Page 12 of Between Regrets and Promises (Between Us Trilogy #2)

Lennon arches a brow. “Just one of the guys. Seeing where he’s at.”

“And that’s it?” Lennon asks, almost suspicious of our friendship.

“Yes, we’re just friends. And I’m not just saying that. What we have is strictly platonic.” I make eye contact with Lennon, and she backs off.

“Is he hot?” Maddie asks.

“Oh my God, Mads. You act like you’re in heat.” I let out a chuckle, but it trails off when Mason, Brandon, and Hunter walk through the door. The three of them look like superheroes coming to save the day in their tight T-shirts that leave no room for imagination.

Lennon waves when she makes eye contact with Brandon. He seems to glide across the room toward her and doesn’t stop until their lips smack together. Brandon slides into the booth next to her, and Mason and Hunter go to the bar. Neither says hello.

“What crawled up their asses and died?” Maddie grunts, and I snort.

“This is my little sister, Maddie,” Lennon introduces her to Brandon.

“Nice to finally meet you in person.” He glances at me and Maddie, then back at Lennon. “They were right, babe. You really might be adopted.”

Lennon slaps him on the arm, and I snort.

“You told him about that?” I ask.

We used to tease her when we were kids because she was the only blond in a family of brunettes.

One time, she cried about it, and Mom took me to the side and told me to stop saying it.

Our grandma had blond hair, and Lennon looks just like her, so there’s zero doubt about her being my sister, but she always felt left out.

“He knows everything about me,” she says, leaning into him for a kiss.

“You two are gross,” I tease just as Mason and Hunter walk up with their drinks.

Hunter eyes Maddie, and she gives him a smoldering grin. Lennon looks like she’s about to combust as she narrows her eyes at him.

“And who’s this?” Hunter asks, and I snicker, knowing how he loves to get under Lennon’s skin.

“My little sister, Maddie. She’s off-limits, so don’t even think about it.” She stresses every word. “This is Hunter and Mason,” she continues, waving her hand out toward them.

“Hi, boys,” Maddie says, and Lennon gives her the look.

Mason glances at me, and for a split second, it feels like time freezes.

His eyes meet mine, and I open my mouth to say something, but he looks away before I can speak.

Awkwardness streams between us, and I’m happy when Brandon changes the subject, pulling the attention away before anyone notices the tension.

“Hey, Sophie. What’s up?” Hunter nearly finishes his beer in one pull.

“Hey, how are you?” I ask, being polite.

He shrugs and gives me a smirk. “Just dealing with your sister who’s a pain in my ass.”

Lennon scoffs. “Excuse you? You’re a pain in my ass.” Brandon chuckles and wraps his arm around Lennon.

“Hey, Mason.” I guess I’m going to be the one who tries to hold a civil conversation.

“Hey,” he says dryly, then focuses on chugging his beer until the bottle is empty.

He doesn’t say another word to me, not even shitty small talk.

I’m half-tempted to call him out and ask him what the hell his problem is, but I bite my tongue instead.

Just friends, right? I repeat it over and over in my head.

Hunter looks just as uncomfortable as Mason, and Maddie notices. She leans over and whispers in my ear. “They always this awkward?”

“I need a drink,” I finally say, letting out a huff. I stand, and Maddie follows me as I head to the bar.

She flashes a big cheesy grin. “Gonna buy me a drink now?”

“Hell no,” I say with a glare.

“You are literally no fun. Lennon would’ve gotten me a drink.” She’s trying to guilt me, but I know better. Lennon wouldn’t dare do that, and no amount of Maddie trying to play us against each other will work. “Then go ask her,” I say, then order a double shot of tequila.

“You know you’re not supposed to call my bluff!” She smirks as my shot is placed on the counter. I pay and shoot it down quickly, allowing it to burn.

“I’ll just live vicariously through you.” Maddie grins, sitting on the barstool, and I take the one next to her so I can clear my head.

“So…” She draws out. “You and Mason got something going on?”

I narrow my eyes. “Why would you think that?”

She shrugs. “Just the way you talk to each other.”

“We barely exchanged three words.” I roll my eyes and order another drink, and she gets water.

“Mmhmm. Whatever you say, big sis. But your face gives you away every single time.”

I take the second shot and try to ignore her, but I can’t believe she figured it out within the first two minutes of seeing him.

It makes me wonder if Lennon knows and is just ignoring it.

Or maybe she’s too preoccupied with Brandon to notice.

I look at Maddie who’s giving googly eyes to the bartender. The girl is relentless.

“Guess we should get back to all the fun. I think I’m good now,” I speak up, breaking her away.

“Drunk Sophie is my favorite!” Maddie claps, and I laugh. “I’m sure she’s Mason’s favorite too.”

“I’m gonna ship you back to Utah if you don’t stop,” I warn.

She giggles and nearly skips back to the table. “Nope! You’re stuck with me for at least four more years.”

“Lucky me,” I tease with a smile, hoping she doesn’t make it awkward when we get back to the group, but I’m sure she will.

I should’ve ordered ten more drinks because dealing with Mason when he’s in one of his moods is hell.