Page 183 of Between Regrets and Promises

As I pull into the driveway, I see Serena’s car parked in my spot. A lump forms in my throat, and I try to swallow it down as I grab the grocery bags and my violin. I remind myself that they’re just friends, Mason doesn’t want her, and I have nothing to worry about. But when I walk into the living room, she’s laughing and leaning her head on Mason’s shoulder.

Why is she so close to him?

Why does he let her touch him like that?

Am I being unreasonable for not wanting another woman all over him?

“Hey, Sophie,” she says when she notices me.

With flared nostrils, I narrow my eyes at the two of them, then walk to the kitchen. Liam instigates the situation by telling Mason he’s in trouble now. After I put the food in the fridge, I grab my violin and walk past the three of them.

“Well, hello to you too,” she mutters under her breath.

I stop and turn on my heels. “What’re you doing here? Why are youalwayshanging on Mason?”

“What’s your problem?” she asks.

Mason shifts away, creating the much-needed space between them, but before he can intervene, I continue my rant.

“What’s my problem?” I repeat her words with disdain. “Call me crazy, but I don’t particularly like other women hanging all over my boyfriend. He’s mine, which I think you know at this point. So back the fuck off.” I glare, daring her to push me.

Her mouth opens and closes, staying silent.

“Soph…” Mason says my name soft and calmly, but I’m not calm. He stands, but I point my finger at him.

“Don’t.” I turn on my heels and walk to my room.

I hear Liam in the living room hollering and clapping. “Oooh, girl fight. Fifty bucks on Sophie. Sorry, Serena.” He snickers, which only enrages my emotions.

If he doesn’t shut the hell up, I might kick his ass after I kick hers. My heart’s racing, ready to burst out of my chest. I take in a few deep breaths through my nose and release them through my mouth. I repeat this a few more times, and once I’ve calmed down, I walk out of my room where I find Liam and Serena. Mason’s nowhere to be found.

“What’re you still doing here?” I look at Serena. I’m not afraid of her or her attitude. She crossed a line, and I’m more than pissed at this point. I’ve taken it over and over and am tired of it. From the text message she sent Mason weeks ago, she knows damn well Mason and I are in a relationship.

“Seriously?” She snarls like I’ve lost my mind, and maybe I have. Seeing her that close and touching him was my last straw, and I’ve cracked.

“I’m dead serious.”

“GIRL FIGHT!” Liam stands, starting shit again. “Rip off each other’s clothes!”

“Shut up,” we say in unison.

Mason enters with a bottle of water, and Serena stands. He stops in his tracks as if he’s glued to the floor.

Serena turns to Mason. “I guess I’m no longer welcome here.” Then she faces me, her eyes narrowed. “Just know, Sophie. I was herefirst.” She grabs her Louis Vuitton off the coffee table.

“Bye.” I wave my fingers and stand my ground as she storms past me and slams the door behind her.

I glare at Liam, pointing my finger at him. “You’re a dick.”

“And you, my friend, were a total baddie. Proud of you.” He smirks and holds out his hand for a high five, but I leave him hanging. He between Mason and me, noticing the awkward tension, then says he’s going to get a drink. We both watch as he grabs his keys and leaves. I should feel guilty for how I reacted, but I don’t.

Mason clears his throat. The air’s so thick, I can’t breathe.

“You hungry?” he asks, effectively changing the subject, and my head almost spins.

I swallow hard when I look into his eyes. He should be mad for the way I screamed at his friend, and I’m pissed he allowed her that close to him. But arguing with him won’t change anything, and I’m so tired of this are-we or aren’t-we situation. So I don’t push it.

“Starving. It’s why I bought the steaks.”

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