The Wolf Of Penshaw Lake

I untied and threw my white apron down on a chair in the staff room of Blossoms’ cafe. I took out the notepad and pen I had been using and left them on the coffee table. It was my final shift of my trial week and I was due to report to Anna any moment now to find out if she was keeping me on. Josie had been an excellent mentor, and I was really getting the hang of things, only twice had I dropped something and it wasn’t in front of a customer. This Friday had been a busy day and Josie hadn’t been able to help much, but I didn’t let the constant stream of customers frazzle me. I was proud that I could keep my composure under the pressure.

I headed down towards Anna’s office and unlike Josie, I knocked and waited to hear her voice from the other side. I frowned as I could hear two voices coming from inside, and one sounded very familiar. Just as I was about to turn around and come back, Anna threw open the door and gave me a wide smile, gesturing for me to enter the office.

“I can come back if you’re busy-” I started to protest as she ushered me inside.

I looked up to see none other than Mason Stone stood behind Anna’s desk, arms folded, and a smile slowly growing on his face. I sent a small one his way, as I had done for the past week, and turned to Anna.

“I know you said come at four, but I can wait,” I insisted.

Anna shook her head and pointed at the chair for me to sit down, a sudden feeling of deja vu coming over me as I recalled sitting down in the same chair a week ago for my interview. I slowly sat down, fiddling with my ponytail to have something to do other than look at Mason.

“We can talk while he’s here it’s no bother.”

Oh really Anna?I thought to myself.No bother to you sure, but I’m struggling to breathe here.I simply nodded, sneaking a quick glance in his direction only to see that his gaze had never left me. Anna must have noticed my discomfort, because she looked at Mason and breathed out noisily through her nostrils.

“Wait for me outside. You’re making the girl nervous.”

I widened my eyes, I did not want him to know that he made me nervous, although something told me that he probably already knew. He had been to Blossoms’ every day this week, and every day he flirted. A wink here, a smirk there. I was convinced he just enjoyed my reaction each time.

“It’s fine!” I rushed, but Mason had already left. I didn’t see his face, but my stomach twisted with a new set of butterflies. Was this guilt? I certainly didn’t like the feeling and doubling it with the nerves of finding out if I got a job, I was just feeling outright sick.

“You look a little pale, have a drink of water,” Anna notices and grabs me a little cup of water from the fountain in the corner of the room.

“Thank you, I’m just nervous,” I admitted, taking a sip of cool, refreshing water and instantly feeling better.

“What for? You’ve done a brilliant job this week. The other waiters, not including Josie obviously, have all commented that you did great. I have every faith that you’ll do wonderfully here.”

“I got the job?” I asked, gripping both sides of the chair in excitement.

“Yes, of course!” Anna replied.

I squealed with joy inside. On the outside, I remained composed and gave Anna a much more professional smile. “Thank you. You won’t regret it.”

“Okay, so your shifts are on a rota which will be up on the wall in the staff room. It will be mostly from eight till four, but I may need you earlier, or later. Your pay is minimum wage, so eight pounds and twenty one pence. You do have the opportunity to go up to the national living wage once you’ve been here a year.”

“Thank you, again,” I repeated. I was so grateful to Anna for offering this opportunity to me. I could have hugged her.

“Enjoy your weekend, I’ll need you on Monday at eight.”

That was clearly my cue to leave as Anna starts rustling around with her papers. I tell her I’ll be there, and leave her office. Mason is stood right outside the door, as though he had been listening in.

“Did you have your ear pressed to the door?” I tease.

“Didn’t need to,” He replied with a grin. “You got the job?”

I nod, grinning. Mason’s face lights up and I’m surprised to see the glimmer of happiness and pride in his eyes.

“Well then we absolutely have to celebrate. My pa-friends and family are having a barbecue tonight. You are more than welcome to come. In fact, I insist that you come,” Mason beamed. He then paused, “With me.”

My mouth drops open slightly. We had flirted, sure, but this was the first time that Mason was openly professing that he was interested in me.

‘Men are dangerous’My mum’s voice penetrates my thoughts, shaking me out of my stupor.

“With you?” I stutter, “Like a date?”

“Everyone will be there, but I’d like you to accompany me. Spend some time together.”

My mouth feels dry. I wish I had taken the cup of water with me out of Anna’s office. I look up at Mason, who is waiting, with one eyebrow raised, for an answer from me.

I shake myself, “Yes, I’d like that,” I tell him.

He sighs with relief, “Good. I’ll pick you up from the B&B at seven, does your mum want to come along? My mum will be there, I know they get along.”

“I will ask her. Although, I’m not sure she’s the big crowds kind of person.”

