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CHAPTER NINE

Tuesdays were never really busy, but tonight had been crazy After turning off the open sign and locking the door, Mason didn’t feel like doing anything Instead of straddling a barstool and opening a bottle, like he wanted to, he went into the kitchen to check on the back "Everything okay, Dana?"

"Yep Dishes are done The kitchen is all cleaned up, except for whatever you have left out front I’ll help you out there real quick"

Mason waved her off "No, that’s okay I’ll finish up and close up You can head on out" Despite being exhausted, if Mason could do things himself, he always preferred that

"Are you sure?" The blonde asked She was a college student who lived in her parent’s old house in Blackcreek but drove into the city for school She had to be even more tired than Mason

"No, really I got it You can go"

"Thanks My feet are killing ht¸ so that didn’t look real good for her

"No problerabbed her things and then headed for the door Mason walked her to her car like he always did When she pulled off he heard, "Mind if I come in?" frohed voice belonged to Gavin

Mason headed his way "Yeah, sure You sound like you sleep-drove here" He locked the door behind them both, and went for the bar "You want a drink?"

"Jack and coke" Gavin sat on a stool while Mason h his hair that was messier than it usually was He see okay?"

"I talked to Braden"