"Unbelievable, I think you stole my friend. It was always me who brought her magical hangover remedies," Mason says, crossing his arms as if nothing had happened last night.
"Well, you see, I'm adorable. It was impossible for it not to happen," I reply, lying back down.
"You have to sleep for that hour for it to take effect. Actually, I think I'll do the same. I still feel sleepy. I'm sorry for lying on top of you like Sarah said. She's not aware of what she's saying," Mason says, blushing, as he lies down next to me, both of us staring at the ceiling of the room.
"Don't worry, it's fine," I reply, closing my eyes.
I try to find a comfortable position to sleep, but nothing seems to work. I turn around and face away from Mason. I hear him say something that I don't quite understand until I feel his fingers in my hair.
"This usually relaxes a lot," he says, moving his fingers through my hair, causing me to involuntarily moan from how good it feels.
"I'm sorry," I say with a tired voice as I yawn.
"Just let yourself go and sleep. I'll be here making sure it doesn't go over an hour," he says, and I can't reply as sleep takes over me.
That's how I fall asleep without realizing how nice it is to have your hair stroked just because.
After sleeping, I feel great. I think what Sarah prepared for me really helps with the hangover. I need to know what it contains.
The rest of the day, we spend it on the terrace. I remember when Mason woke me up, hoping to find out if I remembered anything from the previous night, but being the good actress that I am, I told him I didn't even remember how I ended up in bed. I think I saw a hint of disappointment in his eyes, but it might just be my imagination thinking I saw something that isn't true.
Our relationship continues as before, as if nothing had happened the night before. However, internally, it's not the same. I'm sure it will be difficult for me to fully be myself around Mason again. My heart is hurt, and he doesn't even know that he hurt me over something so simple.
Last night our friends will be staying at our house, and the guys surprise us by saying that they will take care of dinner, so the girls and I settle on the terrace to have a drink while they handle the rest.
"I'm afraid to leave them alone in the kitchen," I say as I drink a beer.
"Don't worry, Ethan has cooked before, and he can handle it. It's not like he cooks like a chef, but what he makes is edible," Sarah reassures me.
"Then let's have dinner tonight, ladies," Riley says, laughing.
"I hope so," I say quietly.
"Has Mason never cooked for you? That's strange. He likes cooking, especially for a woman," she says, raising and lowering her eyebrows quickly.
"I haven't had the opportunity," Mason responds, joining us on the terrace.
"You better get on it, dear," Sarah says sternly.
"Well, I came to ask if the beautiful ladies will be having dinner here or inside," my husband asks, kissing my cheek.
"I think inside," Riley says. "Of course, if everyone agrees."
I nod, and Sarah does the same. Mason returns to the kitchen, and we continue our girl talk. Riley shares most of the anecdotes; it's incredible everything this girl has been through.
Finally, dinner is ready. I stand up to prepare the table, but I'm surprised to find that the guys have everything ready.
"Where do you find guys like these? Damn, I need one of these," Riley says, pointing at Ethan and Mason, who are helping us with the chairs.
"I think we're lucky with Paige," Sarah replies, raising her glass in my direction.
"If you want, I can introduce you to a cousin who's single and a gentleman like me, although not as handsome, of course," he says, pointing to himself, causing all of us to laugh.
"How modest," I say, smiling.
"Let's eat before it gets cold," my husband says.
He takes my plate and brings it closer to the table to serve me. I can't help but sigh at the gesture, although I try not to let anyone notice. I'm really going to end up in a mess with this three-year marriage because of these little things Mason does. He has no idea what it does to my heart.
We eat amidst laughter. The dinner is delicious; I think these guys cook better than me. We devour everything they prepared, and I must say there was quite a lot of food. I eat until I feel like I'm about to burst.
It's time to go to bed, and I go straight to the bathroom to brush my teeth. Tonight, we won't stay up all night like the previous night, although we do go to bed a little late. After finishing brushing my teeth, I go to the closet to get my pajamas. When I return to the room, I see that Mason is already lying down. He has a book in his hand, and that surprises me because I've never seen him read.
As I approach, I realize that he's reading my book. I quickly take it from his hands. I've never liked it when someone reads the same book as me; I feel like they will laugh at my reading preferences, and that embarrasses me.
"I would appreciate it if you didn't mess with my books," I say, blushing.
"What's wrong with wanting to read what you read?" he asks, confused by my reaction.
"I don't like people knowing what I read. If you want, when I finish it, you can read it," I say, giving in to my earlier bad attitude.
"Okay, I understand," he replies, raising his hands in surrender.
"Goodnight," I say, turning my back and placing my book on my bedside table.
I keep my eyes closed, trying to fall asleep, or at least that's what I attempt until Mason wakes me up with a sentence that leaves me in shock.
"I'm sorry for lying on top of you last night. I think the alcohol made me see things that aren't real. Goodnight," he says, that's all he says.
I wish I could turn around and ask him to explain what he means by the alcohol making us see things that aren't real. I need to know what he's referring to. Now I can't sleep because of this, great. If I had more courage, I would do it, but I'm not like that. I couldn't ask for an explanation, even though I'm dying to know.