Exquisite

Chapter Twenty Five

Mason was trying really hard to hold it altogether. He was standing by Rachel and on the other side of him was Wendy and her husband. Everyone else was just a blur. In front of him was a dark mahogany casket that was covered in bright tulips of every shade. He’d picked them because they were his mother's favorite and the wood of the casket was what she would’ve wanted. She had always commented on the bar in his restaurant and how lovely and smooth the wood had felt under her hands.

He felt Rachel squeeze his fingers as the minister started the service. Mason's eyes stayed on the flowers the whole time. He couldn't bare to look at anyone else, he didn't want to feel their pity or their sorrow, so he just focused on the tulips. He listened as the minister spoke of what a wonderful and warm soul his mother had been and how kind and open she was with everyone she met, which brought to mind Lena. He pushed her out of his thoughts and gripped Rachel's hand harder.

It’d been a week now since he’d told her to leave and he hadn't seen or heard from her and that had been the longest stretch of time they’d been apart since they had started seeing one another. Feeling Rachel sob and hearing the minister now give his mother over to the earth he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and hugged her in tight, in a way it was helping hold him together to hold her close. Finally the funeral was over, and everyone was walking back to their cars to make their way to the restaurant where they were holding a small gathering for friends and family.

"Do you want me to wait for you?" Wendy asked looking over at him.

He shook his head and looked down to Rachel, "No but can you take her back with you?"

She reached out and took Rachel's hand in hers, "Sure. Come on hon."

He watched as they linked hands and walked over to one of the remaining cars. When he was left standing next to the fresh dirt he finally let himself cry again. He’d known he would but he’d wanted to be strong the last few days for his sister, and to get the necessary things done. His heart ached with the burden of things to come and the loss of his beloved mother.

Shifting a little to the left he caught some black out of the corner of his eye. Believing himself to still be alone he was surprised when he turned to see Lena standing at the back of the rows of chairs that had been lined up. Her hair was pulled into a tight bun that sat low on her neck and she was wearing a long sleeve black dress that was cut just below her knees. In her hand she held one sunflower and she stood frozen to the spot. He couldn't see her eyes because they were covered by sunglasses but he felt them on him, watching warily as though she wasn't sure of the reception she would get.

Turning back without saying a word he felt her move closer. It seemed like an eternity when he felt her finally stop beside him. He didn't turn and didn't say anything so when she spoke he was surprised.

"I know you don't want me here." she paused as if waiting for him to confirm her statement, but he could neither confirm or deny it, because he couldn't answer it himself.

"I just wanted to pay my respects and bring her the one gift she has always given to me."

How could he possibly argue with that? He’d known Lena had shared a distant but loyal friendship with his mother for years before becoming almost a part of their family. Watching her bend down, to place the bright yellow sunflower on the brown dirt, he sucked in a deep breath. He knew how hard it was for Lena to visit cemeteries. He knew she didn't deal with death well, especially of loved ones. He knew that right now his abandonment in the face of losing Catherine had to be killing her, but there she was placing the flower down for his mother. He was about to say something, he didn't know what, when she stood back up and faced him.

"I know you're angry at me but I'll be here when you're ready."

Looking down at her he wanted to tell her that may be never. How could he forgive her for not telling him his own mother was sick? Instead he stayed silent and watched for the second time as she walked away.

Three weeks passed and Lena found herself going through the motions of living but deep down inside she felt as though she were dead. Not only had she lost Catherine, who was probably the only person in the world who had understood her before Mason, she had lost him too. She hadn't heard anything from him, not a single word. Really she hadn't expected to but knowing it and then living it were two totally different things.

He was gone, Shelly would tell her, you need to accept it and move on. Lena wanted to do just that, the problem was, she didn't know how. Brushing past Brandy, who was already at her desk this morning, Lena noticed she’d gone back to wincing whenever she looked at her. For awhile there Brandy had smiled back, that was during the period of time she now referred to as, The Mason Period. Slouching down in her chair she opened her email and read one from McKinney about cocktail hour for Thanksgiving, groaning Lena clicked it open and winced when she saw the location, of course, 8pm at Exquisite.

Mason was drunk. He’d been surviving on frozen dinners and expensive alcohol and right now he was around half way through one expensive bottle of scotch. He was sitting in the kitchen of Exquisite with the bottle in his hand watching his employees work around him. This had become a new habit for him. He'd given up his spot at the pass, claiming he'd prefer to give someone else the experience, however that had just been a way to sit down every night, which was helpful since he could almost guarantee he would more than likely fall down. He watched as Rachel walked over to him with her apron around her waist and a frown on her face.

