A bet that changed their lives

Part 17 - It\'s a Guy Thing

Mason was in a cab on his way home, excited to end the week in such a manner. He couldn't understand this sudden burst of excitement that he felt. He had been to clubs before, hell he even had a McLaren's membership. In fact, he had been out Lana too, and she was just a friend. So, what was different this time? Was it a certain someone with brown eyes? He smiled, yes, it was that certain someone. He couldn't wait to see Arya outside of office hours for the first time in these months. And the same was the case with her. She hadn't seen him outside of the office and thus, he had to be impeccably dressed, because he knew she would be too, courtesy Lana. Who knows, maybe seeing him in a different avatar might make her feel something for him.

***

"Debbie Aunty!! How are you? Did you miss me more than Derek?" Mark walked towards Deborah with open arms, engulfing her in a warm hug. Derek hit him on his head with a file as he shook his head at Mark's words. "Oh Mark I did miss you, more than your friend Derek but less than my son Derek," came her witty response and they both laughed.

"So what is that you wanted to talk about? This boring son of yours here told me you wanted to meet me?"

"Ah yes! But first, I want you both to freshen up, eat something and sit with me. I have planned an interesting menu tonight for you both."

"Ummm... mom, we both plan to go out tonight, to celebrate," Derek sheepishly responded.

"Oh! No problem at all. You deserve to unwind a bit, you both have been too lost in work. But come back here again. Mark, go home tomorrow. So where do you plan to celebrate?"

"Umm... we... we plan to go to Mc....." Mark trailed off.

"Donald's! We plan to go to McDonald's," Derek said whatever came to his mind first, before realising what he ended up saying, his eyes widening a bit at his own stupid response. Mark simply rolled his eyes upon hearing him.

"McDonald's? That burger chain McDonald's? That's good. I didn't know I was talking to two 10-year-olds," Deborah chuckled, catching Derek's lie. She raised her finger when Derek tried to speak, "Not another lie. Go, have your fun at 'McDonald's' but if any of you gets some random stranger home, I will literally kick you out."

"We won't," Derek and Mark replied in unison as the latter soon cheekily added, "We will get lucky out somewhere and then come home." Derek simply shook his head as he tried to control his laughter.

"Oh you did not just say that and no, don't say it's a guy thing!" Deborah admonished him, soon asking them to freshen up and rest before they left for the club.

***

Mason looked at his reflection for the twentieth time. He was wearing a simple grey shirt with denims. He tried to set his hair again, fixing any strand of hair that seemed to be out of place, which wasn't really needed as his hair was already set properly. He was a bit jittery, but in a good way. He wanted to calm himself before he went over to Arya's house to pick up the two girls. He glanced at his watch, it was only 5 o clock. Yes, his nerves had made him so restless, he ended up getting ready too soon. Seeing that he still had two hours left, he decided to meet Aunt Debbie. Maybe she might help to calm him down.

***

"Oh my God, it's Mason! Such a welcome surprise, my boy!" Deborah smiled wholeheartedly as she welcomed him home. "To what do I owe this wonderful pleasure?" She hugged him as she asked.

"Just thought of dropping by, no special reason as such," Mason broke the hug and gave her a peck on the cheek.

"I find it hard to believe. Any way, good that you came today. These two boys are going out. Give me company, tell me how things are, how is your life going, did you find that special someone?"

Mason rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Actually, aunty, I... I can't stay. Even I have to leave. Hey, wait. Two? Who all are going out?"

Just then, Derek stepped out of his room in a white shirt with the top two buttons undone, a pair of dark denims and a casual black blazer.

"Derek, and your brother Mark," Deborah replied.

As if on cue, Mark also exited the guestroom, dressed in a white shirt, casual beige blazer and washed out denims.

Mason tried to stay calm, he didn't want to be under the same roof as Mark. Hell, he tolerated him in the office, wasn't that enough? And Arya wasn't here to keep him distracted or calm. He was brought out of his thoughts when he felt someone place a hand on his shoulder. "You know he is just looking out for you, trying to mend your relationship, right?" He heard Deborah's gentle voice. "It's too little, too late," he answered in a gruff voice. "Now tell me, where are you going?" She tried to change the topic.

"McLaren's, with some friends."

"Oh boy, you too? These guys are also heading there. Why don't you all go together?"

"Sure."

"No!"

Mark and Derek had agreed but Mason's resounding no was enough to make them look at him surprised while Deborah c****d her eyebrow at his behaviour. Even though she was aware of the strained relationship Mason shared with Mark and Derek, she had low tolerance for such behaviour.

"I mean... I mean I have to pick up my friends and then we will be heading over to McLaren's. Let them go alone."

Mark sighed as he ran his hand through his hair. Mason took Deborah's leave and left. She realised that the brothers had a long way to go, but she would be there to mend their relationship.