Defrosted

He brushed his lips across her ear, and she felt her skin prickle with electric anticipation. She waited for him to speak, her heart pounding in her chest. “As your boyfriend, I’m grateful to have you in my life,” he murmured softly. He pulled back slightly, the pads of his fingers lightly trailing across her cheek. His voice dropped to a low rasp as he continued, “But as your dom, you defied me. I wonder what your punishment will be?” The vulnerability in his tone hung in the air. His words carried a mix of want and need, with an underlying current of deep love.

“Excuse me,” Genevieve cleared her throat nervously as she adjusted the microphone, her fingers tight around the cold metal stand. Feedback screeched through the speakers, causing her to flinch. Everyone turned to look at her, and a wave of nerves swept through her body. “Excuse me,” she said again, her voice trembling slightly, “If everyone doesn’t know, I’m Genevieve, Mason’s mother...”

Genevieve kept talking, and Mason tightened his grip around Thea’s hand as he tugged her to the front of the room. When they arrived, Addison stood there with an apologetic look on her face. “I’m so sorry, Mason,” she said. “She was quicker than I thought.”

Mason slowly met Addison’s gaze, giving her a gentle, understanding smile. His eyes slid away from her and onto Genevieve as he calmly said, “That’s okay, Addy.”

A wave of emotion washed over Genevieve’s face, and her lower lip quivered. She looked to each of her children in turn, Addison’s brilliant smile and Mason’s determined gaze as she smiled through tears, “Anyway, I’ve done some really horrible things, but you two… I’m so proud of what you’ve become.”

Mason and Addison exchanged a wide-eyed glance, their mouths hanging open in disbelief. “Did she just say she’s....” Addison whispered, her voice trailing off in stunned silence.

“Proud of us? Yep,” Mason finished her sentence as neither of them could believe what they were hearing.

The room suddenly fell silent as Genevieve uttered the words, “I’ve made many mistakes throughout my life, but I am proud to say that you kids are the best things I’ve ever done. With that being said, I will be stepping down as managing partner.” Camera flashes lit the room like tiny fireflies and gasps of shock reverberated off the walls. “Mason, congratulations,” she shouted amidst the commotion. “You will now be Reynolds and Evans’ new managing partner.”

Mason stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight. The audience erupted with applause and cheers, and he glanced around the room. His eyes landed on Genevieve; her hands clasped together in front of her as she beamed at him with pride. He moved towards her and opened his arms wide. She rushed into his embrace, and he held her close while she whispered, “I love you, dear,” and hugged him tightly. Tears of joy streamed down Genevieve’s face as she held on to her only son.

Mason embraced his mother tightly, feeling the warmth and love radiating from her body. He felt his eyes beginning to moisten and his throat tighten. “I love you too,” he whispered into her neck, knowing that his words carried equal weight and gravity.

Addison slowly swept the microphone from Genevieve’s grasp, a sly smile playing on her lips. “I don’t think anyone can top that gift,” she exclaimed teasingly. A wave of laughter and clapping rippled through the guests. She threw her hands up into the air, her brown curls bouncing. “It looks like it’s time to paarrrr-tayyyyy!” Everyone erupted into cheers and filled the dance floor with movement.

Genevieve and Mason reluctantly broke away from their embrace. Mason’s gaze fell to the floor, his hands clasped with hers, and he cleared his throat. “Thank you,” he said, his voice raw with emotion.

Genevieve beamed at him, her eyes crinkling in a way that showed genuine pleasure. She squeezed his hands and said, “You worked hard for this. You deserve it.”

Mason was taken aback by his mother’s sudden openness. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion, lips trembling as he stared at Thea. He uttered a shaky, “Seriously, what did you do?”

Addison’s mouth hung open in wonder. “I second that,” Addison said in awe. “You’re like magic.”

Genevieve closed her eyes briefly and tried to steady her breathing. When she opened them again, tears threatened to spill down her cheeks. “She made me realize that holding onto your father’s values was causing me to lose you, and I can’t let that happen,” she said softly, shaking her head. “I’ve been trying so hard to keep him with me, but I realize it wasn’t worth it if it meant losing you and Addy. These last two weeks have really opened my eyes.”

“That’s great, Mom,” said Addison.

Genevieve beamed, her eyes twinkling. “And I’m so excited to tell you! I even reconciled with your Aunt Flora. We’re catching an early flight out to St. Lucia tomorrow morning, and I hear the beaches are to die for,” she clasped her hands together eagerly. “We will be gone for a month!”

“Wow. I’m glad you made up with Aunt Flora, but a month?!” Addison said; her tone was tinged with disappointment, but she managed to keep her expression neutral.

“I need more insight,” Genevieve sighed, her breath leaving her in a soft whoosh. She looked up at the sky with new understanding. “Thea was right. Stepping away helps me see the bigger picture,” she murmured, a smile slowly spreading across her face.

Addison’s eyes widened in shock, and her jaw dropped. She rubbed her temples and shook her head in disbelief. “No way! You can’t be serious. You actually just said Thea was right?! Is this real life, or am I in the twilight zone?”

Genevieve glanced at Mason, her gaze lingering before shifting to Thea. She smiled and nodded her head in approval. “You did good,” she said.

He nodded, a smile curling the corners of his lips. “I told you so,” he said jokingly.

“That you did,” Genevieve said in agreement.

“Make sure you take extra security,” Mason advised his mother.

“Oh,” She smiled and reached up, her delicate fingers grazing his cheek as she pinched it and softly asked, “You’re worried about me?” Genevieve asked.

Mason’s voice broke as he took a deep breath and willed the last bit of frost from his heart. “I’ll always worry about you...Mom.”