When We Go Back Again (Mason Brothers Book #1)

Chapter 3

EDEN

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I pulled up to The Mason Jar and saw Fletcher Mason in all his glory thirteen years later. I figured I’d run into at least one of the brothers at the bar, but Fletcher was the last one I expected to see around. He had dreams of leaving Glenwood Springs for our entire childhood. Clearly, he didn’t leave because he was standing right in front of me, all grown up and looking good.

When we were younger he always wanted to play baseball professionally. I remember Googling him a few times after high school to see if I could find out where he was playing, but I never did find his name on any roster. I didn’t recognize him at first, but then I heard his name. Fletcher certainly isn’t a popular name and hearing that name in The Mason Jar could only be referring to one person. A spunky girl about my age was hollering at him to go get some glasses for the bar, so as soon as I recognized him, he was gone.

He was tall, strong, handsome as hell. At first, I thought about just calling it a night and running away. To say that Fletcher and I had a history was the understatement of the century. I was trying to enjoy a moment alone in my new city though. Mom was watching Joey tonight and she told me I should go venture out into town on my own. The Mason Jar is the best place to come when you just want to hang out. Even though it is a bar, it was always family-friendly until about 8 at night.

I spent so much time here as a kid. My mom used to bring me here for lunch or early dinner plenty of times. Once Fletcher and I started dating, we’d end up here all the time. We even snuck in a few times in the evenings when it was technically supposed to be twenty-one and over only. There was certainly a benefit in dating the owner’s son.

It may have been the single draft beer I was nursing, but something ended up getting the courage to say hi. I loved seeing his sweat under pressure, trying to figure out where he knew me from. I saw the look on his face when I showed him my tattoo, the one I knew he’d recognize. A smile spread across his face and it took me back to that boyish charm of Fletcher Mason.

“Eden?”

“Hey there Fletcher. Long time, no see.”

“Well shit, you can say that again. It’s been like ten years.”

“Closer to thirteen, but yeah, been a while.”

“And you’re in town visiting? I didn’t realize you still kept in touch with your mom.”

“Well,’ I sigh, “long story short, we weren’t in touch for the longest time, but a twist of fate brought us back together and here I am. I’m not just visiting though.”

“What do you mean?” He says with a hint of anticipation in his voice.

“I’m officially a Glenwood Springs resident once more. Well, partial resident, I’m staying with my mom until I can find a house and hopefully a job soon.

“You moved back without a job or a place to live?” He asks with a bit of a smirk.

“Long story,” I shake my head and take another drink of my beer.

“Are all your stories long?”

I nod, “Pretty much.”

Fletcher leans up against the bar once more and I could feel his woodsy scent overtake my senses. Although there was no doubting that this was Fletcher, the boy who was my Fletcher was long gone and replaced by this god-like creature. He glances at my beer and then back up to me, “What are you drinking tonight, Eden?”

At this point, my glass only has a small amount left in it. I throw back the final bit and push the glass towards him. “I think I should probably just get a water. I already had a drink and I need to be able to drive.”