NICOLE

"So," Mason says on the phone, "do you have any news about the charity? Any donations? Are you truly determined to shut it down come month's end?"

I narrow my eyes. "I wish you didn't have to sound so happy while saying that, Mason."

"I don't sound happy—you're projecting. It's just a question."

I sigh. I've sent Roman's money back, so I don't have anything to work with anymore. We've received a few small donations here and there that'll probably be enough for the event, but that's ...