I get in the front passenger seat, and Layla climbs in behind the steering wheel.
“Layla’s driving?” Mason grabs hold of the headrests in front of him. “Hold up. I’m getting out.”
Layla starts the engine and pulling away, the van jerks a couple of times before she presses down on the gas, making it shoot forward.
I quickly put on my safety belt and glance over my shoulder when Mason complains, “I’m going to fucking die.”
“Would you shut up already?” Kingsley snaps.
“Don’t you tell me to shut up, Hunt. I’ll throw you out of a moving van.”
Kingsley’s reply is to shove her right arm into the air, giving him the middle finger.
“Is that the same finger you use to masturbate?”
“What the fuck, Mason?” I shout from the front.
“I’m going to throw you out of a moving van,” Lake threatens and getting up, he climbs over to the seat so he can sit next to Mason. Glaring at him, Lake snaps, “I dare you to say another word.”
“It’s okay, guys,” Kingsley says. “It’s not like I’d expect any better of him.”
I look at Kingsley to make sure she’s okay. “You want to sit up front with Layla?”
“I’m really okay,” she whispers to me.
“We can switch when we stop for a restroom break,” Layla says, quickly glancing at Kingsley in the rearview mirror.
Kingsley smiles. “It’s cool, guys. Let’s enjoy the trip.”LaylaI park the van and switch off the engine. Getting out, I stretch, feeling stiff from the four-hour drive.
I walk around the van, and when Mason gets out, I grab hold of his arm and pull him to the side.
“What?” He snaps at me.
“Don’t ever talk to my friend that way again and don’t spoil this week for everyone.” I take a deep breath and encourage Mason to do the same. “Come on, take a deep breath. Chill. Let’s have fun.”
He just keeps glaring at me.
“Why are you so upset, Mason? No one forced you to come.”
“Cool. I’ll just grab a cab and go back home,” he sneers. When he takes a step to the right to walk around me, I move with him. “Layla,” he warns, his voice dropping low.
I lock eyes with him, and we stare at each other for a couple of seconds. Mason’s mouth sets in a grimace, making him look pretty scary.
I reach up on my toes and throw my arms around his neck, hugging him tightly.
“What the fuck are you doing,” he growls.
“I’m giving you a hug. I care about you. I want you to have fun with us. I don’t want you being angry all week,” I ramble.
A couple of seconds pass, and then I feel his hand press against my back, instead of pushing me away.
“Take a deep breath,” I whisper.
He listens and does it a couple of times.
“Do you feel better?” I ask.
“Yeah,” he answers, sounding much calmer.
I pull back and smile up at him. “Want to eat anything? I’ll pay.”
He glances at the convenience store. “Is it safe to eat anything from there?”
I let out a chuckle and taking hold of his hand, I pull him toward the entrance. “I’m sure we can find something.”
While I’m paying for the coffee and donuts, Falcon comes to stand next to me.
“I saw you talking with Mason. Is everything okay?”
I nod and give the cashier the cash. “Yeah, he just needed to unwind.”
“Thanks for that. Not a lot of people have patience with him.”
Falcon picks up the coffee holder, and I grab the bag of donuts. “I’m just mentioning this, so you know and not to cause trouble. Kingsley is scared of Mason. Can you talk with him, just have him ease up on her a bit without letting him know what Kingsley said?”
“She is?” He asks. “She told you this?”
“Yeah. She says it’s because he’s so aggressive,” I explain.
“Are you okay with Mason?” he asks.
I nod. “Oh, yeah. I know he’s a good guy underneath it all.”
“Good. I’d hate it if you didn’t get along with him or Lake.”
“They’re good people.” I grin up to Falcon so he won’t worry.
“Come, kids,” Lake calls out. “I’m driving.”
“You sure?” Falcon asks.
“Yep.” Lake climbs in behind the steering wheel and leans over the passenger side as he calls out to Kingsley. “Sit up front with me.”
We all get in, and while waiting for Mason, I hand out the coffees.
“Oh look, here comes my eldest,” Lake says which has me chuckling before I grab a donut from the bag.Falcon“We survived the drive,” I say, setting down my bag in the middle of the living room. I glance around, then up at the ceiling, and when I see all the cobwebs, I mumble, “That might change, though.”
“Did you find this place after watching a horror movie?” Lake asks.
“It’s not that bad,” Layla says. “Let’s get settled in, then we can go see what the rest of the students are up to.”