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Chapter Twenty-Nine
As soon as Penelope opened the door and handed Sophie a wineglass, Sophie burst into tears.
Penelope frowned and ushered her inside, closing the door behind her.
Evan was in their living room, and through her tears, Sophie saw his expression widen in surprise. Penelope made some gestures and Evan stood. The old Evan that had been a wild, manwhoring jerk-off would have gotten the hell out of dodge, but this new Evan scowled and came over to her.
He grasped her arm as Penelope said, “Evan, no.”
He ignored her and turned Sophie to him. He pulled her close and patted her back. “Did he hurt you, Soph? Do we have to take him out, Donovan style?”
Sophie laughed through her tears and shook her head. “No. He’s perfect.”
“Ahhh . . . I see.” He pulled back and rubbed a brisk path up and down her arms. “Chin up. These things have a way of working out.”
She doubted that, but her throat was too tight to speak.
Penelope smiled at her husband and tilted her head toward the staircase. “I’ll take it from here.”
He nodded and walked upstairs.
Sophie sputtered, “I-I’m s-sorry.”
“Shhhh . . . None of that.” Penelope walked her over to the couch. “Sit down, I’ll go grab the bottle.”
She hurried off and Sophie texted Ryder. I’m here.
Thirty seconds later: Good. In the middle of a work thing, I’ll call you at eleven.
Okay.She could barely wait.
Penelope returned with the wine, joined her on the couch, and got right to the point. “I thought things were better.”
She looked into her glass, the dark red color that clung to the sides as it swirled. “I’m in love with him.”
“Of course you are. I’ve known you were going to fall for him since the kitchen that night at Maddie’s.”
“Why didn’t you stop me?” she wailed.
Penelope scoffed. “You have never listened to a word I’ve said. Besides, it was time.”
Sophie scowled. “Time?”
“Yeah, time. You’ve been sitting smug on the sidelines long enough.”
Sophie couldn’t help the wry chuckle. “You’re the meanest friend ever.”
“I know.” Penelope clucked her tongue. “And he loves you too.”
“He does.” Sophie bit her lip. “I don’t know what to do.”
“Well, not to get all logical and pragmatic on you, but there are only two options. Break it off and go your separate ways, or stay together and one of you move. Have you talked about it?”
She shook her head. “Wednesday we said we would.” Her eyes filled with tears. “Can I ask you something?”
“Always.”
“What happens if Evan gets a coaching job in another city?”
