Before You

Chapter 62

I sit on the couch and stare around my apartment. This is beyond depressing. I'm starting to wish I had committed to going back home for Thanksgiving. Everyone is out running last minute errands and gathering food for their families and here I am...sitting in my living room, alone. I don't have a boyfriend. I'm no longer in contact with my best friend. My mother is hours away and tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. I literally have the worst luck ever.

My mother has already called and confirmed for the twentieth time that I'm not coming home for dinner. Despite the face that I'm alone and would much rather spend the day with her, I know she has already accounted for enough food for her and Brad. Peyton is spending Thanksgiving with Nolan's mother. How nice. Boston is with her family and I haven't spoken to anyone else. I'm really beginning to understand why some people don't enjoy the holidays. Unless you're surrounded by a large family it can really be depressing. My phone vibrates on the couch next to me. It's a text.

I know you won't respond, but it won't stop me from reaching out to you. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. - Mason

Seeing Mason's name brings a sting into my stomach. We still have so much to talk about and resolve. He probably doesn't deserve half of what I've put him through. To think it was all for Jett. I shake my head at the thought. There is one good thing that Mason taught me and I'm sure it'll make me feel much better. I rise to my feet and walk quickly into my kitchen. I wonder... Yes, there it is. I pull the bottle from the cabinet and a smile crosses my face. I remember how to make "The Everly".

About three drinks and an hour later, I'm feeling much better. Who cares that tomorrow is Thanksgiving? I could spend my entire day like this and I would be just fine. I'm also starting to see how people can have issues with alcohol. It numbs the pain, at least for now. I don't want to think about how I'll feel later. I don't let the thought of my father enter my mind. If I do, I'll never let myself have another drink. I scan my phone and find Mason's text message again. I really do owe him an apology. Now is as good of a time as any. I pick the phone up and immediately dial his number. Within seconds the call is picked up.

"Evy? Is that really you?" Mason asks, sounding concerned.

"It is really me, Mason." I say with a laugh.

"Ok, I know exactly how this is going to go." He says. "I bet you're at home and about two to three drinks in."

His voice sounds much more relaxed now. My eyebrows burrow together. How does he know this? There's no way I'm going to let him be right. "No, I've actually had four drinks!"

He responds quickly. "Nah. Four drinks in and you'd be too tired to even talk."

I can't argue with him. He knows me well. "So, what are you doing?"

"I just got home from work." He says.

"Work?" I ask. "What time is it?"

"It's about six o'clock." He responds.

"Six o'clock?" my voice rises. "Where has the day gone!"

"I can imagine where it's gone." Mason says sarcastically.

I shrug my shoulders. Once again, I can't argue with him. "Listen, this call has a purpose. I just want to apologize."

"Apologize?" he asks.

"Yes." I say. "I know I haven't been the best person. You're my best friend. You've always been my best friend. I'm so sorry for the way I've acted. No matter where we stand, I should never have just cut you out that way with no explanation. No one deserves that."

"You're forgiven." Mason says.

I stand at the kitchen counter making a fourth drink. I don't speak too quickly. I know he probably has more to say.