"Lena!" Turning she looked at him and he smiled wide, "I'd never spit in your food," Pausing he then added, "I'd have a staff member do it."
Rolling her eyes at him she spun on her heel and walked over to her table. Mason watched her go and shook his head as he wiped the top of the bar then threw the towel on the back pass. Well damn, he thought, what the hell had just happened?
Making her way back over to the table where her colleagues were now seated she was thinking about what she’d just agreed to. Somehow she’d gone from going over to apologize for her apparent horrible behavior, to having confirmed a date with him? If she could have summed up her thoughts it would have been with three letters. WTF? As it was when she sat down Shelly asked her in a low whisper. "So what happened?"
All Lena could do was look at her and shrug. "I'm really not sure. I insulted him, he said he'd accept my apology for a date, I said yes."
Shelly’s mouth dropped open and before she could pounce McKinney addressed us.
"Well everyone. I’m so glad you could all make it here tonight to welcome Dr Jones to our group. We look forward to working with you and we hope you feel right at home at St Luke’s."
As conversations started around them Lena was continually aware of a pair of eyes on her. Not once did she turn around, and she couldn't explain how she knew, but it felt like he was watching her. Well, she thought to herself, I'll be damned if I let him see me turn around to see if he’s looking. Lena went ahead and ordered the filet minion and it killed her to admit it but the meal was absolutely mouth watering. They talked about trivial work going ons and finally the night started to wind down. She really thought she’d got away without having to deal with Shelly but there was no such luck because right when Lena thought they could all pay up and leave she saw Mason being led to the table by the blond who’d referred to him as the boss earlier this evening. Watching them come around to stand by McKinney's chair Lena felt her heart start beating erratically for no particular reason, other than fear of what the jackass would say. Then the blond tapped McKinney on the shoulder.
"Dr McKinney? You’d requested a moment with the Owner? You're in luck, Mr. Langley also happens to be the Head Chef."
Shelly elbowed Lena and looked sideways with a smirk on her face. Sitting still as a statue Lena continued to watch Mason, not giving him the satisfaction of her embarrassment. He smiled at all the members of the table, including herself, then turned his attention to McKinney. "Well I do hope you all had a wonderful time here tonight?"
McKinney nodded and stood reaching out a hand to shake with Mason and he smiled as he shook it enthusiastically.
"Oh yes Mr. Langley. Let me be the first to tell you that the food was absolutely amazing."
Lena watched dimples appear on Mason's cheeks as his mouth turned up in a smile, and thought, did the man really need dimples as well?
"Well thank you. Nothing pleases me more than a happy customer." he paused smiling around the table until his eyes landed right on hers and he spoke clearly, "After all there's nothing worse than someone running to the boss to complain."
Lena heard Shelly chuckle and she whipped her head around to glare at her. She shrugged innocently as he continued, "Did Wendy say you were Dr McKinney?"
Lena groaned silently at the mischief written all over his face and as the doctor nodded Mason pretended to look thoughtful, "Hmm. I was sure your name was familiar, but there must’ve been a mistake."
McKinney nodded. "Yes I think it must’ve been because if I'd known the chef it wouldn't have been so hard to get in here tonight." and just that quickly Mason had confirmed he’d never met McKinney and just how far off the mark Lena had been.
It also pleased him immensely, she was sure, that at the same time it managed to make her feel like a huge ass. He made sure he turned toward them and raised his eyebrow as if to say, see wasn't me now say you’re sorry. Lena glared at him, you conceited jerk. Just see if I turn up here tomorrow. Then he looked at Shelly and winked making her giggle like a thirteen year old.
"You are not helping." Lena said through gritted teeth.
"Oh Lena he’s adorable and I completely helped you out. Remember that on your date."
Lena continued to glare at her then turned back as Mason shook hands with McKinney once more then walked around the table. She was horrified when he stopped behind their chairs and squatted down.
"Hello again ladies."
Shelly turned so she was practically nose to nose with him, "Hello Mr. Langley."
"Oh come on Shelly, you can call me Mason."
"Ok then, Mason. Dinner was amazing."
Stiffening in her chair Lena felt his breath on the back of her ear as he leaned in. "It was the extra seasoning."
Turning her head quickly to see the huge smile on his face bracketed by those damn dimples, she whispered, "You’re disgusting."
Only he and Shelly heard and she wasn't sure but Lena thought she heard Shelly squeak.
"Hey, you were the one who gave me the idea." then he laughed softly, "Not to worry Lena, your meal was put together by the very best." he paused and stood, "Which would be me."
Rolling her eyes as he turned to walk away she let out a deep breath until she saw he’d stopped and looked back, "Oh and Lena don't even think about not being here tomorrow. I know where you work."
She glared at him as he walked away not even waiting for her answer.
The following morning Mason decided to drop by and see his mother. After all, the last time he’d spoken to her he hadn't been on his best behavior. He parked his car at the rear of her shop and made his way to the back entrance. Unlocking the door he pushed it open and heard the chimes tinkle as he stepped inside. Immediately he was hit with the fragrance his mother wore, Elizabeth Taylor's White Diamonds, mixed in with a combination of red roses, petunias and huge yellow sunflowers which were all sitting by the back door having just been delivered. He wandered up the main aisle searching for her. As a child Mason had loved his mother's store. It’d always reminded him of an enchanted forest. His mother and sister always accused him of being to charming for his own good and when you added in flowers, well a woman didn’t stand a chance. That thought then brought to mind uptight Lena. Now there was a woman who was obviously not impressed with flowers. He tried to remember why and how he’d ended up asking her for a date tonight other than being a complete masochist. He rounded the end counter where his mother had set up a small water feature and saw her standing at the front of the store in the display window arranging a vase of pink, yellow and white tulips. His mother was a short lady, probably around 5'2 if that. She had her grey hair cut to chin length and was currently wearing a blue shirt that brought out her light blue eyes, eyes that both he and his sister had ended up inheriting, although his were a shade darker. She was wearing a long black skirt that was swishing around her ankles and had her shop apron on that was red and had Precious Petals by Catherine, in black embossed across the front.
"Hey there mom."
She looked up with three pink tulips in her hand then grinned at him.
"Mase! How are you?"
Mason put his keys on the bench and walked around it to her. Reaching out he bent down putting his hands on her shoulders and kissed her cheek. "I'm good. How are you this morning? I see you got more sunflowers in. I didn't realize they were such a big seller?"