Page 43 of Between Regrets and Promises

CHAPTER NINE

MASON

FIVE MONTHS EARLIER

I finish stockingthe cases of beer and wine I bought for the party in the fridge. Tonight, we decided to relive our college days and throw a huge New Year’s Eve party. Liam and I invited every person we know, and I expect a house full. It’s been a while since we’ve let loose and hung out with our friends. Though lately, it’s been a bit difficult.

Since Lennon had her baby a few weeks ago, Hunter’s been helping her in any way he can. He’s been by her side since the day Brandon died. Their relationship has formed into more, though neither will admit it.

Lennon’s gonna make a great mom, and Alison’s going to be spoiled rotten, especially if Liam, Sophie, Maddie, and I have anything to do with it.

It hasn’t been easy on any of them. We’re all still grieving the loss of Brandon, and not a day goes by when we don’t think about him. But out of all of us, Hunter has had it the worst. It’s obvious how much he loves Lennon, how much he’s always loved her, and though he was an asshole to her in the beginning,we know he’d do anything for her now. He’s stepped up to fill the shoes of his best friend, which is more than admirable.

I texted him a few days ago and invited him to the party, but he refused to leave Lennon at home with the baby, which is understandable since it’s only been a couple of weeks. Lennon still needs help, and he won’t leave her side. If it were me, I’d do the same thing.

“Did you get champagne?” Liam asks from behind, pulling me from my thoughts.

“Damn. I knew I was forgetting something.”

“We can’t toast at midnight unless there’s champagne,” he argues.

It takes everything in me not to burst out into laughter. Ever since I’ve known him, he’s always had a soft spot for traditions.

“Don’t know what to say. You go to the store. It was a madhouse. I’m surprised I made it out with everything I did. One of the frats is throwing a huge ass party, so the liquor stores have been wiped,” I explain.

I open the fridge and pull out a bottle of Dom Pérignon.

“Happy?” I ask, waving my hand for him to see the expensive bottle of champagne.

“You’re a dick.” He smirks. “You know Sophie is bringing someone tonight, right?”

I somehow keep a straight face. “So?”

“So… He raises a brow. “Don’t want you to get your panties in a knot about it.”

I pull a beer from the fridge and twist it open. “Why would I care?”

He shrugs. “Okay. Whatever you say.”

My heart gallops in my chest as Liam walks away laughing. Bringing someone?Who?It’s been a while since I’ve seen or spoken to her, but she’s been busy with performances because of the holiday season. It’s always a hectic time for her plus withthe arrival of the baby. Hunter’s randomly thrown it into our text convos that she’s been at the apartment.

Part of me feels blindsided by Sophie dating, but I shouldn’t. I’m sure it’s because of that stupid ass app that Maddie was so fucking pushy about.

I finish my beer and open another. Hopefully, by the time she arrives, I’ll have had so much I won’t even care that she’s here with someone else.

An hour passes and the house is full of people from all different times of Liam’s and my life. Work and college friends, some of the neighbors, and a few people I don’t know. I continue to drink my worries away and am relieved when Sophie isn’t on time. I halfway wonder if she decided to stay away and won’t show. I’d rather that because I’m not sure I could handle seeing her with another man, though it’s my own damn fault. I can’t expect her to wait around for me forever because that’s how long it may take me to get over my own bullshit.

Ellie, one of the girls who works with Liam, has been eyeing me all night. She walks over to me and strikes up a conversation, talking about her job, but I’m hardly listening.

The door opens, and Sophie walks in. I zone out by how gorgeous she looks with classic red lips and her hair pulled up halfway, showing the softness of her neck I once tasted. She takes a few steps, and that’s when I see her date. There’s nothing special about him—tall, dark hair, wearing a stupid polo shirt and khakis. His eyes stay focused on Sophie as if she gets out of his sight, he’ll strike like a snake ready to attack.

Immediately, I hate him.

Sophie introduces Mr. Douche to Liam, and I try to focus back on Ellie even though she’s already realized I’m not paying attention. Her eyes follow my gaze, and she spots Sophie.

“You like her or something?” she asks, and it’s the first time anyone has ever thrown that question at me. Do I like her? Fuck, if I could, I’d love her. But I keep that to myself.

I look at Ellie, giving her my full attention. “No. She’s a friend. Really good friends with Liam.”

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