Page 25 of Between Regrets and Promises

Lennon scoffs. “Excuse you? You’re a pain inmyass.” Brandon chuckles and wraps his arm around Lennon.

“Hey, Mason.” I guess I’m going to be the one who tries to hold a civil conversation.

“Hey,” he says dryly, then focuses on chugging his beer until the bottle is empty. He doesn’t say another word to me, not even shitty small talk. I’m half-tempted to call him out and ask himwhat the hell his problem is, but I bite my tongue instead. Just friends, right? I repeat it over and over in my head.

Hunter looks just as uncomfortable as Mason, and Maddie notices. She leans over and whispers in my ear. “They always this awkward?”

“I need a drink,” I finally say, letting out a huff. I stand, and Maddie follows me as I head to the bar.

She flashes a big cheesy grin. “Gonna buy me a drink now?”

“Hell no,” I say with a glare.

“You are literally no fun. Lennon would’ve gotten me a drink.” She’s trying to guilt me, but I know better. Lennon wouldn’t dare do that, and no amount of Maddie trying to play us against each other will work. “Then go ask her,” I say, then order a double shot of tequila.

“You know you’re not supposed to call my bluff!” She smirks as my shot is placed on the counter. I pay and shoot it down quickly, allowing it to burn.

“I’ll just live vicariously through you.” Maddie grins, sitting on the barstool, and I take the one next to her so I can clear my head.

“So…” She draws out. “You and Mason got something going on?”

I narrow my eyes. “Why would you think that?”

She shrugs. “Just the way you talk to each other.”

“We barely exchanged three words.” I roll my eyes and order another drink, and she gets water.

“Mmhmm. Whatever you say, big sis. But your face gives you away every single time.”

I take the second shot and try to ignore her, but I can’t believe she figured it out within the first two minutes of seeing him. It makes me wonder if Lennon knows and is just ignoring it. Or maybe she’s too preoccupied with Brandon to notice. Ilook at Maddie who’s giving googly eyes to the bartender. The girl is relentless.

“Guess we should get back to all the fun. I think I’m good now,” I speak up, breaking her away.

“Drunk Sophie is my favorite!” Maddie claps, and I laugh. “I’m sure she’s Mason’s favorite too.”

“I’m gonna ship you back to Utah if you don’t stop,” I warn.

She giggles and nearly skips back to the table. “Nope! You’re stuck with me for at least four more years.”

“Lucky me,” I tease with a smile, hoping she doesn’t make it awkward when we get back to the group, but I’m sure she will.

I should’ve ordered ten more drinks because dealing with Mason when he’s in one of his moods is hell.

CHAPTER FIVE

MASON

ONE YEAR EARLIER

My heart poundsas I listen to Emma’s voicemail. Her voice is cool and calm as if she’s accepted her fate. Nothing like the several she previously left me when she’d stop taking her medication, then lose it after a few days.

But tonight feels different,isdifferent. After a dozen missed text and voice messages from her and her sister, I race to her sorority house on a random bike I found outside the frat house. The music blares loudly for over a block, my body shaking as the blood whooshes in my ears. Although I have the worst feeling in my gut, I hope everything is okay.

The moment I walk into her room, the air rushes from my lungs.

I shake her. Pleading with her to wake up and cursing when she doesn’t.

Her eyes. They look at me, begging me to save her.

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