Augusta Again (Completed)

11- AA Mr. Schizophrenia

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     "Hi. We have a reservation for Caroline Henderson," Stephanie said to the hostess.

     "Oh yes. Follow me and I'll show you to your table."

     Caroline followed behind Stephanie and the hostess. When they came around a corner she saw Chris and her heart sank. "Um, Steph, what is Chris doing...Mason?"

     The hostess stopped by a table where Chris and Mason sat. "Enjoy your meal," she said after setting out their menus; then she was off.

     Mason's face became pale as he looked between the two women, and Caroline looked at her friend trying to telepathically say, "How could you, and what were you thinking." Chris started joking about how it had been so long since he had seen Stephanie, and the flirting commenced on one end of the table.

     Caroline and Mason on the other end remained silent, with the exception of an occasional nod or grunt of acknowledgement. When Caroline was able to sneak a look at Mason, she saw that he was wearing a deep sea blue shirt that made his blue eyes pop. She inwardly groaned, "Why does he have to be so handsome!"

     They ordered an assortment of small plates to share, and Caroline reached for the scallop spoon only to bump into Mason's hand as he reached for it at the same time.

     "Go ahead," he said as he quickly pulled back his hand, almost as if he had been shocked. Their eyes locked and Caroline wondered if he had felt the same electricity that she had from their touch.

     While they were waiting for the dessert menu Stephanie left for the bathroom. A few minutes later Chris said he needed to be excused to the men's room. Left with only Mason, Caroline looked down at her lap and fiddled with her fingers. She was sure the two left them together on purpose.

     "So why aren't you on a date with your boyfriend?" Mason said, emphasizing the word 'boyfriend.' "Surely you would want him to stay all weekend so you could have more time together." His voice was laced with sarcasm as he spoke.

     "What is wrong with you?"

     "What is wrong with me? Maybe it's the fact that you're being just like some of the bimbos I've dated before who acted like they thought I was wonderful, when in reality they were just using me for my money and status. Oh, and meanwhile they already had a boyfriend that they hid from me."

     "Is that what this is about? You think John is my boyfriend?" she scoffed. "I wasn't lying when I said I wasn't dating anyone. John and I barely even spoke during the whole internship until the next to last day, because apparently he considered me his competition. Then the next day, the day before I left, he decided he'd like to date me. I told him we could get to know each other and see. But I realized I don't like him that way. That's it. And you're one to talk, Mr. Schizophrenia."

     "Well It seemed to be a lot more than just getting to know each other Wednesday night. And what do you mean 'Mr. Schizophrenia?'"

     "I mean you're so hot and cold with me. I never know if I'm going to get the tender, kind, smiling Mason, or the cold, easily angered Mason who avoids me." Mason rolled his eyes and she continued. "And with John, I didn't exactly have an opportunity to set him straight in the middle of my party, did I? But Thursday night, when we went to dinner, I told him that he and I could only be friends...because I'm interested in someone here... or thought I was. There. Are you happy?" Caroline's face heated up when she realized what she had admitted.