Hard To Love by Sabrina Ross

gets cold.” I nodded and ate a spoonful of eggs.
“What are you up to today?”
“I’m not sure. I haven’t heard from Cassie yet. I figure I would
just go into town, see if I run into anyone.”
“I haven’t seen many of your friends since you moved,” she
replied, sipping her coffee.
“Really?”
“Last I heard, Devon moved to Washington.” She tapped her
lip. “Eva went to school in New York, and Tori married some rich
guy and then divorced him and married someone else.”
“Oh well, window shopping is fun.” I shrugged.
“I need to get a few things. Do you mind if I join you?” she
asked.
“No, not at all.” I smiled, happy to spend time with my mom.
    In town Mom parked the car at the end of the strip mall, and we
walked together to her first stop, the pharmacy. I leaned up against
the window outside, waiting, smiling back at anyone who smiled
as they passed me.
    “Lauren?”
a woman called out. I turned to my right and saw an
old friend from high school walking towards me. She was with a
small child and pregnant with another.
“Sara?” I said squinting, hoping I was right.
    “Yeah,”
she said, hugging me. “Wow, you look great. You
haven’t changed a bit.”
“Thanks.” I did the friendly thing and hugged her back. “You
look great too. A mom, huh. Wow that’s awesome.”
“Yeah, I love it.” She rubbed her belly then motioned to her
son. “This is Trevor. His daddy is Michael Armstrong. Do you
remember him?”
“Yeah,” I lied.
“Anyway, I should be going. I have an appointment with my
baby doctor.” She grinned, pointing to her protruding belly.
“Okay.” I continued to smile. That’s when my mother walked
out.
“Hello, Sara,” she said as she joined me. Sara waved and
smiled, walking away. “Her husband is sleeping with the nanny,”
my mom whispered, taking my arm in hers.
“Mom!” I gasped. “Really?”
“Oh yeah—she knows it too, pretends she has no idea. I’m
pretty sure that baby isn’t his anyway,” she replied.
“Have you become the town gossip in my absence?” I laughed,
resting my head on her shoulder.
“Speaking of gossip,” she said as she slowed the pace of her
walk. I straightened, noticing Mason walking towards us.
My heart started to race and I was feeling light headed.
“Morning, Mrs. Miller, Lauren.” He smiled and nodded.
“Mason,” my mother replied. “I—just need to slip in here,” she
said and walked away.
“Sleep well?” he asked, stepping closer.
“Fine, thanks. You?” I gulped.
“Like a baby.” He smirked.
I sucked in a breath and looked down at the ground. I had never
felt this awkward around a guy before. Mason had a way of doing
that to me. “You look great,” he added.
My eyes danced. I didn’t know what to say. “Thanks.” I
blushed, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
Damn that smile of his.
“That’s a different look for you,” he said.
“What?” I asked, crossing my arms, waiting for his smart-ass
remark.
He leaned in close to my ear. “Bashful,” he whispered. “It’s
endearing.” I couldn’t help the flare of red that brightened my
cheeks as he stepped back.
“Oh.” With a gulp I stepped back. My knees felt weak and I
needed to sit down.
“Are you all right?” he asked, grabbing my arm.
“Yeah. I—I’m just a little lightheaded.” I turned around looking
for a place to sit. Mason followed, looking down, his eyes focused
on me.
“You are going pale. Are you sure you’re okay?” He knelt in
front of me, his hand on my knee. His touch sent shivers up my
leg.
“Yep.” I said, patting his hand and removing it from my knee.
He smiled and laced his fingers together at his legs.
“Mason?” A blond woman came walking towards us. I watched
as he winced and left out a long heavy sigh as he stood.
“Gabriella,” he said, forcing a smile before turning to face her.
She walked up to him and kissed both his cheeks.
“What are you doing? Are you rescuing another