A bet that changed their lives

Part 18 - Off to McLaren\'s

Mason rang the doorbell, patiently waiting for someone to open the door. A visit to Aunt Debbie had distracted him, sure, but not the way he had imagined. Seeing his brother there had made him angry, livid even. But right now, standing in front of an ordinary looking door, he was a bit calm, better even. "You must be Mason?" He saw a young girl ask him. Wait, when did this door open? He needed to get his mind straight. First impression and stuff, after all.

"Uh... Yes, Mason."

"Why did you take so long to answer? Why did you hesitate? Are you really Mason? Who are you?" Brooke now stood with arms akimbo, with a frown on her face. She wasn't going to just let anyone enter their apartment.

"Brookie, who is it?" Susan asked from the kitchen.

"Don't know, mom, I am confirming." She then addressed him again. "You, mister, identify yourself. Prove that you're Mason."

"I am Mason, Mason Smith. Lana and Arya's friend, from The Jones. Co."

"Mason! On time, man! What was taking you so long? Why are you still at the door?" Lana asked as she exited Brooke and Arya's room and walked towards the door. Brooke's eyes widened at the realisation and was about to silently escape from the place when Mason responded with a smile, "Because of this young lady here."

"Hahaha! Brooke, let him in. He means no harm," Lana smiled as Brooke opened the door wide enough for him to enter, a bit embarrassed.

"You look good," Mason complimented. "You don't look bad yourself," Lana teased and he chuckled. "Where's Arya?"

"Lana, I think I am going to change... The dress is too sh..." Arya stopped mid-way when she happened to glance at Mason, whose gaze was stuck on her. She awkwardly stood there, fervently wishing for Mason to snap out of whatever trance he was in.

"Hello, anyone there?" Mason was brought out of his daze when he felt tap on his forehead. "Yeah... Yeah, I am here. Sorry I zoned out," and he brushed away Lana's hand. "You look beautiful, Arya," he managed to say without stuttering. Beautiful was an understatement. Arya looked breathtaking. Heck, he almost forgot to breathe when he saw her! Her hair was thankfully free of the confines of her bun, she looked different... and his massive crush on her might just burst into fireworks tonight.

"Thanks," Arya gave a nervous smile as she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Mason control his urge to smile at her behaviour. Typical Arya.

"Okay, guys, we need to leave. It's time to have some fun!" Lana squealed as she hurriedly gestured them to get moving.

"Wait, wait. I need to click a picture of you three and then one with Brooke before you step out," Susan immediately readied herself with a camera. As the trio prepared to pose, Arya informed her aunt that they will be crashing at Lana's place and she will be coming home the next day.

Once the photos were clicked and Susan asked them all to care, the trio was soon out of the apartment and in Mason's car, with Lana seated in the front seat and Arya occupying the backseat, much to Mason's chagrin. He was hoping to have Arya seated right next to him. Wishful thinking on his part. He masked his disappointment pretty well as he focused on the road, stealing a few glances at Arya. He could feel his resolve weaken, his feelings for her resurfacing with too much force. He feared that he might not be able to control himself, contain what he had kept buried all these months. He desired to gather her in his arms and kiss her senseless, confess his feelings and even propose marriage to her if he could, but he knew all too well that this would make Arya run for the hills. Heck, she might never even come back, or allow him in her life. Ever again. And he couldn't risk that happening. Someone had right said, patience was a virtue.

***

"What was that about?" Derek asked as Mason left in a huff, banging the door shut on his way out.

"I am as clueless as you. I think these brothers are yet to even scratch the surface of whatever underlying issues they have. You three are not going to let me live in peace," Deborah complained, as she pressed her forehead and shook her head.

"Hey, what did I do! It's Mark and Mason's fault," Derek retorted as he picked up his wallet and mobile phone.

"You are equally responsible for my headaches. Now go you both, let this old woman have a peaceful evening."

"Oh Debbie Aunty, you worry too much. We are working on our issues," Mark responded as he picked up his car keys and added, "We have to leave now. I am taking my car. Aunt, do not miss us much!"

"Drive safe, boys! And don't drink too much. You have to drive back home!" Deborah shouted after them.

Giving her a quick wave, the duo got out of the house and settled themselves in Mark's car. "Finally some strong spirits and pretty girls to call it a night. Can't wait to see the crowd tonight at McLaren's. Let's go!" Mark exclaimed as he started his car. Derek laughed at his friend's behaviour, his thoughts soon wandering to what Mason had said before leaving. He was going to the same club with his friends. Were those his office friends? He had known that Mason was spending a lot of time with Arya and Lana. It seemed that he didn't have any friend other than these two. Would that mean Arya would be there too? He was excited at the prospect of meeting her but tried hard to not get his hopes high. He didn't want to be disappointed on such a night when he was in a good mood. Nevertheless, that didn't stop him from strongly hoping that Arya would be there.