She stopped bent down and hissed at him. "You're drunk! Again."

Shrugging he replied, "So? Get off my ass Rachel."

Shaking her head at him she reached out and snagged the bottle.

"Hey! That's mine."

"So is this restaurant but you don't seem to give a shit about it." she paused and let out a deep sigh. "You look like shit Mase."

"Thanks for the helpful advice there."

"Do you really think this is what she’d want?"

Feeling his head swirl a little he swayed and looked up at his sister, trying to focus but seeing two of her.

"It doesn't matter does it? She's not here." then he mumbled, "And never will be again."

Rachel placed the bottle on the stainless steel bench beside her. "Are we still talking about mom?"

He lifted his eyes to hers and stood on shaky feet, "Of course we are. And now we're done. Give me back the bottle."

"No." she replied stubbornly.

"Fine. I'll just go out to my bar and get another one."

Rachel rolled her eyes, "What are you doing to yourself Mason? This wont help."

He pushed past her and mumbled, "Nothing does."

Lena sat in the car beside Shelly and took a deep breath. Looking over at her friend she shook her head. "I can't do this."

She reached over and took Lena's hand. "Yes you can. I'll be right there. He knows the hospital comes here and I'm sure he’s seen the booking and will stay well out of your way."

Swallowing, Lena couldn't decide if that was a good or bad thing. It hurt her physically to think of being here and not being able to go back and talk to him, kiss him or touch him. This place held a lot of memories both good and bad and she couldn't help but think tonight's would be in the latter category.

"Come on." Shelly said as she opened her door and climbed out. Lena closed her eyes took a deep breath and got out of the car. When they walked in the door she noticed the place was at full capacity. People were lined up along the bar standing behind those sitting on stools. The tables were all jam packed and the waiters and waitresses were maneuvering their way through them carefully. The hostess asked if they had reservations and luckily Shelly spoke up because it was quite clear Lena had lost all ability to function. It was amazing she was actually still standing on her own. They followed a young blond woman through some tables to the long set up in the back where most of the doctors had already taken their seats.

Lena's eyes darted around the dimly lit dining room, trying to see anyone familiar like Wendy, Rachel or even Mason just so she could slink low into her chair and avoid them. Luck was not on her side though because just as the waiter arrived at their table she saw the frosted double doors push open and Mason come out from behind them.

The first thing she noticed was he looked terrible. This was not the same man she’d met nearly eight months ago. The man storming through the restaurant with a scowl etched deep into his face, and a dark shadow of a beard, looked nothing like the easy going Mason she’d come to know and love. This man looked tired. His eyes had dark circles around them and his hair was longer than usual and falling into his face. He didn't greet anyone and didn't smile as he pushed his way behind the bar, and reached up to grab a bottle from the top shelf.

The bartender watched him closely, Lena noticed, but didn't say anything as Mason grabbed a glass then turned to make his way back out from behind the bar. Suddenly he stopped and his eyes focused on someone walking through the front door. Lena followed his gaze and froze when she saw the tall red head, Trisha, standing at the front door. Almost in slow motion, like watching a car wreck, Lena saw Trisha spot Mason turn on tall black heels and strut her way over to him.

Feeling the bile rise in her throat Lena turned to Shelly. "I need to leave."

Shelly looked at her and arched a brow, "What? Why? Did something happen?"

Lena shook her head and clamped her mouth shut, not trusting herself to say anything. Shelly looked behind her and Lena knew the minute she saw what was unfolding. It must have been worse then when she was looking because a look of pity slid onto Shelly's face.

"Oh honey. I'm sorry I made you come. I didn't realize he was with,"

Lena held her hand up and swallowed not wanting to hear the words. Her heart felt like it was being squeezed by a tight fist and she couldn't seem to take a breath.

"Can we just go?" she managed to get out.

Shelly nodded and pushed back from the table to stand. Lena also stood then turned to find Wendy behind her chair. Swallowing and keeping her eyes away from the bar Lena looked at the woman she had started to consider a good friend.

"Lena." Wendy said reaching out and taking her hand. Lena looked down at the fingers squeezing hers gently. "How are you?" she seemed to think better of that and shook her head. "I'm sorry that was a stupid question. Please don't leave. I know Rachel would love to see you."