Mason nods and walks me out of the cafe, waving goodbye to Josie who is finishing up with her shift. I tell her I will see her tonight and her face lights up with glee as she waves back excitedly. Mason tells me goodbye and we part, although I find myself just wanting to run up and have him near me again.

I must be going insane.

***

Pairing some skinny, black jeans with a cropped, grey graphic t-shirt, I was almost ready for the barbecue. I threw on a black, leather jacket and the open-toed boots that Dee insist I buy on my first week in Penshaw Lake. I had straightened my hair, letting it fall naturally down my back and applied some matte pink lipstick to match my shirt.

Girl, you look bad ass,I thought to myself as I looked in the mirror.The wonders that a leather jacket and some false lashes could do for your confidence.

Mum came into my room as I applied some powder to my cheeks. I was so grateful that we had been able to use some of the money to go on a little shopping spree. Now that we had a home, and I had a job, we were no longer worrying about Dan’s stash of cash running out.

“You look incredible,” She commented, fastening the belt of her dressing gown.

“Why are you not coming?” I asked her with a sigh.

“I want you to be able to enjoy yourself, and I know you won’t if I’m there. You know that big crowds and partying isn’t my scene. I’m meeting Jane and Julia for coffee tomorrow anyway. That is something I much prefer.”

“I’m glad you’ve become close with them, mum,” I chirped. “Like me, with Dee, Josie and Kate.”

Mum nods, “So, this Mason. You trust him?”

I smile as she mentions his name, “You trust Jane don’t you?”

Mum straightens her back and sighs, “I just think he’s a little too...alpha male.”

I go bright red, “Oh for god sake mum. He’s not a werewolf. He’s just a guy.”

“Please be careful, don’t drink too much will you?”

“No!” I cried, exasperated. “I know you’re worried, but Mason is a gentleman. Remember, it’s been a year without seeing or hearing from Dan. We can live our lives again.”

Mum smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I think it’s going to take me a little longer than a year. But I’m glad you’re finally settling down.”

I didn’t tell her that I still had nightmares, that I still panicked if I saw someone that looked like him, or a memory flooded back without my control. I felt safe here, I didn’t want to give her any reason to move again. I wanted her to believe that I was okay; so that she could focus on healing herself.

A loud, twinkling melody flooded through the cottage and I suddenly realised that Mason was here. I squeaked and grabbed my bag from my bed. I gave mum a chaste kiss on the cheek as I hurried downstairs to greet him at the door. I hoisted up my handbag onto my shoulder, after it fell off as I pelted myself down the stairs. Checking myself in the hallway mirror, I gave myself a miniature pep talk and then opened the door.

Mason’s lips parted making a little ‘o’. I sent him a little smile, noticing how his eyes seemed to darken to a deep, midnight black. Figuring it was just a trick of the light, I shoved away my nerves and insecurities deep down into the pit of my stomach.

“Sophie, you look-” Mason breathed, pausing as though to double take, “Incredible.”

I blushed, thankful that my signature red cheeks were not able to penetrate the foundation and bronzer on my face.

“Thanks,” I laughed breezily. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”

Damn, thanks for the confidence boost Mr. Leather Jacket,I thought to myself as I turned around to shut the door. It wasn’t a long walk down to the Stone Manor, but there was a slight chill in the air as the sun began to set and I found myself rubbing my arms.

“Are you cold?” Mason asked, stepping an inch closer to my side.

“A little,” I admitted, “I’ll be fine once I have a drink in my hand.”

Mason smiled and linked my arm through his. Immediately, I could feel warmth radiating from his body and enveloping mine like a heated blanket. It was like he was his own personal radiator.

I commented on it, whilst trying not to snuggle into him, purely for the benefit of the heat flowing out of him and into me. “You’re so warm.”

He chuckled, “Yeah I know, I don’t get cold much.”

“I bet you hate summer,” I remarked, dodging around the wonky tile by the wolf fountain that I tripped over a couple of weeks back.

“Mmm, I’m much more of a winter person. Summer is just uncomfortable, although I suppose we don’t exactly have tropical summers here.”

“I’m a summer girl myself,” I replied, “I love the heat on my skin, and being outside all day. There’s so much beauty in summer.”

Mason barked a laugh, “I suppose you’re right, it is beautiful,” He paused. “Like you.”

I snorted and immediately covered my mouth,how unattractiveI winced to myself. Thankfully, Mason laughed again, a beautifully deep and hearty sound. I could soon hear the low rumble of music, chatter and laughter as we rounded the corner to spy the imposing, impressive manor coming into view. I could just make out the distinct melody of‘Kings and Queens’by Ava Max and I immediately smiled and mouthed a couple of words.

“You like current music?”

“Some.”

“Well Eric is our DJ for tonight. Here we are.”

My eyes widened.

Yep,here we were indeed.