Before You

Chapter 45

I lay in my bed staring at the ceiling. I've been awake for a few hours but can't find the energy to move. Yesterday was a big day. I was shocked by the news of an engagement between my mother and Brad. That wasn't on my radar at all. I never saw it coming. After they told me the news, we went to dinner at a nearby Mexican restaurant. She and Brad told me funny stories about some of their dates and first encounters with each other. They smiled and laughed throughout the dinner. I tried my best to put on a happy face, but I'm still unsure about how I feel about all of this new information.

When we got back home, I watched from afar as Brad told my mother goodnight. He held her hand and caressed her face at the same time. He genuinely looks like he has a special connection to her. I resorted to my bedroom for the remainder of the night. I sent Jett a quick text letting him know that I was going to bed. I'm still processing all of this. I'm not ready to share it with him just yet.

I need to have some space today. I need to get away from here and think. I get out of bed and get dressed quickly putting on a pair of denim jeans and a dark plum top. I quietly walk through the house, trying my best not to wake my mother up. I'm not ready for another conversation this early. As I walk outside, the cool air hits my face. I feel like I can finally breath out here. I get in my car, unsure of where to go. After a few minutes I pick up my phone and dial a number. I know what I need.

"Hey Evy." I hear a voice say.

"Hey Mase." I say. "Are you at work? I was going to bring some breakfast by to you."

"That would be awesome. Let me know when you get here and I'll take a break." He says.

"Okay. See you soon." I reply and end the call.

Twenty minutes later I'm sitting in the parking lot of the warehouse where Mason works. I've been here before for numerous reasons. This is the same warehouse that Gage worked at while we were together. Before I broke up with Gage, he helped get Mason a job here. Initially it was supposed to be a part time gig, but Mason is a hard worker and really enjoys the manual labor. I glance up and see Mason walking towards my car. Even at work, he's sporting his signature black backwards hat. He opens the passenger door and gets in quickly.

"Hey Mase." I say.

"Thanks so much for breakfast, Evy. You didn't have to do this." He says smiling.

"No biggie. It's not much. I just got you a bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit with a side of hash browns and an orange juice." I say smiling.

Mason returns the smile. "See, you know what I like."

We both exchange laughs and dig into the bag. After a few minutes, I decide to tell Mason about my mother and Brad. I don't know where to go from here and would really like someone else's opinion on the matter. Mason listens carefully and takes his time responding.

"I know your dad hasn't been in the picture for awhile. It'll be an adjustment having Brad around and it not being just you and your mom anymore." He says.

I watch his face as he finishes his sentence. I can tell he wants to say more, but he's deciding if he should or not. I keep my face neutral in an attempt to encourage him to continue.

"But... if your mom is happy, isn't that all that matters?" he asks. "I mean, you said you can see a change in her. Maybe Brad brings out the best in her. If that's the case, maybe Brad will serve as a bridge between you and your mom, bringing the two of you closer together. At the end of the day, you're not here anymore. I'm sure she would probably be lonely if she didn't have Brad."

I stare out of the windshield and nod my head. "Mason, you're right."

"Did you ever doubt me?" he says laughing.