Mason Walton

A knock on my door made me look at the hardwood with a raised brow. I didn't have any appointments scheduled for the day and I gave Elsa the rest of the day off, but then again, I wasn't sure she already left.

"Come in?"

The door pushed open and Noah stepped in with a smile.

"Hi, Elsa said you were alone so I thought I'd come to see you before we leave."

"Noah! How are you?" I smiled at him and shook his hand before motioning for him to take a seat. "Want a drink?"

"Oh, no thank you, Mason. Too early for that." He chuckled "How are you?"

"I'm alive and well thank you." I leaned back into my chair setting the pen on top of the file I was reviewing.

"So, how are things with Elsa?"

"Great actually, we're going to lunch, and since tomorrow we both have the day off, we've booked a lodge at Adam's Grandpa's resort. Elsa showed me pictures and it's pretty romantic."

I smiled with a nod, "You'll love that place. I'm happy for both of you. You both deserve the best in this world."

"So do you Mason... so do you." He paused and let out a sigh "Don't settle for less. Follow your heart, Mason."

I laughed shaking my head "Are you fucking serious Noah? I followed my heart and we both know where that led me. I'm playing it safe now, and I have a date tonight. I'm happy."

"I know about Eloise, I saw a picture of you online. I'm not sure who posted it. But are you really happy? Coz it's never too late to go after what you really want."

He was starting to rile me up. I took a deep breath and met his eyes "Noah, it's been two months for god's sake! I went to Boston ten times since that night and I never saw her there. It was always her co-assistant filling for her. It's obvious she doesn't want me, and don't tell me to talk to her! I've tried man! God knows how many times I tried."

"I know, but she loves you and she's miserable... I know it was her choice and I know she pushed you away, but seeing you both so distraught kills me. I just feel like I need to bring you back together..."

"Don't bother Noah. She made her choice. I'm white, she doesn't want a white man. She speaks about racism and how much she was bullied, but rejecting me is racism. She should see someone for her own good Noah, help her. Not me. I'm happy with Eloise, she's nice, beautiful, and cares for me."

"But you don't love her." He whispered looking at me as he got on his feet. "You'll never be truly happy with her. You'll always think about those little stolen moments with Kat, you'll always think about that night... She's the one you love."

I watched Noah as he left the building with Elsa on his arm. They seemed so close, so smitten and taken with each other and I wonder if Kat and I used to look like that? But Kat was never my girlfriend. She only toyed with my feelings when she knew well what she meant to me.

I went back to my desk and tried finishing my work but I couldn't. I kept thinking about Noah's words. He was right about Eloise, I wasn't truly happy. But I was safe, I had no feelings for her. Maybe I was being selfish but I knew that she couldn't hurt me. She could break up with me now and I wouldn't be angry at all. Does that make me a dick?

I pushed the file into my drawer with other important documents before locking it and turning off my computer. I took my jacket, phone, and keys and walked out of my office. I was waiting for the elevator when I felt Adam's presence by my side.

"Leaving so early?"

"I'm going to check on a site." I looked at him and rolled my eyes "Scratch that, I'm not. I just don't feel focused enough today."

Adam laughed and nodded "I'm not your boss Mason. We ran this company together, you don't have to take my permission when you need to breathe."

"I know, but I hate disappointing you."

"You're not. I'm happy with your work, and you've proven to me and to your dad that you can do it. And you can be responsible when you want to. He's delighted with your work. I showed him most of the blueprints the other day when he came by. You should have seen the pride in his eyes."

"Thank you, Adam, I really needed to hear that."

Adam patted my back and we both stepped inside the elevator "Don't doubt yourself, Mason. And if it's about Katrina, remember what you used to tell me about Lena."

I frowned trying to remember but couldn't. I knew I told him to come to her graduation, and I suggested he came back after all these years when she was dating that stupid prick, but I couldn't remember what I told him exactly.

"Don't you wonder what might happen if you try harder?"

I looked at him and nodded. I used to tell him that, but I knew my sister was in love with him. I wasn't sure Kat was though, and it made it difficult to think like that.

"You also once told me that true love is to love fully and never let go."

I chuckled "I guess I was into poetry and quotes at the time."

Adam laughed and followed me out into the parking lot, "Maybe you were, but it's what kept me going." He unlocked his car and before climbing in he glanced at me, "What are your plans for the night? Come and have dinner with us. It's been a while."

