Page 80 of Escape Velocity
He settles his work set-up on his desk, and like he’s starting a race, he cracks his knuckles and tilts his head, cracking his neck and puts his headphones in to block out any noise.
He pulls out his notebook and his pencils and starts the first sentence of his semester project, but before he can even start, he jumps as someone taps his shoulder.
He sighs, taking his headphones out without having been able to start playing music, was Fiona back just to tease him again?
He gasps slightly as he realizes it’s Alex, his disposition tentative, like it took him an hour to muster up the courage to even tap Mason on the shoulder.
“Alex, hi,” Mason says after clearing his throat. He half expected Alex to never talk to him again, especially after it seemed like he continually tried to ignore Mason after that frat party. And Mason in all honesty deserved the cold shoulder after dipping like he did.
Alex breathes out a long sigh. “Hey.”
Mason looks at him questioningly, wondering if Alex is just merely trying to say “hi” or has an ulterior motive.
Alex seems to notice this. “Oh—uh. I was wondering if you started the semester project for class yet. I… know you’re still on sports and I have to do mine on sports and…”
Mason smiles at Alex’s embarrassment. It’s endearing.
“I was wondering if you had any tips?”
Mason tilts his head from side to side. “I might.”
Alex smirks. “Fiona actually forced me in here.”
Mason squints. “Did she?”
Alex nods. “She saw me walking in the hallway, said you were in the newsroom alone on a Saturday night, and that I should give you company because the sight of you alone was pitiful.”
Mason rolls his eyes. “Of course she did.”
“But I needed to see you anyway, so it works out for me.”
Mason smiles and pushes the chair in front of him out to make space for Alex to sit.
Alex blushes and grins, sitting down and taking out his notebook from his bag, his pen poised to listen to Mason.
“Andthat’show you get the patience to learn everything about sports without losing your mind.”
Alex laughs, shaking his head at Mason.
“I mean, the guys already are worth wanting to know everything.”
Mason nods. “That’s definitely part of it.”
Alex closes his notebook and sighs.
“Thanks Mason, I really appreciate your help.”
Mason smiles. “Of course. It’s… it’s the least I could do after…”
Mason doesn’t finish his sentence. He doesn’t want to utter the words out loud. He had no intention of bruising Alex’s ego, but he did.
He behaved exactly like the person he didn’t want to become.
Alex rubs his face. “I’m sorry for ignoring you, Mason. I—I was a little embarrassed by what happened.”
Mason sighs and nods, looking down at his lap, unable to meet Alex’s eyes.
“You had every right to, Alex. I’m the one that’s sorry. Something happened that night and I—I had to go. And I’m sorry for leaving like that,” Mason says, still focusing on his lap.
