Chapter 25: Chapter 25

MASON

Jamie had been snooping around my office again…

This wasn’t her first time. I was aware that she had discovered the file I kept on Jack some time ago. I also knew she hadn’t stayed long enough to read it, thanks to the hidden camera in my office.

The camera was a tiny black dot, cleverly concealed in the corner of my ceiling. It was so well hidden that not even Jamie could find it. Whenever it detected movement, it would send a notification straight to my phone. That’s exactly what happened during my noon meeting.

I wasn’t really mad at her. I understood her need to uncover the truth, to solve the puzzle. I had seen this coming from the moment I lied to her.

But damn it, I was only doing what I felt was necessary. It’s what we do for the ones we love.

“Mason…” Jamie’s voice echoed, laced with a hint of desperation.

I shut my laptop and made my way to the kitchen. Upon entering, I was met with a scene of utter chaos. Vegetables were strewn across the countertops, pots and pans were boiling over, and the air was heavy with the scent of something burning. Jamie stood in the center of it all, looking utterly defeated.

“Wow!” I exclaimed, stepping closer. “You’ve got quite a situation here. Need some help?” I offered.

Jamie looked up, her face flushed from the heat. “Please,” she begged. “I’m ruining everything. I don’t want to serve our guests charcoal on fancy plates.”

I laughed and rolled up my sleeves. “Don’t worry, I’ve got this.”

She was clearly overwhelmed. But just an hour ago, she had kicked me out of her kitchen, insisting on preparing a home-cooked meal for our guests tonight.

I dove into the chaos, chopping, stirring, and rescuing what I could. Together, we managed to restore order, and the kitchen soon filled with the tantalizing aroma of a home-cooked meal.

“Thank you,” she mumbled. “I guess I’m not as good at cooking as I thought.”

I smiled. “Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Yours is definitely in the realm of chaos management,” I teased, a playful smirk on my face.

Jamie rolled her eyes, but a small smile played on her lips. “Well, I appreciate you stepping in,” she said. “I guess I need more practice in the kitchen before I attempt to cook for twelve people alone.”

“Can you chop some onions?” I asked Jamie, handing her a sharp knife.

“Sure, Mr. Knight. Anything for you,” she replied, winking at me.

I returned to the main course, the roast chicken and glazed ham. As I worked, I glanced over at Jamie, who had donned sunglasses to protect her eyes from the onions. I chuckled, shaking my head.

“So…,” Jamie began, her voice hesitant. “I have a question for you.”

A question? I was intrigued, but also a little worried. When a woman says she has a question to ask you, it’s rarely ever a good thing. “Go on,” I said, continuing to season the chicken.

“I was in a coma for two years. That’s a long time to wait for someone, especially if you don’t know if that person will ever wake up.” She paused, looking in my direction, her eyes hidden behind the glasses. “I was just wondering, if maybe you were seeing anyone else during that time.”

Well, this was a question I knew was coming. I just didn’t expect it so soon. “No,” I replied. “I wasn’t seeing anyone.”

“Really?” She looked at me in surprise. “You know, I would understand if you were seeing someone else. I know you were heartbroken. Two years is a long time to wait.”

Now I was feeling a bit insulted. Of course, she assumed that I would be sleeping around New York City at the first opportunity. That was the old Mason, the part of me she remembered from before.

But I wouldn’t lie to myself either. I knew I’d made a mistake. One mistake…one time. The woman at the hotel in Toronto—nothing happened with her. I couldn’t go through with it. I still felt guilty that I had let it get that far in the first place.

I paused, taking a deep breath. “Two years is not a long time,” I sighed, setting down my bowl of seasoning. I placed my hands on the countertop and looked at her. “I was prepared to wait forever if I had to.”

“Forever?” she laughed, her voice tinged with skepticism. “You wouldn’t have gotten tired of waiting, would you?”

I shook my head, moving closer to her around the kitchen island. “I’m not interested in anyone else. You’re the only woman for me,” I said, gently removing her sunglasses.

Her lips curved into a smile. “Well, that’s good. Let’s keep it that way.”

I wanted to tell her something, something that had been eating at me for years. But I was afraid of her reaction. Maybe saying I love you would be too soon for her. Maybe it would push her away.

She changed the subject, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “So, about this dinner… Everyone will be here in a few hours, we should probably start cleaning up.”

I nodded, my mind still spinning from my thoughts. “I put your stuff in the downstairs bedroom. You go get ready, I’ll finish up here.”

Before I knew it, guests were pouring in, the living room buzzing with activity. The soft glow of the electric fireplace cast dancing shadows on the walls, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. As more guests arrived, their laughter and chatter filled the room, blending with the crackling sounds of the fire.

Penelope was the star of the show. She moved from one person to another, entertaining them with her jokes and stories. Her infectious enthusiasm had everyone smiling and laughing. Knowing she had already eaten, I was relieved to think she would be in bed soon, away from the alcohol.

