Chapter 21: Talk With A Friend (1)
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“Guess what, I made cupcakes! I hope you like then sweet cause I put in far too much sugar!” Mason said with a cheerful voice as he entered my apartment. He decided to visit me today again, I was already used to him coming over every few weeks. I feel like he’s looking over me, even though I’m the older one of the two.
“Thank you.” I said with a smile as I took the cupcakes he brought.
“So~? How’s the new novel going?” Mason asked me as he entered the apartment and washed his hands before sitting down on the table.
“It’s good, my second one might end up more popular than the first one!” I said with a voice filled with pride. I was super excited for the second book I’m publishing, as a fellow author Mason understood that excitement far too well.
“Ah… even though you started after me, you’re so popular~” Mason complained in a childish voice.
“Haha~ What are you talking about? You’re more popular than I am!” I replied as I served tea on the table.
“Not really… I managed to reach this level after publishing ten books while you did it with one~ Not fair~ Give me some of your popularity~” Mason continued whining then took a small sip of his hot tea. “Ah…”
“What do you think?” I asked with an interested voice.
“It’s good…” Mason smiled as he continued drinking the tea.
“How have things been since I left?” I asked as I began eating the sweets he brought.
“Honestly I got very scared when you left. I couldn’t help but think I’d end up with a no good editor… I had planned to come here and beg for you to come back but when I heard you had became an author yourself I thought it was better for you.” Mason said with a faint smile on his face. His expression looked almost nostalgic.
“How so?” I asked, “I didn’t particularly stand out with any abilies while as an editor…”
“That’s not quite it. I always thought you’d be a great author, since you always made such great edits to my works and gave me many ideas to work with.” Mason praised me as he continued smiling ever so faintly. “I do miss the times we worked together… but it really is for best like this.”
“I think so as well… How about we publish something together? That might be interesting!” I asked with vigor in my voice.
“I’d feel like I’m literally using your fame…” Mason slumped his shoulders.
“It’s fine, it’s fine… It’s all I have anyways…” I said with a self depreciating smile. I didn’t mean to pity myself or anything, it just came out that way.
“Is everything really alright with you? Have you managed to forget him?” Mason asked with a gentle voice, even though he’s a man, he’s so kind and caring it makes me want to cry. Why of all people is this 23 year old kid treating me like a child? I’m already 30 and I still make people around me worry for me…
“I’d like to say I’d forgotten about him…” I muttered quietly.
“Really? I don’t think you need to forget him though…” Mason said as he left his teacup on the table. “Rather than forget, you should cherish the memories, you had some good times, right? There’s nothing wrong with holding them dear… just as long as you don’t forget to move forward and cherish someone else even more than him.”
Sometimes, when Mason speaks like this, I feel like he might be more mature than I am…
“Then would you be willing to date me?” I asked with a smirk on my face. I wasn’t serious of course but I wanted to tease him a bit.
“Lois… It’s no good to make jokes like that… You know I have a boyfriend.” Mason replied with a shy tone.
“How’s Edward then?” Regardless of how mature he acted just several seconds ago, the moment I mention his boyfriend’s name, he turns into mush.
“He’s well… Still in the company, working hard…” Mason blushed profusely.
“Ho~? Is that so… are you really ‘working’ in that office?” I asked with an even bigger grin on my face.
“W-what… Lois… you’ve turned into a real p*****t, you know that?” Mason looked like he’d explode from embarrassment at that moment. I guess that’s just proof his boyfriend’s treating him right.
“I’m just interested… I’m happy for you as well.” I said as I subdued my smile, I really was happy for him. Seeing one of my authors and current closest friend so lively makes me glad we know each other.
“Lois… Would you like me to introduce you to someone?” Mason asked with a serious expression on his face. He quickly regained his composure, I guess he really is an adult now, huh…
“Are you going to play matchmaker with me?” I asked in an interested tone.
“I know a really good guy that definitely fits you, so… I thought I’d ask if you wanted to meet.” Judging by Mason’s expression, he really believes the man he’s going to introduce me to is a good for me.
“If he’s a kid like you, than I’d rather not~” I said in a teasing manner but unlike usual, he didn’t get flustered or anything.
“He’s thirty-three, a bit older than you. I met him at a company dinner, he was one of the guests so he’s not related to Gentleman Corp.” Mason seemed to be reassuring me that I wouldn’t have to meet any of my old colleagues.
“It’s alright… Even if you don’t set me up, I’m sure to find someone eventually.” Is what I said but whether or not I actually believe it, is a whole new story altogether…