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Mason seemed like he genuinely wanted the company of a friend and he looked sincere, but I couldn’t fully let my guard down just yet.
“I always thought you got the better deal,” I told him honestly. “Living and working in the same town where everything is familiar. You’re close to your family and friends. The neighbors care about each other. New York really isn’t all that great. And talk about lonely–it’s been really hard to make any meaningful connections there.”
I took another sip of beer, surprised to have said that all out loud. And I was even more surprised by how much I meant it. I really was lonely in New York.
“I don’t know, man. I always envied you so much. You were brave enough to strike out on your own. You built something for yourself. And not just something, but something really big. I'm proud of you, man.”
“Well, thanks. I did use my parent’s money to strike out on my own, so I’m not sure we can completely label me as brave,” I said, disagreeing with him. “You're the brave one. There's a lot of hard work you put in at the distillery. You stayed here to be a support for your mom and Arya after your dad died. They needed you. And Arya grew into a great person.” I wanted to list all the qualities I loved about Arya, but that would seem suspicious.
“Yeah, Arya's great. I wish she’d do more with her life, though. No offense, but this gig with your mom is exhausting her and it’s not really getting her anywhere. I think she wants to stay in Bardstown with me and Mom here, but there's really not that much here for her.”
“I’m not offended at all, and I actually agree with that completely.”
“But I did want to thank you for getting someone to help her out. I’m glad she’ll get to start living a little. I’ve noticed the last few days or so that she seems happier. She even has kind of a glow to her and that’s great to see.”
Mason took a sip of beer while I thought about how to respond. Was this a trap?
“It just seemed she had too much on her plate–unnecessary things that weren’t utilizing her actual skill set. That’s all. I wanted her to have some extra time to pursue the things she actually enjoys.”
“Yeah,” Mason said absently. “I’m just a little worried about her.”
“Is everything okay?” Now I was concerned, too.
“I don’t know. My mom mentioned Arya didn’t come home last night, and that she said she’d been at her friend Katie’s house. It’s possible, but considering her recent good mood…” Mason trailed off and I started worrying that he knew. “One of her exes was a real asshole. I don’t think she’s back with him, but I feel like she should stay single for a while. She’s had a few asshole ex-boyfriends, if I’m being honest. I think she needs to figure some things out. It doesn't seem like she knows how to choose a man that will treat her right.”
Mason was silent for a moment.
“Do me a favor?” he finally asked. “You spend more time with her than any of us since she’s working over there. Just keep an eye out? Maybe guide her into making better choices in relationships?”
I wasn’t quite sure what he was asking me to do. He clearly had no idea I had been messing around with Arya, and now I was even more sure he wouldn’t be thrilled to hear the news.
“I’ll always look out for Arya,” I said honestly. “You don’t even need to ask me to do that.”
“I appreciate that, man,” Mason said with a half-smile.
We finished our beers and spent the time talking about lighter, fun stuff. Mason took off, and I looked at my phone and realized it was almost midnight. I thought about texting Arya, but wondered if it was really a good idea. Things were awkward again, and I didn’t really know how to fix it.
Maybe it was better to give her some space right now.
Chapter 9
Arya
“Wait,shouldn’tyoubeworking?” Katie asked as she slid into the opposite booth at the table. We were finally meeting for lunch, which was very welcomed because I needed to talk to my best friend about everything going on with Tristan.
I was way in over my head and had no idea what to do.
“Nope, not today,” I said, picking up the menu. “Tristan actually hired someone to take care of the housekeeping duties.”
“Well, that was awfully sweet of him,” she said with a wry smile.
“What?” I asked, laughing.
“Nothing, you just seem a little…different,” she said. “Definitely glowier. I wonder why that could be?”
Her face was the picture of innocence until we both broke out laughing.
“Seriously, you look great, Arya. Between the hair, the makeup, and let’s not even start on the dress you’re wearing right now. You never dress up like this!”
