AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Seth grins. “He forgot about his old friends?”
I roll my eyes as I smile at them. “His medication can make things hazy. We’re trying to wean him off a lot of them to avoid dependence, but he’s still trying to find that mental clarity.”
Mason and Seth stare at me.
I stare back until it hits me.
Shoot.
“Sorry.” I step aside. “He’s in the living room. Working out. Try not to sneak up on him, he’s got headphones on.”
“Will do.” Seth half-smiles, striding through the front hall quicker than I’d like, leaving Mason and me alone.
I close the door after Mason enters and try to ignore how he’s just standing there, waiting for me to look at him.
“How are you doing?” The words come out strangled at the back of his throat.
“Good.” I nod, my ponytail bobbing against my neck.
“Good. That’s good.”
I bite my lower lip. “Do you need anything or…” I nod in the direction Seth took.
“No, I just wanted to talk to you alone for a minute. Is that okay?” Mason’s eyebrow quirks.
It’s not at all okay. And yet, it’s all I want.
I loved Mason beyond reason. I thought we’d be together forever and then…things didn’t work out that way. I broke it off because I thought he broke us first.
I can’t imagine anyone ever wanting me the way he did.
So, I turned my whole focus to my work. At least I can create my own security. I don’t have to rely on someone else for it. Rely on their love and attention. I know just how fleeting it can be.
I had my chance at true love.
Most people never find it, and I just threw it away like it meant nothing.
Broke my heart, broke his, and I know I’ll never have anything even remotely close to what I had with Mason ever again.
“I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.” I’m not ready to talk to him.
When we broke up, he left. When I should have tried to find him, shame for what I’d done kept me from following him.
My heart bleeds for him every day, and I won’t survive hearing him telling me he wants nothing to do with me, or that he wants to be friends.
I can’t bear the thought of him not wanting me, butstaying in his life as his friend, looking at him moving on and staying in the sidelines would just about kill me.
So no, I don’t think talking to him is a good idea at all.
“Please, Laney.”
“You’re here for Nate. He’s probably wondering what happened to you by now. You should go join the guys,” I brush him off and head down the hall.
There is a burst of laughter from the living room, Nate and Seth guffawing over something.
Mason follows me, not attempting to keep me or continue our conversation, though a sick part of me wishes he would.
“There they are.” Nate’s face brightens when he sees me.
