Page 29 of Collide

Mason snickers. “Oh, how I have you fooled.”

“Yah, sure you do.”

“Who do you have fooled?” A girl’s voice says from behind us and I look up to see Sienna standing there, her usual posse that’s around at parties not too far behind.

Oh shit. It’s like she’s always within earshot. She probably heard our entire conversation.

If you ask me, I think Mason should’ve dumped her a long time ago. But hey, as his friend, I only support, no judging.

“Oh hey, what’s up?” Mason asks as he stands up. He totally ignores her question and I fist bump him in my head. Good deflecting, bro.

“I’ve been looking all over for you. What are you doing?” Sienna bats her eyelashes at him and I hold back my eye roll. She loves to come off sweet.

“Just hanging with Asher. You were having fun dancing with your friends. I didn’t want to interrupt.”

Sienna places her hands on Mason’s chest and pouts. “But I wanted you to watch meeeee.” She whines.

“I can watch you now. Let’s go.”

“No, we’re done now. But we’ll take some drinks.”

Mason clicks his tongue against his teeth, a quiet subtle move that screams I’m pissed but Sienna is too preoccupied with herself she doesn’t see it plain as day in front of her.

“Go head on over to the drinks table. I’ll catch up.”

“You’re the best.” Sienna tries to kiss him but he turns his head at just the right time and she only grazes his cheek.

She laughs it off and kisses his cheek with dramatic flair before hurrying off with her friends.

“Is it me or is that not the same girl you started dating a year ago?”

Mason sighs and runs a hand through his hair. “Tell me about it. Another reason added to my point. I’ll catch you later.”

“Later, Mase.”

I watch him walk away and wonder why he puts himself through that shit.

But I could ask myself that very same question.

Maybe I should.

* * *

The crowd begins to thin, signaling the end of the party is near. Most of my friends are still here, beer pong and cornhole games still happening as the fires sizzle out.

I spot Mason and Madison standing together with Sienna off to the side. But things look tense. As I get closer, I hear Mason yelling, his body tense, his hands flying around like his words.

For the first time in a long time, I feel awkward around them, unsure where to stand. Mason needs his space to deal with whatever’s going on and I doubt Madison wants me near her. So I hang back and watch, ready to step in if needed.

“Well if you just answer the simple question, we can get on with the night.” Sienna snaps.

“I already did. She’s a girl from my economics class and we were talking about a test. You know, this is ridiculous. And asking me in front of everyone like this is embarrassing. Believe me or don’t. I’m out.” Mason tosses his red solo cup on the ground and storms off.

Shit. Sienna needs to chill out and maybe grow up a little.

Sienna runs after him. “No, wait, Mason! I believe you!”

I shake my head. She is over the top, more so than before, but you know how girls are.

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