Black Butterfly

Chapter 10

When I first open my eyes the salty tang in the air make me jolt up to see where I was, but when the I saw the white curtains blowing in the breeze and the blue ocean glittering I took a deep breath. Then I remembered last night. Oh god. Did I have to start the day thinking of that? 

 I groan and climb out of the bed. My stomach growled but the view was more inviting. My steps are light and soon my hands are on the balcony railing. The smell of salt and seaweed brushes past my nose and through my hair, down my skin. I breathe. Though the city is only a few miles away, it feels like a million. 

I turn my head to a dark figure running against the white sand on the beach. The figure starts to run up the small dunes in front of the pool and I realize it's just Mason. He opens the small gate and steps into the deck. My eyes follow him, watching as he grabs a towel from nearby and starts to wipe the sweat off his chest. I shouldn't stare but some part of me can't look away. God I'm disgusting. I shake my head to clear the thought away. But another thought combats the other. He is a little fine though. I shake my head again. 

 His head tilts back and I quickly move my eyes back to the sea beyond but, I can tell Mason knows I was staring at him. I could also tell that he was looking at me now. 

I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of looking so I continued gazing out. He dropped his head and went inside. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. 

The smell of breakfast soon dragged me downstairs. Fresh eggs, french toast and orange juice were laid on the island in the massive kitchen. Olivia was hunched over the stove and turned when she heard me. 

"Calsy! Good morning!" Her voice lifted. She set a plate of bacon on the counter. 

"Olivia, this is..." I said trailing off.

"Amazing? Yeah I know, I'm like that." Olivia's smile was dazzling. 

I stifled a laugh. "You didn't have to go all out you know." 

"Oh honey, it's my pleasure. Besides I have to feed Ace, boy eats like a pig." 

Suddenly a voice from the other room said, "Is that bacon I smell?" 

"Speak of the devil." Olivia muttered. 

Sure enough, Mason walked in, grabbed the entire plate of bacon, sat down at the table and started shoveling the pieces into his mouth. I crossed my arms, 

"I wanted some bacon." 

Mason paused mid bite. Then he grinned, "Oh well." And shoved the piece into his mouth, chewing slowly and making a point to tell me how good it is. 

I wanted to walk over there and snatch the rest from his plate but Olivia placed a hand on my shoulder and gave me my own plate. I shot him a look as if to say, Ha now you're not the only one with a full plate. But he just shrugged his shoulders and went back to eating. I sat down across from him and began eating. Olivia set down a plate of french toast down and Mason dug straight in. 

"Ace, honey, that's enough syrup." Olivia's tone carried a hint of distaste.

Mason looked up, and spilled syrup on his bare chest. He stopped pouring and looked down. I choked back a laugh as he frowned. I stopped though, as soon as he took a finger and slowly swiped is from his chest. I stopped breathing when he licked it off his finger and smirked at me. 

The sound of a phone ringing snapped me out of whatever was going on. "It's mine. I'll go take it in the other room." Olivia said, untying her apron and hanging it over a chair. Mason was still smirking. 

Olivia returned from the other room. "I'm sorry everyone. My vacation is being cut short." 

Mason looked up. "Why?"

She gave him a look. "Business." 

His gaze hardened. "Am I needed?" 

She smiled, "No honey. Stay, enjoy the rest of your weekend." She turned to leave but stopped, "Calsy, join me for a minute?" 

"Yes. Of course." I replied. 

She led me to my room and handed me a pale turquoise box. 

"I noticed you didn't bring a bathing suit." She said.

"I haven't had a reason for one." I admitted.

She nodded. "Open the box."

The white tissue paper inside russled as I pulled a black one piece out. Open sides and flecks of gold, no doubt real gold, shimmered in the light. 

"Olivia... This is... Beautiful." I stammered out. 

"Yes well, I saw it in a*****e the day I picked you up. Figured you'd like it." She smiled. "Go! Put it on!" 

I beamed and went to go do as she asked. When I stepped out she sucked in a breath. "Calsy, you look amazing!" 

I felt heat rising to my cheeks. I walked over to her, "Olivia, you've been amazing to me. How can I pay you back?" 

"Oh hush up about that now. The only other young girl like you that I know likes to wear leather all the god damn time. It's nice to have someone around who doesn't smell like a car." 

We laughed. Footsteps clambered up the stairs and Mason showed up at the doorway. He opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out as he looked at me. His eyes trailed up and down my body, and goosebumps raised on my arms. 

"Drooling is unbecoming Mason." Olivia said. 

Mason shrugged his shoulders, but his eyes were like fire. "I guess we're going to the beach." 

And we did. After we waved Olivia good bye we set off towards the sands behind the house. We'd brought chairs, a cooler, some snacks and sunscreen. And after he'd splashed me, I'd started an all out war. I'd dunked his head down under the water and sat on his shoulders until he had to push me off of him. 

We'd also talked. About home life, social life, likes and dislikes. We talked more than we had in weeks. 

When we got back to the house I said, "Today was really great Mason. Thank you." 

He only looked at me. "Today isn't over yet sweetheart." And smiled a devilish smile.