Jamie and I didn’t like the idea of Penelope being around people drinking, even if it was just a glass or two of wine. I figured Jamie wouldn’t drink much, which meant I could indulge a bit. If I had to endure a dinner party, I was going to need a drink to loosen up.

Eoin stopped next to me, standing on the border between the dining room and the living room. “I can’t believe you got it all back, man,” he said in a mix of disbelief and admiration.

“What do you mean?” I asked, turning to face him.

“Jamie…your family. This is what you’ve been working so hard for,” Eoin said, his eyes softening. “I admit, when you told me Jamie had no memory of you, I didn’t think things would work out. But I’m glad they did. You guys are like the perfect family.”

“Well, it wasn’t fucking easy, that’s for sure,” I replied, my gaze softening as I looked at Jamie. She was wearing a stunning purple dress that hugged her petite figure. She was the epitome of perfection.

“You made it happen though,” he said, admiration in his voice. “You don’t know how lucky you are, cousin. If I were you, I’d put a ring on it, make it official.”

~But you’re not me~, I thought. But then again, Eoin was making sense for once. Jamie approached us, a small smile on her face.

“Could you take Penelope to bed? I think we should get everyone seated for dinner soon. But we’re still waiting on one more.”

“Who?” I asked, curiosity piqued.

She smirked, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “You’ll just have to wait and see.”

The air was filled with the comforting scent of fresh bread and homemade soup. A low, amber pendant light bathed the dining room in a warm glow. Family and friends gathered around the table, their faces lit up with smiles as they shared stories and laughter.

The soup, a hearty mix of vegetables and spices, was served in steaming bowls, each topped with a dollop of creamy butter that Rita had made that morning. The bread rolls were soft and fluffy, piled high in wicker baskets, while the soda bread, dense and slightly sweet, was cut into wedges.

“The soup is amazing,” my father said.

“It’s my mother’s recipe,” Jamie replied, sharing a smile with her father.

“All right, story time,” Ethan announced, capturing everyone’s attention. “You won’t remember this, Jamie, but there was one time we got stuck in Lacey’s bar after closing. Bill, the owner, had already locked up and gone home for the night, not realizing we were still there.”

The room buzzed with anticipation. Everyone leaned in, eager to hear more.

Sara, Ethan’s significant other, quirked a brow. “Hold on, how does something like that even occur?”

Ethan laughed. “Well, we were just chilling in the garden, sipping on some drinks and maybe puffing a bit of the green stuff.” His face broke into a playful grin as he winked knowingly.

The revelation that Jamie had smoked weed was a shocker to me, and judging by the expressions around the table, to everyone else as well. She never seemed the type. It’s amazing how people can surprise you.

Clay couldn’t help but chime in. “That’s every father’s dream.”

Ethan carried on with his tale, ribbing Clay. “Don’t stress, it wasn’t a habit. Just on special occasions, weekends, and Tuesdays.” He paused for effect, winding Clay up like a toy. “I’m just messing with you! But seriously, it was so dark in the garden, Bill didn’t see us. And we all knew that Bill was scared of the dark, even at fifty-five.”

His words were met with laughter from the group, even though the only others who knew this Bill character were the Harris family.

As the story unfolded, I couldn’t help but notice the puzzled look on Jamie’s face. I glanced at Ethan, eager to know how they managed to escape.

“So, how did you get out?” I asked curiously. “Or did you stay there all night?”

Ethan chuckled, answering, “Well, when we realized we were trapped, Jamie here went into full panic mode. She tried every door and window she could, but the alarm went off.” He paused again before continuing. “So, we decided that our best option was to…jump over the fence.”

Jamie’s voice was soft as she spoke, her eyes filled with a blend of amusement and disbelief. “I remember,” she said, her words drawing everyone’s attention. “My dress got snagged on the spike of the fence when we were jumping over. You had to tear a huge hole in the side to get me free.”

Ethan nodded, a proud smile on his face. “Yeah, that’s right. You remember?”

“It’s a bit fuzzy. But the story is familiar to me, parts of it at least.” Her words were filled with a sense of wonder, as if she was slowly piecing together parts of a puzzle.

Jamie remembering something from her past filled me with a mix of emotions. On one hand, I was pleasantly surprised that she was able to recall something from her past. It was a hopeful sign.

However, a part of me couldn’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment. Despite all the time and effort I’ve invested in her recovery, she still hasn’t remembered anything about me. It was a hard pill to swallow.

I quietly excused myself from the dining table, taking a moment to myself in the kitchen. The noise of laughter and conversation from our guests faded into a distant hum. However, Jamie quickly noticed my absence and followed me into the kitchen.

“Everything okay?” she asked, her voice soft and concerned.

