"Because I owe you," Mason said. "And I always pay up. For goodorbad."
That last part sent a shiver down my spine, and I suddenly recalled how much he hated me, even now. Choosing to focus on the positive, I asked, "But why would you owe me?"
"For your help with Willow. And for doing it low-key." He shook his head. "We've worked hard to keep her out of the spotlight. And if you'd played it differently, well…" He paused. "Let's just say I don't want to see her name or picture on the internet."
I saw what he meant. Still, I had to say it. "I don't want to be rude or anything, but if all of this is true, why did you wait so long to tell me?"
"Good question."
"So…?" I prompted. "What's the answer?"
"Maybe that's how long it took."
"For what?" I asked.
With something that wasalmosta smile, he said, "For me to pull my head out of my ass."
I was so shocked, I could hardly speak.
Mason said, "So consider this your apology."
I almost laughed. "So, are you gonna actually say it?"
"I'm sorry," he said. "There, you happy?"
As far as apologies, it was seriously lacking. And yet, Iwassurprisingly happy. But it wasn't because of the apology. It was because of the rest of it. I was insanely touched that Brody had fought – almost literally – to keep me from getting fired.
But all too soon, my happiness faded as I recalled everything else that had come between us, the lies in particular.
To Mason, I said, "Well, thanks. Not just for the apology, but for letting me know that Brody stuck up for me."
"You're welcome." And with that, Mason turned once toward his car.
Apparently, I was being dismissed.
But then he paused and turned back. "There's something else you should know."
"Really? What?"
He flicked his head toward my grandparent's place. "That house? It's all Brody's. ButIhandled the transaction. Not him."
Chapter 67
Arden
Cami said, "Oh, my God. Is that true?"
As usual, I was hunkered down in my bedroom trying to talk on my cell phone without Waverly overhearing. I'd just finished repeating to Cami everything I'd learned from Mason, and she sounded just as shocked asIfelt.
I replied, "That's what he said."
"Wow," Cami breathed. "Talk about a snork-show."
This wasn't the word I would've used, assuming itwasa word at all. But I knew exactly what Cami meant. Mason had driven away from my grandparent's place nearly an hour ago, and I was still reeling from everything he'd told me.
Into the phone, I murmured, "Yeah, tell me about it."
"So, what are you gonna do?" Cami asked.
