Convenience. That’s what it’s been.
Even though Bailey and I now have a similar arrangement to what I’ve had with past women, she’s completely different. I have absolutely no intention on sleeping with anyone else.
I silence Claire’s call and refocus back on work. But then another call comes through for the second time.What does she want?
Leaning back in my chair, I decide to answer. “Hi, Claire, what’s up?”
“Hi, how was the grand opening last night?” Her voice is low, and I can tell she’s bothered.
“It was great. Thanks for asking.”
“I’m calling because I want to tell you, I’m still pissed off that you didn’t let me come.”
I readjust myself, sitting up straight before responding. “Look, we’ve had this discussion before—”
“Do you mean the bullshit discussion about breaking things off? You know how many times you’ve said that to me before? And somehow, when I call, you always pick up.”
I was blunt and up front with her before I moved out here, and she gave the impression that she understood. But clearly, she didn’t.
“I told you since I was relocating that it didn’t make sense for us anymore and that we needed to just go our separate ways. I meant that. There is no future with us. I’m sorry, but that’s the truth. The sooner you accept it, the sooner you can move on,” I say, keeping my voice elevated and cold.
We originally had this discussion the moment Harry and I decided to go into business together last year. But then she insisted on helping me with the contract, and she even referred me to an out-of-state agent who helped me with finding a new house. Conveniently, she ended up flying out to join us at each showing. I bit my tongue and let her come since the guy that she connected me with was super cool, and I didn’t want to make things awkward.
We haven’t even hooked up in months, but still, she tries.
I hear her sigh on the other end of the phone. “You’re an asshole.”
“Yes, I am, and I’m sorry that things didn’t work out between us, but you knew everything from the very beginning.”
“You’ve been leading me on, and you know it. This is what you always do. To every woman you’ve ever been with.” Her tone is clipped.
I feel my jaw clench in exasperation with the direction of our conversation. “I have been honest about my intentions, who I am, and what you could expect. Like I said, I am sorry that you thought things were going to change. But they are not, and they never were.” I grab my coffee mug and take a drink, trying to calm myself down.
“I’m not going to be here waiting for you this time. You can go fuck yourself and half the girls in Arizona.” She laughs. “Oh, Iforgot you went to school out there, so I guess you can just fuck whosever left for you!”
“Alright. We’re done with this conversation. Thank you for your help with the businesses and my new house, but I have let this go on long enough. Have a great life, and I wish you the best of luck. Please do not call me—”
She hangs up.
I toss my phone across the room and onto the couch, frustrated with myself for letting it go on as long as it did. At least it’s done now.
Not in the mood to work anymore, I finish my coffee, close my laptop, and head to the bathroom to take a quick shower.
I arrive at the park only a few minutes before the game is set to begin. Driving around the small parking lot a few times, I search for Bailey’s car. As soon as I see it, I make sure to pull into the empty space beside it. It’s a bit chilly outside this morning, so I throw on my gray zip-up hoodie and adjust my baseball hat. It’s a clear and sunny Saturday morning, but the air is crisp.
Once I locate the field, I head over. I scan the perimeter of the soccer field for only a minute before I see her. I smile—my Bailey.
Not my Bailey.
She’s sitting in a folding chair on the far side of the grass with her hair in a ponytail that’s hidden under a black baseball hat and sunglasses. Her parents are positioned to the right of her, sitting in the same folded lawn chairs. The teams are on the field with their coaches. Half are wearing lime green uniforms, whilethe other half are in royal blue. I crack another smile as soon as I spot Luca. He’s on the blue team.
I walk around the outside of the field, passing numerous parents ready to cheer on their kids.
When I reach Bailey, Mary, and Fred, they don’t see me right away. “Let’s play some soccer!” I yell, slapping my hands together.
Mary pops up right away. “Mason, it’s so good to see you! What are you doing here?” she asks, pulling me in for a hug.
I quickly shake Fred’s hand while he stays seated in his chair. “I’m here to watch some soccer,” I say as my eyes dart over to Bailey.
