“Mason and I are just friends with benefits,” Sydney said casually as she walked to the kitchen.
I sat on the couch, watching her open and close the refrigerator.
She returned with a bottle of water and handed it to me. My eyes were on her the whole time. Noticing my gaze, she asked, “What is it?”
I took the bottle of water from her, still trying to come to terms with what she said.
“So, that’s why you were so quick to brush him off?”
Sydney shrugged. “Exactly. I wasn’t ready for anything serious, and he was starting to get attached.”
I took a sip of water, trying to absorb everything. “And what about Ethan? You seemed pretty familiar with him.”
“Ethan and Mason are brothers. We’re old friends. Nothing more, though.”
I nodded, feeling a bit uneasy. I wasn’t sure what to say next. I didn’t want to judge her, and I didn’t fully understand the dynamic between her and Mason.
“It’s just that I don’t know what to say,” I admitted. “But Mason seems like a good guy.”
“Exactly,” Sydney said, pointing at me.
“He’s really sweet and kind. But honestly, I need someone who can challenge me, not just agree with everything I say. I like my guys to keep me on my toes.”
I nodded, taking in what Sydney was saying. “I guess that makes sense. Everyone needs something different in a relationship.”
Sydney sighed. “But, you know, things got a bit messy. We both got drunk one night at the club. Ethan was driving, and Mason and I ended up making out in the backseat. It didn’t stop there, we hooked up several times after that.”
She paused and then added, “I noticed Mason getting jealous whenever he saw me with other guys. Since we have the same group of friends, it started to annoy me. I finally called him out on it, and that’s when he confessed his feelings for me.”
“I was too stunned to say anything. I didn’t want to believe what he had just said.”
“We’re just fuck buddies?” I exclaimed, shocked. “Mason looked hurt by my reaction, and after that, we kept our distance from each other,” she said as she called out to one of the chefs to get us some snacks.
“That’s intense,” I said, trying to process everything.
“You can say that again.”
“So, Mason’s feelings weren’t clear at first, but they got complicated when he saw you with other guys?” I asked.
Sydney nodded. “Exactly. I thought we were just having fun, but his jealousy showed that he wanted more. I wasn’t ready for a serious relationship, so I had to pull away.”
I took another sip of water, “It sounds like you had to set some boundaries to avoid hurting both of you.”
Sydney sat down next to me and nodded. “Yeah, it’s tough when feelings get involved and things get messy. I’m just trying to keep things straightforward.”
Just then, the chef arrived with the snacks. Sydney thanked him and took a small plate for herself, offering me some as well. We snacked quietly for a moment.
“But what if Mason is really into you? What if he’s a good guy and you missed out just because you don’t believe in fairy tale love?”
Sydney waved her hand dismissively. “And what about you and Ethan? I see the way he looks at you.”
“Why are you asking about Ethan?” I ask back. “He’s just my boss.”
“Why so defensive? It’s normal to ask about him, especially since he dropped you off.”
“He’s just my boss, that’s all,” I insisted.
“Okay,” she said, raising her hands in surrender.
Sydney laughed, shaking her head. “But I see something brewing. It’s strange, Ethan has never shown interest in any girl before, but now he seems to be interested in you. I think he likes you.”
I groaned loudly, remembering what Zoey had said at the flower shop.
“Sydney, just stop it. I know he cares about me, but that’s all it is.”
Sydney raised an eyebrow but didn’t press the issue further. “Alright, if you say so.”
“But what I see is more than just care, Nadine. I don’t want you to get hurt again. I just want you to be happy and get your life back on track.”
I sighed and leaned back on the couch. “Thanks, Syd. I see what you mean, but I don’t want to let my guard down.”
“I understand Nadine,” Sydney said, and we continued munching on snacks and chatting about everything women talk about.
Then my phone started ringing, and I was startled. No one else knew about this new number since I’d already discarded my old SIM.
Sydney noticed my discomfort and came right over. “What’s wrong?” she asked.
I pointed to my phone. “It’s ringing. I don’t know who it could be.”
“Give it to me,” she said, her protective instinct kicking in. With trembling hands, I handed it to her. She swiped the phone and held it to her ear.
Sydney listened carefully, her face tense. “Hello? This is Sydney. Who’s calling?”
Sydney’s face grew serious as she listened to the call. She took a deep breath and finally said, “Mason, if I knew it was you calling, I wouldn’t have picked up.”
She went quiet again, her voice soft and controlled. “Mason, I’ve told you before that I don’t feel the same way. Please, just leave me alone.”
Even though Sydney was trying to stay calm, I could tell from her expression and tone that she still had feelings for him.
I watched her closely. Her words were clear, but her face told a different story. It was obvious she still had unresolved feelings for Mason, even though she said she didn’t.
I wondered if she was putting up a front to protect herself and avoid complications.
She handed me the phone. I took a deep breath and said, “Mason,” as I spoke his name.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
“Why wouldn’t I be okay?” I replied.
“Because, Nadine, you gave your phone to Sydney to answer. You must be worried it could be someone from your past.”
I gasped, realizing he had guessed right.
A chill ran through me. Mason’s words felt too accurate. How did he know about my fear?
I looked at Sydney, who was still clearly upset, and then back at the phone.
“You know I can picture your reaction from here,” Mason started.
I cut him off, “Why did you call? I know I was harsh, but I can’t just dump my problems on people I barely know, even if they say they care about me.”
I had tried so hard to keep my distance and not rely on anyone, but Mason’s concern made me wonder if I was pushing people away too much.
He sighed loudly, and I could sense his frustration. “I’ll come pick you up for the party on Saturday,” he said. “But can you do me a favor?”