𝔼𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕟

Chapter 6 : A little time

There’s a storm in Alex’s head, winds of questions swirling with no answers, making his skin itch with frustration.

He hates it. For the first time since arriving in L.A., he misses London.

He never had to tiptoe around anyone’s space there. He could operate on instinct, never worrying about plans or what’s coming next.

He wishes he could crawl under a blanket with a cup of tea and just sleep until he feels calm again. But he can’t—not here, not in L.A. 
He needs to get out of the house—well, their house—and walk, sweat it out. He misses London.

Somehow, he ends up in the park. He searches for the pond where he and Dexter used to sit and read their books, and when he finds it, he slumps against the nearest tree.

Alex closes his eyes for a few minutes, trying to piece together how he went from saving Ivy to screaming at her, to storming out of the house. 
He knows the answer. He just doesn’t like the feeling that comes with admitting it.

He lets the sounds of the birds singing and the wind rustling through the leaves wash over him, and for a brief moment, he wonders if he can find some comfort in L.A.—even without the blanket and tea.

Then his peace is shattered by a voice he wasn’t exactly thrilled to hear right now.

“Dex told me I’d find you here.”

When Alex cracks an eye open, he immediately shuts it again with a groan. “Dex needs to learn to keep his mouth shut.”

“Hey, don’t talk about my man like that,” Mason teases, his face serious for five seconds before breaking into laughter.

Mason’s laugh is contagious, and Alex can’t help but join in, though his chuckle is weaker.

Once he catches his breath, Mason nudges Alex’s shin with his foot, signaling that he’s about to sit next to him. 
Alex scoots over a bit, and when Mason settles, he braces himself for the lecture.

Except it never comes.

Instead, Mason lies back, eyes fixed on the sky, humming softly. Alex is confused.

“So…” Alex draws out.

“Mhm?”

“Mace, come on, just say it.”

“Say what?”

“Whatever it is you came here to talk about.”

“I came here because you’re angry. Also, because Tyler was about to break something, so I promised I’d bring you back. You’re my friend too, and if you want to talk, I’ll listen, but I can also sit here and not say a word if that’s what you need.”

Alex had been sure Mason would lecture him about his behavior. He knows that if it came down to choosing between him and Ivy, the guys would pick her in a heartbeat. 
It’s overwhelming.

“Thanks. For finding me.”

Mason glances at the sky, his lips twitching slightly.

“You’re handsome. That’s the only reason I’m here.”

Alex snorts and shakes his head. “Always making me feel special, mate. Thanks.”

“So?” Mason asks again.

“So?”

“Do you want to talk?”

“Not really,” Alex sighs. He had almost forgotten about it.

“How about I say something?”

Alex eyes him suspiciously. “Thought you weren’t here to talk?”