The next day, Ellen found herself lounging in the living room, flipping through a magazine. She was lost in an article about interior design when the doorbell rang, pulling her back to reality. Setting the magazine aside, she stood up and walked to the door.
When Ellen opened the door, she was greeted by a bright smile from Helga, who immediately pulled her into a warm hug. "Hi, Ellen!" Helga exclaimed, her voice full of genuine friendliness.
"Hi, Helga!" Ellen replied, returning the hug. "Come in, please."
As Helga stepped inside, her eyes widened with admiration. "Wow, this mansion is so beautiful," she commented, looking around at the grand foyer with its marble floors and elegant chandeliers.
Ellen smiled modestly. "Thank you. Please, make yourself comfortable."
They walked further into the house, Helga taking in the luxurious surroundings with an appreciative gaze. "What would you like to drink?" Ellen asked, gesturing towards the kitchen.
"Oh, don’t bother," Helga said, waving her hand casually. "I’m fine, really."
Ellen shook her head with a friendly insistence. "I insist. How about some lemonade?"
"That sounds lovely," Helga agreed with a grateful smile.
Ellen walked to the kitchen, and Helga followed her, continuing to admire the mansion’s interior. As Ellen began preparing the lemonade, Helga leaned against the kitchen island, her eyes still roaming around the room.
"I can’t believe I’m actually inside Mason Coldwell’s mansion," Helga said, her tone a mix of awe and curiosity. "I’ve heard so much about how private his life is."
Ellen paused for a moment, glancing at Helga with interest. "Is that the rumor out there?"
Helga nodded. "Apparently, it’s not just a rumor. At least, that’s what my husband says."
Ellen raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Your husband knows Mason?"
"Yeah," Helga replied, a hint of pride in her voice. "So, Jax, my husband, and Mason, they were high school friends and now they’re business partners. Jax has always said Mason was always quite even back then."
Ellen’s curiosity deepened. She hadn’t known much about Mason’s past or his connections. This was a chance to learn more. "That’s interesting," Ellen said thoughtfully, looking at Helga. "I would love to know more about Mason from your husband."
Helga raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "Why’s that? You make it sound like you don’t know Mason that well."
Ellen fell silent, her expression turning solemn. She didn’t want to reveal too much, but she also didn’t want to lie. Helga noticed the change in Ellen’s demeanor and immediately felt a pang of guilt.
"I’m sorry if it seems like I’m meddling in your business," Helga said softly, her tone apologetic.
Ellen shook her head, offering a weak smile as she handed Helga her drink. "Our relationship is... complicated," she admitted, feeling a weight lift slightly off her shoulders by sharing even this much.
Helga accepted the drink and took a sip. "Thank you," she said sincerely. After a moment of contemplation, she looked at Ellen with a kind smile. "You know, we’re hosting a housewarming party tomorrow night. I would love for you and Mason to come."
Ellen’s mind raced. She really wanted to go to the party, to learn more about Mason through Helga’s husband, and to possibly make some new friends. But she wasn’t sure if Mason would be up for it. Then again, Ellen had made sacrifices to attend Gerald’s birthday party; it seemed only fair for Mason to do the same now.
Helga, who hadn’t received a reply from Ellen, added gently, "It’s okay if you can’t come. I understand."
Ellen quickly snapped out of her thoughts and said, "No, we’ll come." Her enthusiasm was almost too much, and she saw a flicker of surprise in Helga’s eyes. Helga chuckled, her smile widening.
"I’ll look forward to seeing you both," Helga said warmly. "It’ll be nice to have you there."
Ellen returned the smile, though her mind was already spinning with thoughts of the upcoming party. She hoped it would provide the opportunity she needed. "Thank you for the invitation. We’ll be there."
***
After dinner, Ellen took a deep breath and called out to Mason, who was sitting in the living room, flipping through a book. "Mason," she began, her voice steady but carrying a hint of anticipation.
Mason looked up from his book, his expression curious and slightly guarded. "Yes?" he asked, waiting for her to continue.
Ellen walked over to him, her steps measured. "Our new neighbors, the ones who gave us the cake yesterday, have invited us to their housewarming party tomorrow night."
Mason frowned slightly, a crease forming between his brows. "I don’t really like parties," he said, his tone dismissive.
Ellen crossed her arms, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice. "I haven’t even said anything yet. And what kind of nonsense is that? You went to Gerald’s party."
Mason sighed, closing his book. "Gerald is my friend," he replied, his tone indicating that should be explanation enough.
Ellen shook her head, her frustration growing. "Well, they are our neighbors. We need to go, no matter what. It’s the polite thing to do."
Ellen walked to the kitchen, opening the fridge and pulling out the cake that Helga had given them. She placed it on the counter and began cutting a slice. "You’ve already eaten their cake," she pointed out, her voice carrying a playful yet insistent tone.
"What are you going to do if I still don’t want to go?" he asked, his tone challenging.
Ellen turned to face him, holding the plate with the slice of cake. She met his eyes, her expression determined. "I’ll drag you there if I have to," she said, half-joking but with a steely resolve.
Ellen walked over to him, offering the plate with the cake. "Look, it’s just one evening. It won’t hurt you."
Mason watched her for a moment, then sighed. "Fine," he said, his tone resigned. "We’ll go."
Ellen’s face lit up with happiness. "Really? Yes!" she exclaimed, totally excited.
The party could be an opportunity for Ellen to dig more about Mason. Who knows if she might get some useful information that will help her understand him better?