Lena stiffened. She hadn't been sure if Rachel would ever want to talk to her again after what had happened and they way things had ended with Mason.

"I'm not so sure," Lena started.

"Well I am. Just because Mason is falling off the deep end doesn't mean we all have to stop talking."

Lena nodded once and couldn't help but raise her eyes to the bar. Big mistake. Mason had come around from behind it and had seated himself in the end corner, where she’d once sat and flirted with him. However, this time he had Trisha sitting on his lap stroking his hair. Lena must of made some kind of strangled sob because Wendy turned and looked in the direction she was. Wendy quickly turned back to her. "It's not what you think."

Lena looked at the woman in front of her and nodded, "Yes it is."

Shaking her head Wendy answered, "No it's not. He's drunk and Trisha has wanted him for months. Even after they broke up and you two hadn’t met, it was definitely over. She doesn't understand no and she’s looking for an opportunity to slip in, she found it."

Lena swallowed and turned to Shelly who was looking over at the two at the end of the bar with a look that may have been, Lena thought, murderous.

"I need to go." Lena said moving to push past Wendy. She felt the manager's hand on her arm and looked back at her.

"Please don't. If you ever cared about Mason, or Catherine, please don't leave him alone with her. He'll hate himself for it."

Turning Lena asked, "I don't understand. What is it you expect me to do? I'm not his keeper. He hates me."

Wendy shook her head. "No he doesn't. He hates what you did."

Lena sucked in a deep breath and Wendy nodded, "Yes. We all know. We're family, but he doesn't hate you."

Shelly took Lena’s arm and whispered, "I'll come with you."

Lena turned toward her friend and looked at her as though she were insane. "You'll come with me where?"

"To rescue you're stupid prince." she paused blowing out a big sigh. "Do you really want that slimy witch on him?"

Right now as Lena looked over at Trisha clinging to Mason's neck she thought she didn't care what happened to him, but that wasn't true. Although she felt she would regret it she glared at both Wendy and Shelly and dropped her bag on the seat and huffed out, "Fine." and marched toward what she knew was about to be an ugly battle.

Mason's head was fuzzy and Trisha was sitting on his lap stroking his hair like an animal. It was starting to really annoy the shit out of him but he was to drunk to do anything about it. Originally he’d decided to drown himself in scotch then Trisha had arrived and he’d changed his mind and decided to drown himself in her instead. Now as he sat here with her clinging to him and petting him like a prized Labrador he thought, big fucking mistake.

"Oh I've missed you so much Mase." she cooed into his ear.

Her perfume was overly flowery and was tickling his nose so much he thought he was having an allergic reaction to it. Then he laughed to himself because he thought it was hilarious that he could actually be allergic to her instead. He felt her mouth and her warm breath on his ear right before a tongue flicked out and traced it. He shivered and not in a good way, what the hell was he doing? He was about to push her off, when he heard a woman beside them comment, "Well, isn't this cozy?"

Mason looked around Trisha's shoulder and almost pushed her to the floor when he spotted Dr Shelly Monroe and Dr Lena O'Donnell standing at his bar. It seemed as though the scathing comment had delivered by Dr Monroe, since Lena was glaring at him with a look of pure disgust. So instead of dumping Trisha on the floor Mason wrapped his arms around her waist and hauled her onto his lap. She let out an ear piercing giggle and he watched Lena's eyes narrow and Shelly arch a brow.

"Evening Dr's." he managed and was impressed he didn’t slur his words.

"Casanova." Shelly said tipping her chin down in greeting and then glared at Trisha when she giggled.

"Casanova? What does she mean?"

That's when Lena decided to step in and unpin her first grenade. "She means he's a player. Didn't you know that Trisha? He was dubbed that in a national article?"

Trisha ran a hand down his chest and Lena watched the move with narrowed eyes and a fury he’d never seen on her. She looked absolutely murderous and then her eyes turned to him and she just looked disgusted. He couldn't honestly say he blamed her but he'd be damned if he admitted it.

"Really?" Trisha asked leaning in about to kiss his cheek. He pulled his head away and Lena rolled her eyes. Trisha didn't seem bothered and then asked him, "I thought Casanova was a great lover? The ladies all wanted to be the one with him, maybe that’s why they call you that Mase."

