Friend Or What?
Ellen's heart sank further when she saw Aubrey step out of the restaurant a moment later, coming to stand beside Mason. Her posture was confident, with one hand resting casually on her hip as she glanced between Ellen and Edrick, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Ellen couldn't shake the feeling that the atmosphere had suddenly become even more uncomfortable, like a string pulled too tight, ready to snap at any moment. Or was it just her? She glanced at Edrick, who still held her grocery bags, his expression shifting from curiosity to something more guarded. He seemed to sense the change in the air as well, though his calm demeanor remained unchanged.
Ellen knew she had to say something, anything, to break the awkward silence that had settled over them. Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile onto her face and spoke first. "Hi, Mason. Aubrey," she said, trying to keep her tone light and casual, though her voice wavered just a bit.