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“No,” she grimaced, “we haven’t really talked at all. But, I don’t know, I had this vibe that maybe she liked me. I don’t know. Clearly, it doesn’t matter if she’s going with Trevor to the prom.” She tried not to let the angry tear fall, but it did anyway. Blake put an arm around her shoulder as Mason reached across the table and squeezed her arm.

“Ellie, honey, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

“It’s not like you knew.”

“Yeah, well.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I’ve just never really had a crush like this before.”

“I know,” Mason smiled sweetly. “I’m going to go home and mark this day in my journal.”

Both Ellie and Blake rolled their eyes.

“But in all seriousness, thank you for telling us.”

“Yeah, thanks, Ellie.” Blake’s smile was genuine, and Ellie felt bad they weren’t as close as she and Mason were.I need to work on that.

“Please don’t say anything to anyone. Not Mom or Mama or Chase.” She pointed the last one right at Mason. “Please. Just let me move on from this embarrassment.”

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about, Ellie.”

“I guess the good thing is I didn’t embarrass myself in front of Sadie by asking her out or whatever.”

“You wanted to ask her out?”

Ellie shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve never asked anyone out before.”

Mason and Blake laughed.

“You have plenty of time to figure all this out.” Blake leaned in, kissing the top of her head. “And you know if you have any questions or just need someone to talk to, we’re both here for you.”

“Always,” Mason added.

Ellie leaned into Blake’s embrace, letting her sister hold her tighter. “Thanks.”

Thankfully, the host brought out Blake’s to-go order for her wife and kids as she bid them goodbye. She told Ellie to call or text her anytime, and Ellie made a note to do just that. In the meantime, she and Mason finished up their breakfast before heading outside to Mason’s SUV. Ellie climbed into the passenger side and buckled up. Mason got in on the other side but didn’t start the car the rest of the way.

“Elle?”

“Yeah?”

“For what it’s worth, I wouldn’t give up on Sadie if you’re really interested.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you know how things were for me and Chase. I watched her date and get engaged to someone else before me, and it broke my heart. I didn’t know how to handle my emotions, so I’m here to help you make better decisions than I did. And that’s all I can really say. I made Chase promises too.” Mason winked in an attempt to ease the conversation.

Did Sadie tell Chase that she liked Ellie? Was that what she meant? Had Chase told that to Mason but promised not to say anything? Ellie was just about to start asking questions when Mason shook her head and laughed.

“Nope. That’s all I can say.”

“Fine,” Ellie sulked as Mason pulled out of the parking spot. “You can let me spend the night with you and Chase tonight to make up for it.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing, but we love having you over.”

“Maybe I’ll just move in with you both then.”

“I thought you were moving into the garage?”