Page 54 of Disorderly

Chapter Thirty-Six

Katy

“I’m soglad you came tonight. Even if we’re going just as friends.” Mason brushed up against my shoulder as he led me to his car. I gulped, still upset with myself for not believing Deena and Sasha who kept telling me that despite Mason’s reputation as a hookup king at the parties, he had a massive crush on me. But when I agreed to attend tonight’s party yesterday at school, after practice, he’d told me how he felt, letting me know that he already knew I didn’t feel the same way, but it wanted itout in the universe. I didn’t know why that was so important to him, but since I was telling one of my best friends that he’d never be anything more, I went with it. If it made him feel better, then who was I to judge.

With the car doors closed, I expected him to turn on the car, but he didn’t. When I glanced over at him, my heart broke at the pain on his face. Maybe this hadn’t been such a good idea. I could have gotten a ride with someone else after he told me about his feelings. He took my hand, entwining our fingers which made me feel uncomfortable even as some of the lines of tension eased in his muscles. “I really am glad that you are coming tonight. I needed to get out of my house and being with my best friend was just the medicine I needed.”

I cocked my head. This didn’t sound like someone who was hurt over my lack of romantic feelings for him. Instead, it reminded me of how he used to get when his parents fought before they moved. I squeezed his fingers, letting him know without words that I was here for him.

“Mom and dad have been fighting again. Tonight, I found out that they’re getting divorced, and dad wants me to go with him. I don’t want to leave mom, but she’s been different for the past few months and going with dad will get me back playing US football which will make the transition to university easier.” My heart broke. I may not have had romantic feelings for Mason, but he’d been my constant this past year. While Jarrod, Jason, and Peter were in and out between school, work, distance, and just life in general, I’d spent hours each day, five days a week with Mason. There were even some weekend trips as well where they’d played some indoor football games and we, the cheerleaders, had gone as well. And now, after one year, I was going to lose him again.

“I’m going to miss you,” I told him. “This time, we can’t lose contact.” He nodded as I squeezed his hand again. “But I’m happy for you. I know how much football means to you and how lacking our high school system is here. I’m glad that you will get to spend more time doing what you love.”

“Thanks.” He pulled our joined hands up to his lips, kissing the back of my hand before releasing it. “Now that I’ve put a downer on the evening, let’s go party.”

And as much as I really would have preferred to back out, I knew he needed this. He needed a distraction, something to take his mind off everything. So, I plastered a smile on my face. “Yes. Let’s go drink and have fun.”

He snickered. “I almost thought you meant it.” I smacked him. “But I’m glad you’re still willing to come. This way, I won’t be regretting never haven gotten you to go out and party after I’m gone.”

Well, crapola. I had no choice now, even if I’d contemplated backing out… which I hadn’t. I’d told everyone I’d do this, and I would.

Music flooded into the car the moment he shut it off in the designated parking area outside the old barn-turned-party place. I’d heard stories about this place. It was legendary for parties. Danny’s older cousins had converted it years before when they’d been teens, using it as a place to host parties including a yearly New Year’s Eve event that continued to this year. From what I understood, the New Year’s Eve parties were similar to a US homecoming or a school reunion as people from all ages who’d gone to school with any of them came back if they were in the area.

“Wow.”

Mason chuckled as I gawked at the lit-up barn. “It’s something, isn’t it? And this is just a small gathering. Come on. Let’s go have fun.”

And with a nod, I followed him.

Despite the loudness of the music, there was less than a hundred people there, making the area seem larger. The whole middle section was open with soaring ceilings to the roof. Large ceiling fans turned in a lazy circle, cooling the building with the aid of the open doors on all four sides. Staircases led up to the loft areas on both ends where I was informed there were rows of bunk rooms, allowing everyone who drank a safe place to sleep it off. It was one of the reasons why people turned a blind eye to the underage drinking that tended to go on even though many of the seniors were already legal to drink in Manitoba. There’d never been an accident related to alcohol coming from one of these parties. No one could leave if they were driving and had anything more than water or pop. And while it was on the honour system, no one messed with it. There was too much at stake to be the idiot who ruined it for all generations.

“Let me grab you a drink.” Mason held up his hand to stop me from denying him. “I know. Nothing too strong, no beer, and make sure you have a water as well.” I nodded and smiled as he grinned at me. The one thing I told him, and the guys was that I wasn’t interested in getting drunk. Something they’d all agreed with.

I stood alone on the outskirts, waving and acknowledging those who saw me, not brave enough to join in. But then I was tackled from behind as my ears were assaulted with a high-pitched squeal. “You came. I’m so excited. You have to have a drink with me.”

I patted Kailee’s arms, trying to get her to release me. “I did. And Mason’s grabbing me one.”

She released me with a suddenness that I had to swing my arms out to keep me from falling on my face. “You-you came with Mason.”

I shrugged. “Yeah, he asked and he’s my friend.”

The smile on her face reappeared. “So, you’re here as just friends?”

The urge to smack my head had me shoving my hands in my jeans’ pockets. Of course, I should have known. While Kailee was happy to see me, I didn’t rank above her ongoing campaign to get Mason into her bed and as her boyfriend. I almost wanted to tell her that she wouldn’t have long with him since he was leaving, but that was his news to share. Besides, I didn’t want to deal with her inevitable meltdown.

Thankfully, I was saved from having to answer as a plastic glass slid in front of my face. “Your drink, m’lady. And I have your water in my pocket.”

“And here I thought you were excited to see me.” Kailee pouted as stepped up beside me, pushing her way between Mason and me.

“I’m always happy to see you, Kailee. It isn’t a party until you’re here.”

“You’re so sweet.” She fluttered her eyelashes at him as she placed her hand on his forearm while I decided to sip my drink, watching the show in front of me. All I needed was some popcorn because I knew that Kailee was in fine form tonight.

Within minutes, my glass was empty, surprising me. It had tasted so good for punch that I wanted another one. Mason grinned at me when I held out my glass. “Another one?”

“Please.” This time I batted my eyelashes and smiled coyly.

He chuckled as he handed me my water. “Drink that while I grab you another.”

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