Three months later...
Paige narrates:
Only six months of marriage left and the friendship with Mason has become closer and closer. I get very confused about my feelings, which I thought I had forgotten. However, these past few months I am even more confused about how I feel.
Emily has been strange these past few months, not with me, it's with her son who is distant and that has me wondering what happened between them. I have asked Mason and he tells me that nothing has happened, as if I would believe that. I am not stupid, and I am sure that something happened between them.
I've been trying to figure out what happened for months, we haven't been alone with Emily to ask her, at least not in a more private place. The times we see each other we go to the mall or meetings she wants me to attend, for possible investments.
This afternoon I asked her to meet me at my house, Mason has a meeting with Ethan, who has also changed a bit with respect to our friendship, Sarah and Riley are still the same.
The doorbell rings, and it's Emily.
"Hi!" I greet her happily and give her a hug.
"Sweetheart, how are you?" she replies.
"I'm fine. I wanted to talk to you about something. I know you won't lie to me, that's why I asked you to come," I say nervously.
"About what?" she asks, tensing up.
"I've noticed that your relationship hasn't been the same as before for the past few months. I asked Mason about it, but he insists that everything is normal, as always. I would like to understand what happened between you two. Maybe it's not something I should meddle in, but I can't just sit here doing nothing knowing that things have changed between you and him. I'm not blind, and anyone can tell, at least when it's just the two of us, that something is bothering you about Mason. Well, that's all," I finish with a laugh to hide my nervousness while saying all of that.
"Well, I didn't think we would be talking about this when I came here. As you've already noticed, something happened several months ago that made me see my son differently, and I don't think I'll ever see him the same way again. I didn't mention it because I didn't want our relationship to be affected. One day, more than six months ago, I went to his office and found him with a woman. Needless to say, I put her in her place. Since that day, it hasn't been the same with Mason. I made it clear to him that even though our marriage is a contract, I don't agree with him being so brazen to do that, especially in his office. I understand that everyone has their needs, but I don't know... I can't justify what he did. I think he disappointed me as a son. I didn't raise him that way. It hurt me, maybe that's why I'm so upset, even though he didn't even cheat on me," she says, with true pain in her eyes.
"Now I understand your reaction, although I did know about her. I mean, I couldn't go three years without that, you know. I don't justify it. Well, actually, I do. He's not a bad guy, and you know that. Besides, these past few months, he's only been at home. You know that too," I respond nervously.
"Of course, I know. I understand that both of you have your needs; that's normal. It's just that there are ways to do it without it being so obvious, right?" she says, trying to smile.
"I understand what you're saying, and I agree with that," I reply, taking her hand.
After that conversation, we have dinner, discussing Simba's things. Since it became clear to me what happened between them, I haven't wanted to delve into the topic any further. I think it's for the best.
After about two hours, she says goodbye just as Mason arrives. They greet each other, and Emily continues on her way to leave.
"Did you have dinner with my mother?" my husband asks.
"Yes, she told me about what happened between you two, how your relationship has changed. When I say this, Mason stops walking.
"I didn't think she would. I want you to know that since that day, I haven't seen her again, at least until yesterday at dinner. I really think that these last few months we have together, we should travel or do something fun, don't you think?" he asks, excitedly smiling.
"Travel? I can't. Don't forget that I have a job..." I begin to say.
"It was actually Ethan's idea, that we needed some time together. I thought about it a lot, and I think he's right. We can go on a trip for a month or more, depending on what you want," he says nervously.
"You're surprising me with this. I didn't think you would say something like that. I would have to discuss it with Ethan, though. I only have three weeks left to finish my internship and be free," I say, smiling.
"Well, then, there's nothing more to say. We'll wait for the three weeks to pass, and then we'll go on a three-month trip. How does that sound?" he asks, leaving me surprised.
Three months! I feel like it's a long time, and anything can happen when we're alone on a trip.
"I'll think about it and let you know when I finish my internship. I love the idea of traveling and seeing many places. I just have to consider the timing. We only have six months left, and you have to bring me up to speed with my family's business," I remind him.
"Don't worry about that. I can teach you while we travel, and by the time we come back, you'll be more than ready to take on your rightful position," he eagerly replies.
"Maybe that's true, but... alright, let's go on that trip when I finish my work and receive my university degree. Not before," I say, pointing at him with my index finger.
"I assure you, you won't regret it," he responds, embracing me.
His display of affection takes me by surprise. Although he has always been affectionate with me, I feel like this is different. Maybe it's just my imagination, and he's simply finding a way to celebrate the fact that we have little time left together and he can be happy with that woman.