“I’m fine,” I replied, uncorking another bottle of wine.

Jamie stood at the kitchen island, her voice gentle and sweet. “You’re upset because I remembered something with Ethan and not you, aren’t you?”

Jamie’s words hit home, piercing through my denial. Despite my attempts to hide it, she had seen right through me.

“I’m not upset with you,” I began, guilt and frustration building in my chest. “I just…” I trailed off, unable to find the right words. I knew I was being unfair, and she didn’t deserve my behavior.

Jamie stepped closer to me, her eyes filled with compassion. “You wanted me to remember my time with you before anyone else,” she said, her voice soft and understanding. “It’s okay, Mason,” she continued, her voice reassuring. “I wish I remembered you before everyone else too. But maybe my brain is saving the best till last.”

My lips curved into a smile as I looked at her, her smile mirroring my own. “I hope you’re right,” I replied, my voice low and husky. I closed the distance between us, brushing my lips against hers in a soft lingering kiss.

The sound of the doorbell ringing jolted us apart.

“That’s the last guest,” Jamie announced, her voice a mix of anticipation and relief. “Why don’t you bring the wine to the table? I think my dad needs a refill.”

She walked toward the door, her walking stick clicking against the floorboards. I continued toward the table with the wine bottles, filling up glasses that needed to be filled.

“Ethan’s calling for Carmen.” I heard this over the hum of conversation.

I swiveled my head, a gentle smile blooming on my face. Carmen’s arrival was unexpected. Given the tension between her and Jamie at the restaurant, I thought it would take a while for them to reach this point.

“Sorry for my tardiness,” Carmen apologized, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment. She glanced at the empty bowls scattered on the table. “Seems like I missed the appetizers. Antonio kept me at work until all the dishes were done.”

“No worries,” Jamie said, stepping forward to help her with her coat. “Dinner’s almost ready. Why don’t you sit next to Ethan?”

Carmen nodded and quickly found her seat.

As the evening wore on, the table buzzed with conversation. Everyone savored their meal, and empty plates were swiftly replaced with dessert: rich chocolate cheesecakes Jamie had ordered from the bakery.

I traded my cheesecake and vanilla ice cream for a glass of scotch, keeping my health goals in mind and trying not to break too many rules.

“You guys should host dinner parties more often,” Eoin declared. “Honestly, the food tonight is better than anything I’ve had at a restaurant.”

Jamie laughed. “You can thank Mason for that. He’s quite the cook.”

“Well, my birthday is coming up soon. I wouldn’t mind you two hosting my party,” Eoin suggested with a playful wink.

“Really?” Jamie’s eyes sparkled. “Planning a party sounds fun. I’d definitely be up for it if you’re serious?”

Eoin looked at both of us. “Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.”

Jamie caught my eye, and I gave her a reassuring nod. While the idea of throwing a party for my older cousin didn’t thrill me, I could see the excitement in Jamie’s eyes. I knew it would mean a lot to her.

“Absolutely,” Jamie said warmly.

Eoin grinned. “And everyone’s invited!”

The table erupted in laughter. Eoin was clearly enjoying himself and would likely end up passed out on my couch by night’s end.

“So…,” Carmen started, her voice laced with curiosity as everyone returned to their desserts. My father moved around the table, refilling empty wine glasses. “I’ve been out of the loop for a while. Any news on Jack? It’s unsettling to think he’s still out there.”

My heart hammered in my chest at the mention of his name. Instantly, memories of the last time I saw him flooded back, the image seared into my mind. My breath hitched. It was already too late.

“Who’s Jack?” Jamie asked, confusion clouding her voice.

Carmen’s brow furrowed, her expression turning serious. “What do you mean?” she asked. She turned to me, her eyes a blend of surprise and concern. “You didn’t tell her, did you?”

“Tell me what?” Jamie pressed, her curiosity piqued. She looked at me, her eyes wide with anticipation.

The table fell into an uncomfortable silence, all eyes on me. The room was thick with tension, everyone waiting for me to speak. I didn’t know how to tell her the truth.

Anger bubbled up inside me. This wasn’t the right time or place.

“Who is Jack?” Jamie demanded, desperation creeping into her voice. “Does anyone know who Jack is?”

I sat at the head of the table, my muscles rigid against my white shirt. The weight of the secret I was about to reveal felt heavy, suffocating. I drained my scotch and set the glass down, then opened my mouth to speak.

“Jack is…your ex. He’s the one who caused your accident.”

Her mouth dropped open in shock, her eyes wide with disbelief. Everyone at the table remained silent, their faces a mix of surprise and horror. I assumed they were all silently blaming me for making them keep this secret from her, but I had told them I knew what was best for her, because I thought I did.

Jamie rose from the table, her body trembling slightly. Without a word, she turned and walked away, the sound of her walking stick echoing off the floorboards as she vanished from sight.