"I'm going to the club with the gang."

"And?"

He knew me too well, "And Eloise."

He scoffed "Well enjoy!" He got into his car and left me staring after him for a few minutes before my mind registered my orders to get into my car and leave.

I drove around the city aimlessly for a couple of hours before I stopped and found myself in Kat's parents' neighborhood. With a groan, I took a left turn getting out of there and back to the road leading to my apartment.

Once there, I texted Eloise.

MW: Hi, meet me at the club tonight. I'm not driving.

I tossed my phone on the bed before she could reply and stepped under the hot water. I stayed in there for at least an hour, lost in thoughts. I was sure of what I wanted to do, how I wanted to deal with Kat, but now... it was nothing but blurred thoughts going wild in my mind. I had to stop thinking about her, I had to stop wishing it went down any other way.

I put on comfy black jeans along with a black t-shirt hugging my biceps before tossing my leather jacket on top and grabbing my helmet from my walk-in closet. It was freezing outside as it was early December, but I felt like riding my Ducati instead of driving. It was a crazy thing to do, especially if the roads were slippery but nothing would take my mind off of everything better than my bike.

I looked at my black 2012 Ducati 848, admiring its beauty before whispering "You better not kill me tonight." I chuckled nervously and climbed on top. I loved this bike more than the newer models, this one fits me just fine, and I wouldn't change it for the world.

I tried driving it slowly, but once on the highway, I couldn't stop myself from going faster and feeling as free as the wind. It was a wonder I made it in one piece at the club. The valet stared at me like I was a lunatic as he took my keys to park my bike in the VIP area. Maybe he's right, I am a lunatic.

It didn't take me long to spot Jason, Tara, Johnny D with Kayra, and Eloise all sitting in a booth at the far end. I ordered a drink and joined them. They all greeted me happy I finally made it, and Eloise leaned in to kiss me but I gave her my cheek. I didn't mind public display with Kat before, but with her, it felt weird.

"What took you so long baby?"

"I was busy." I glanced at Jason who squint his eyes at me knowing I was lying. I ignored him and looked at Kayra meeting her eyes. I frowned as she gave me this worried look. I let out an exasperated sigh and downed my drink before taking Eloise to the dance floor. She moved her body against mine in a way that would set any man on fire, but I wasn't fully there. I was only there physically, and she soon noticed since she gave up and left me on the dance floor and went back to our booth.

I slipped inside the booth next to her and put my arm behind her. Kayra and Johnny D were dancing, Tara was on her phone smiling at something she showed Eloise and they both started giggling and whispering.

Jason came to sit next to me and whispered shouted "What the hell are you doing bro?"

"What do you mean?"

"Why are you with her? Even your mom said she didn't feel the chemistry between you, and she's the one that arranged the whole thing!"

I shrugged looking at the dancing crowd. I saw a girl that reminded me a lot of Kat. She was dancing in a slutty way and it angered me. Just the thought of Kat dancing like that with a man angered me.

"She's killing me, Jace. I have no choice but to get past her."

"But that's not the way. It's not working, you'll end up hurting Eloise and she doesn't deserve that."

"You're right." I looked at Eloise who smiled at me and leaned into me way too fast managing to kiss me on the lips. Kat's judging eyes appeared in my mind and I immediately pulled away.

"I have to go... I'm sorry. I can't do this!" I urged Jason to move so I could leave.

I hastily took my bike from the valet and was about to drive off when he stopped me.

"Mr. Walton, it might snow, I suggest you take a cab?"

"I'm not going far, Tony. Thanks."

I put on my helmet and drove off knowing what I had to do. I had to fight for Kat, I loved her, and I won't let her destroy what we had. I knew she was home this weekend thanks to a little birdie that couldn't keep her mouth shut. Elsa was babbling about having breakfast with Kat this morning, and how their relationship changed from hostile to friendly.

I was happy for her, but kind of jealous. I never stopped her from talking about Kat, even if it hurt I loved hearing about her. Making sure she was alright. It started snowing lightly just as I entered Forest Hill in Queens. I was trying to slow down but the road had become too slippery and my bike swerved hitting a light post. I was sent flying off my bike and hit my head on the ground.

My eyes drooped closed and all I could feel was plunging into darkness.