Web Of Secrets

CHAPTER.5

Mason walked into their apartment harboring lots of emotions within him. Julie looked up from the couch with worry on her face. “How was the dinner?” she asked.

Mason paused, then forced a smile." It was good. We just talked about work and stuff.”

Julie scrutinized him, suspecting something odd." Has something happened? You appear distracted.”

Mason shook his head rapidly. “No, I'm just tired. Long day, you know?”

“Okay, if you say so.” Julie nodded, but still troubled within her.

He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. “I need to take a shower and head to bed.”

Mason's thoughts replayed the events of the evening as the hot water flowed over him. Desmond's kiss and confession were too much for him. He couldn't ignore the spark he felt, but what could that be? He adores Julie so much and doesn't wish to hurt her. She has been his rock through everything. The kiss triggered something he never expected and wasn't ready to tackle.

After the shower, he went into bed next to Julie. She moved closer to him, and her warmth provided a soothing counterpoint to his internal anguish.

“Good night Mason,” Julie muttered.

Good night Julie, Mason said with his voice filled with anxiety.

After Julie had gone asleep, Mason remained awake for a long time. His phone vibrated, and he noticed it was a text from Desmond.

Desmond: I hope I didn't complicate things for you tonight. I simply wanted to be honest. Sleep well, my dear.

Mason focused on the message for a while. His thumb moved over the screen trying to type a response but deleted it. He was unable to find the perfect words. Finally, he decided to deal with it in the morning, and he laid down his phone.

Mason tried to concentrate on his job the next morning, but his thoughts kept returning to Desmond. Desmond seemed pleasant and professional, but there was this level of tension among them. An unusual bond that hovered in the air.

Desmond approached him during lunch. “ Hey, can we talk?”

Mason nodded, “Sure.” He followed him to a quiet corner of the break room. “What's up?”

Desmond looked at him intently." I would like to apologize if I overstepped last night. It wasn't my wish to make you uncomfortable."

Mason sighed. “It's okay Desmond. It was just unexpected.”

“I understand, I can't keep my feelings to myself any longer,” Desmond replied in a quiet voice.

Mason's face was filled with mixed emotions. “I need time to comprehend this. I am with Julie, and she means everything to me. The remaining part of the day went so fast. Mason returned home, trying to appear normal. Julie greeted him with a warm smile and they began their normal night routine. As they were watching the television, Mason's phone vibrated again, and he saw another message from Desmond.

Desmond: Just checking up on you. I hope you are doing fine.

Mason put his phone away hastily, but Julie saw his movement.

“Who is texting you?” Julie asked.

Mason, trying to appear less troubled, replied. “Just Desmond. Work stuff.”

Julie widened her eyes. “Work stuff this late?”

“Yeah, he is a bit of a workaholic,” Mason said, trying to force a fake laugh.

Julie appeared to accept what he said, and they went to bed. In the middle of the night, Mason's phone buzzed again, but this time, Julie's curiosity was taking over her. She stirred and reached for it.

“ It's late Mason, why is Desmond texting you now?”

Mason's pulse raced as he grabbed the phone from her. “Go back to sleep, I will handle it.”

“Is everything okay? Mason.” Julie asked, looking at him with distrust building in her eyes.

“Yes, just go back to sleep my dear,” Mason said, his voice shaking.

As Julie turned to sleep, Mason read Desmond's last message.

Desmond: I can't stop thinking about you. Hope to see you soon.

Julie faked to be sleeping but remained awake. She couldn't hide the feeling that something was wrong.