Chapter 55

• ~Mason’s POV~
• Unfortunately, I was unable to make it to the wedding of my cousin who recently got hitched. My mother insisted that I attend the get-together that he had invited me to, despite the fact that I had already turned down his invitation. So here I am at the international airport in New York City. I’m thinking of one person, Lola. She walked away without saying anything. I called her a few times to explain that I didn’t know what June was up to and that I wasn’t a part of it. I know she thinks I betrayed her, but I never expected my sister to go so low. I mean, this is Lola. She had been our friend for over 4 years, and my sister ruined everything. Now Lola thinks I was part of it. One of the reasons she wouldn't answer my calls, or so I thought. I haven’t spoken to June since that day, and I have no plans to do so. She squandered my chances with Lola. I like Lola. I waited for years, but my sister took it all away in just one day. I had hoped that she would finally let go of her husband and look at me at least once, and when she did, June happened. With my hand, I brushed my hair back. I feel completely helpless. I don’t even know how to locate her. My ride arrived, and I climbed inside. I then received a phone call from my friend Jiang, who informed me that he had arrived at the party.
• Jiang and I met while I was hiking with my dad, and the guy fell from the top of the mountain, and when we found him, he was in bad shape. The guy was crazy. Who goes for a solo hike in the woods? He fucking thinks this is China. That thought makes me laugh because that’s exactly what I told him when he opened his eyes. He started to act as though he owed me something. So I told him that instead of feeling obligated to me, “Why don’t we just become friends?” And we’ve been friends ever since. The car arrived at the villa, and I met with my aunt outside while she was heading to her home. I haven’t seen Elvis and his wife in three years. Cassie was his girlfriend at the time. She also refers to me as her cousin. Cassie is like a little sister to me. She is wise, unlike my dumpy cousin. Aunt and I exchanged a few greetings, and she invited me to pay her a visit before returning to Ozark. Elvis greeted me; he was with Jiang. He took me to my room and then to the main party. As I was entering the party, I heard a girl talking, and I didn’t like her words.