Chapter 69

Nadine 

“Mason and I are just friends with benefits,” Sydney says casually as she strides toward the kitchen.  

I sit on the couch, watching as she opens the refrigerator, scanning its contents. She grabs a bottle of water and then closes the fridge with a soft thud.  

She walks back over and hands me the bottle. My eyes stay fixed on her the entire time. Noticing my gaze, she tilts her head and asks, “What is it?”  

I take the water from her, my fingers brushing lightly against hers. My mind is still trying to process what she just said.  

“So, that’s why you were so quick to brush him off?” I ask, finally finding my voice.  

Sydney shrugs, completely unfazed. “Exactly. I wasn’t ready for anything serious, and he was starting to get attached.”  

I take a slow sip of water, letting her words settle in. “And what about Ethan? You seemed pretty familiar with him.