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I smile and close my eyes. “Hmm. Maybe one day, Sweet Sophie.”
On the way home, I drift off as the booze takes over. It seems Sophie drives like a bat out of hell because it only takes all of a minute to arrive at my house. She pulls into the driveway and parks. I look over at her, the streetlight casting an orange glow in the car.
“Damn,” I whisper. “You’re so beautiful.”
She tucks her lips inside her mouth. “You’re so wasted.”
I shake my head. “No. You really are. I’ve got a few regrets in life, Soph. But one of my biggest is not being good enough for you.”
Sophie leans her head back against the seat, and her eyes meet mine. There’s disappointment behind them, and while I wish she would say something, I know it’s not the time, not with me in my current state and my lips being way too loose.
“Good night, Mason. You should probably go to bed.”
I suck in a deep breath before reaching for the door handle. “Good night. And thank you.”
She gives me a quizzical look.
“Thanks for coming to my rescue. Hunter and Liam were preoccupied and intoxicated.”
She giggles. “You’re welcome. But next time, try Uber.”
“Nah, there’s no driver out there as pretty as you.” I blink hard and smile, then stumble my way through the front door.
Once I’m inside, I kick off my shoes, then slowly make my way upstairs to my bedroom. Plopping on my bed, I close my eyes, and all I can see is the sad look on Sophie’s face. I wish I could give her exactly what she needs, but I know I can’t because she deserves better than me.
Sophie deserves it all.
Chapter Four
Sophie
It’s been a month since I drove Mason home from the bar. Though we have known each other for at least a year and have history, hearing him say he regrets not being good enough for me that night has replayed on my mind every day, and I can’t seem to shake it. That night, he played me like a fiddle. He knew if he pulled the drunk card, I’d pick him up, and of course I did. Everyone knows to call me if they need a designated driver, even Mason. The next day, Liam totally gave me shit for it, and I was half-tempted to tell him what Mason said, but I kept it to myself. Though Liam can see through me and the way I feel about Mason, I’ve not admitted it because it’s easier to keep those thoughts tucked deep inside.
My phone vibrates on my nightstand, and I reach over and grab it, knowing I need to get out of bed and start practicing. Though I was hired to play in the symphony a year ago, I’m one of the youngest members, so I’m constantly having to prove my worth to those who have been playing as long as I’ve been alive. Unlocking my phone, I see a text from Lennon.
Lennon: Just a sisterly reminder. Don’t forget it’s Mom and Dad’s anniversary today.
I smile, happy Lennon is the important date queen even though I had a reminder programmed in my phone. It’s a big one for them, year number thirty of being married.
Sophie: Calling them is on my list of things to do. :)
Lennon: Awesome! I’m gonna call them later after I finish setting up my classroom and organizing the instruments. We should get together soon too.
Sophie: Totally! Ugh, I have to practice for the next few hours.
Lennon: Good luck!
We say our goodbyes, and I promise to go out with her soon. Lennon recently moved to Sacramento to be with her boyfriend and because she got hired as a music teacher for Hillsong Elementary. My sisters are amazing, and I love how we’ll all be within driving distance from each other soon. Our youngest sister, Maddie, is moving here in a week, and I literally can’t wait. She auditioned for a dance scholarship at Southern California University before she graduated from high school, and right before Christmas, she got the acceptance letter for a full ride. This year, the Corrigan sisters will finally be together again, and I’m so damn happy about it. Maddie is a free spirit, so I have a feeling I’ll be reining her in a lot, especially around Liam. He is one hundred percent her type with that bad boy look and outgoing attitude. I’ve always been the overprotective big sister—it’s a part of who I am and who I’ll always be—but she’s going to keep me on my toes. I already know it.
After I dress, I walk into the kitchen and make a pot of coffee. I’m going to need it to jolt me awake because I have a full day of practice ahead of me. My violin sits in its case by the door, and I set it on the kitchen table, then open it. The coffee finishes brewing, and I pour a cup, then grab the stand and my sheet music while I wait for the steaming liquid to cool. I usually practice while Maria, my roommate, is at her day job so I don’t bother her while I play the same songs over and over until I memorize them. I try to be as considerate as I possibly can when she’s home because I can’t afford to live alone in this city on my salary. It’s the main reason I’ve taken on side jobs like teaching kids how to play piano or violin and performing at weddings and special events with my string quartet.