Shelly snorted and Lena raised her hand to the bartender. Greg, came down and she ordered herself a White Russian and Mason felt a jolt go through him, remembering a night when he’d made her White Russian's. A night that had ended with him in her bed for the first time. Lena turned then and moved around Shelly to stop beside them, looking over Trisha as though she were a bug under her shoe. He also remembered the first time these two had met and it had gone completely different, Lena had been intimidated then. Whoever that Lena had been she was not here tonight. Tonight, pissed off, grenade throwing Lena was in full force and she had her target locked on Trisha and him.

"No Trisha." she said slowly as though she were talking to a two year old. Shelly was watching from behind Lena and her eyes were twinkling at him as though she knew he was about to get his ass kicked and she was looking forward to the show.

"One of Casanova's favorite and most appropriate quotes is, 'Desire is only kept alive by being denied: enjoyment kills it, since one cannot desire what one has got' so what do you think that means for you?"

Mason felt Trisha sit up on his lap and his eyes narrowed over her shoulder at the pissed off Lena. She was fuming mad and she was directing it all, surprisingly, at Trisha. He was sure he was the one that deserved it, and honestly she was cutting him down by saying he slept around, but right at this moment he almost feared for Trisha's life. Completely disregarding him as though he was not there Lena moved in closer and put a hand on the bar and narrowed her eyes on Trisha.

"And do you know what they say about desperation Trisha?"

Trisha blinked at her and shook her head, Mason almost groaned knowing she was walking right into that one.

"It stinks."

Lena sniffed the air picking up her glass and taking a sip, "In this case like a bad floral arrangement."

Shelly let out a loud laugh and Mason couldn't help it, he did too. Trisha jumped down off his lap and turned to face him. "Why are you laughing at me? That wasn't funny Mason." and she was right, it’d been bitchy, but Trisha was the queen when it came to bitchiness, she was just upset that tonight she’d been out bitched.

Lena shrugged and looked her up and down once more. "You should cut your losses Trisha."

Then she flicked her eyes to him and for the first time, he felt nothing there. They were empty and cold as she turned back to Trisha

"He's drunk. He doesn't really want you, he's just looking to escape. Do you really want to be that?"

Mason sat up straight now and his mouth fell open, "Hang on a minute."

Lena's eyes flicked back to him. "No you hang on a minute. You should be ashamed of yourself."

Trisha's mouth fell open and she picked her purse up. "I'm gonna go." she turned to Mason, leaned in and kissed his cheek, she whispered call me but he was to busy glaring holes at the infuriating woman in front of him to care. She turned and walked away without either of them noticing.

"Excuse me? This is my place in case you’ve forgotten." he said on a deathly whisper.

She didn't back down however, she moved in close and asked. "Have you?"

He blinked at her and tried to focus, the alcohol was swirling through his head and his eyes kept losing focus. "Have I what?"

"Forgotten that this is your place? You look horrible."

Mason's mouth snapped shut and he stood. "Fuck you."

He watched as she tossed her hair back over her shoulder and reached out to take his glass of scotch, she downed it in a quick gulp then placed the glass back and sneered up at him.

"I'm sorry, that option is no longer available to you Casanova."

She might as well have just said , asshole. "What the hell are you doing here?" he demanded.

"I'm here with work. I was about to leave when Wendy begged me to rid you of the fungus growing to your arm." she paused and looked him over again in a way that said she didn't find one thing about him appealing.

"Do yourself a favor Langley, go home and take a shower. Shave, cut your hair and pretend to be the man you use to be. At least for the people around you."

He moved in closer infuriated by her. After all, knowing she was telling him the truth and hearing it, were two totally different things.

"Where do you get off telling me what to do?" he hissed leaning down at her. "What right do you have?"

She didn't budge, she tilted her head up and glared at him and said softly, "None. But there are at least three women who care about you and give a shit about what happens to you. So pull yourself together."

He narrowed his eyes and breathed in her familiar vanilla scent. "Wendy and Rachel will love me no matter what." and that left the third, did she mean herself?

"So that means it's ok to disappoint them?"

He shook his pounding head and whispered, "You disappointed me."

Lena swallowed and nodded, "I know Mason. Don't do the same thing to them."

He flinched and watched as she turned and motioned for Shelly, who was standing very quietly behind her, watching everything with narrowed eyes. He glanced at her and she shook her head almost as though she were disappointed, whatever, he thought then called after Lena. "Don't do me any favors."

Lena stopped and looked over her shoulder at him, "I didn't do this for you." and with that she left.