinking about. I felt a little uneasy about having to be his server; what he had said to me yesterday in the kitchen still lingered strongly in my mind. I shivered, remembering what he had said. I would have to be careful. Mason was a player.

Fixing my hair and putting on my most professional smile, I walked up to Mason. "Hello sir, would you like something to eat?" I asked in my cheery hostess voice.

When Mason looked up and saw it was me, his expression immediatedly turned into one of amusement. "Well, your attitude has changed since yesterday,"he commented, raising an eyebrow questiongly. I shrugged it off, replying, "It's my job to be hospitable, Mason. You're a guest here." He smiled at this, taking a look at his menu. "Hmmm." He said, concentrating on the menu. "I don't know, there's so many options." He exclaimed, throwing his hands up into the air. 

 I rolled my eyes at him, smiling. "How about iced tea?" I asked, placing a hand on my hip impatiently. "Well, I don't know..." He murmured uncertainly. "Oh, come on. You're so slow!" I complained, play punching him in the arm. "Okay, okay!" He surrendered. "I guess I'll have the iced tea." I quickly jotted it down onto my pad. As I was turning around, Mason spoke up again. "Wait." I turned around, annoyed. "What?" I asked him exasperatedly. "Is the iced tea good?" He asked me seriously. "Yes, Mason, it's the best in the state of South Carolina." I said in level voice, my expression completely serious. "Okay," he agreed nodding his head, "since you say it's the best in the state I guess I could try it. "For goodness sakes!" I cried. "Why don't you figure out what you want to eat while I get your drink for you." I told him. "Maybe then I won't have to wait forever for you to make up your mind."

Mason laughed, looking amused at my little outburst, and even more irritated, I turned on my heel and walked back towards the kitchen to get his drink. As I was preparing his tea, I thought about our conversation. And, surprisingly, I found myself blushing, thinking about Mason. Realizing this, I scolded myself. Why was I blushing? I just wanted to be friends with Mason. Right? I shook the thoughts away as I went to give Mason his iced tea.