The Seaside Retreat

Chapter 23

Thanks for reading!

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Violet's POV

Getting my thoughts under control, I made my way back into the dining area. Mason was leaning back in his seat like he was ealier, looking like a cool cucumber. I rolled my eyes at his expression before making my way to his table.

"Okay, here is your iced tea." I told him, setting the refreshment on the table, and taking a straw out of my apron. "Thanks, babe." He told me, winking. I glared at him, pointing my pen at him. "Don't ever call me that, Mason. Ever." I emphasized. He put his hands up, in an I surrender pose. I retrived my ordering pad. Getting ready to write down his order, I asked him, "and have you decided what you want to order yet?" Surprisingly, he responded, "yes, actually. I would like scrambeled eggs with bacon." 

I looked up at him, probably with a shocked expression on my face. Mason chuckeled, taking in my expression. "I can decide fast when I want to." He said, a smug expression written all over his face. "I can't believe you were being so indecisive with your drink. You were just doing that to annoy me!" As I said this, I realized with a start that it was true. I couldn't believe he had messed with me, annoying me, just for his enjoyment. He rolled his eyes, giving me a "duh," expression. "You jerk!" I said quietly. I had to keep my voice down, so the other guests wouldn't happen to overhear our  conversation.  

He laughed. I noticed his laugh was like a bell. Smooth, cheery, and light. His green eyes studied mine. "You really are something else, Violet." He responded. His piercing eyes were beginning to make me feel uncomfortable. I looked away from those intense green eyes, focusing on his iced tea instead. "Is there anything else you need?" I asked him, all business again. Being in the hotel business, I was able to quickly get my professional facade on.

 I looked up, evaluating his expression. He wiggled his eyes suggestively. I couldn't resist. I slapped his arm, mad. He pretended my slap hurt, groaning and holding his arm. "Stop it, Mason." I scolded him. "Geez, Violet, I didn't even say anything." He complained, pretending to rub the arm I had slapped. "You didn't have to." I replied, simply, "You implied it." He didn't say anything, instead looking up at me with a new light in his eyes. I again looked away.

"Well, I hope you enjoy your food, and if you need a refill or anything, just call." I told him. I turned around and made my way back into the kitchen. It was empty. Breakfast time was almost over and my parents were probably taking a break before getting ready for lunchtime. I collapsed into a nearby chair, cradling my face in my hands. 

I was so frustrated. Why couldn't Mason just accept the fact that Seth and I were together and that we loved each other? Was it really that hard to be happy for your friend? I swear, that boy was going to drive me crazy. 

Getting up, I started to straighten things up around the kitchen. There wasn't much to do however; after refilling the pastry basket and drying off a few leftover dishes, I couldn't find anything left to do in the kitchen. As much as I detested doing it, I peeked into the dining room, checking to see if Mason needed anything. 

Surprisingly, I found he had already left. Making my way towards his empty table, I saw that he had eaten everything on his plate. On the plate was a small note written on a piece of notebook paper. I warily picked it up. Opening the foled up piece of paper, I began to read the message. The message was very short. It said,

Dear Violet,

Thanks so much for the iced tea (which is the best in the state) and for the eggs and bacon. 

Love,

Mason.

I reread the letter. It was so short, and so...nice? Mason could be nice? Even though I hadn't known Mason very long, I had quickly figured out that he was rarely what would be considered "nice." And the note didn't even have any flirting on it. Well, maybe the love part, but a lot of people sign off with love. Including friends. Well, at least that's what I told myself, as I picked up Mason's empty plate and drink. Mason had drank all of his iced tea. Man, that boy could eat. But probably all teenage boys ate a lot. 

I put the cup and dishes in the sink, and began washing them. As I washed and dried them, my mind wandered. After finishing the dishes, I decided to go find my parents. I wanted to talk to them about the internship. I was pretty sure about my decsion, but I wanted to get their opinion. I hoped they would support my choice. 

I put the dishes back into the cabinets and started to make my way to my parents' room. When I had asked Seth about it earlier today, he had agreed with my idea to talk to my parents about it first. I didn't know why I felt nervous. I made my way to the back steps, up to my parents' room. I was unsure how this was going to go....