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When I close my eyes, the only person I see is Sophie. Just knowing she’s downstairs has me wanting to get out of bed and go to her, talk to her, open myself up and let my emotions bleed out with no consequences, but it would be pointless. Maybe looking for love on one of those stupid apps would be the best thing for her, after all. I’m gonna have to accept that she’ll meet guys and not interfere, regardless of how I really feel.
Chapter Eight
Sophie
SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE FIGHT
It’s hard to believe Lennon could basically go into labor anytime now. I’m over-the-moon excited to be an aunt for the first time and can’t wait to hold that sweet precious miracle. The days aren’t passing fast enough, and Lennon agrees. She’s ready to burst and complains daily about how she’s sick of being pregnant.
My phone buzzes and pulls me away from my thoughts as I pack up my violin. This weekend is the last performance of the Christmas program, and we’ll be playing all the classics. Most members of the orchestra are busy during this time of year, so our director agreed to change rehearsals to twice a week instead of our typical schedule. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I unlock it and smirk when I see a text from Liam.
Liam: Any luck on that stupid dating app?
I chuckle, knowing he’s used the same one in the past. He’s been ragging me ever since I downloaded it, but I blame Maddie.
Sophie: Hardly. Every date I’ve been on has sucked. If you can even call them dates.
Liam: Thinking about trying it again. Might help me expand my pussy portfolio.
Sophie: You’re absolutely disgusting.
I can just imagine the smug look on his face, and it has me shaking my head. Honestly, I’m ready to give up on this app and dating in general, but I’m trying. Maddie forced me to give it a chance because it’s more than obvious Mason isn’t interested. Instead of continuing to get my hopes up, I knew it was time to move on. I’ve been on a few really awkward dates, a couple of shitty ones, and some that made me want to fall asleep from being so bored. I’m not hopeful, but at this point, I have nothing to lose—except maybe my will to live. I’m not getting any younger, and I don’t want to be single forever, which is inevitable if I don’t put myself out there. I just wish there was a singles app for musicians, but until then, I’ll stay on this one and weed through the weirdos.
Liam: Wanna hang out tonight? I’m off tomorrow.
Sophie: Nah. I’m exhausted from playing so many shows and want to go to sleep early. I’m ready to crash, and I have more performances this weekend.
Liam: Fine! Guess I’ll just hang out all by myself.
I grab my violin and walk to my car. As I cross the parking lot, I find it hilarious he’s trying to guilt trip me, but I really am exhausted. All I want to do is eat dinner, shower, and lock myself in my room away from Maria and Carter.
Liam’s great company, but I’m not sure I would be. If we watched a movie, I’d fall asleep. If we had dinner, I wouldn’t be fun. Right now, I just want to decompress and not socialize. After I get inside the car and crank it, I text Liam back.
Sophie: I’m sure there’s someone you can hang out with in your long list of contacts. Start at the letter A and work your way down ;)
Liam: You’re right. Maybe we can get together next weekend?
Sophie: I might be able to squeeze you into my schedule! Hehe!
I tuck my phone away, then drive home. I think Liam’s noticed how I’ve tried to create distance by not going over to their house as much. Each time I’ve been there, Mason has treated me like shit anyway. Plus, I’m trying the whole “out of sight, out of mind” trick, hoping it will allow me to forget Mason and our past once and for all. Though it feels as if it’s all burned into my memory. Liam hasn’t called me out on it yet, but I know he knows my real feelings. How can he not after all this time?
I’m hungry and tired, so I stop at a restaurant and grab a chicken salad to go. It doesn’t take long before my food is ready, and I’m on my way to the apartment. When I arrive home, I see Carter’s car parked in Maria’s spot and am half-tempted to run my key down the driver’s side. I suck in a deep breath and try to get rid of the scowl before I walk inside, but it’s no use.
His socks and shoes lie in the middle of the floor as he sits on the couch with his feet propped up on the coffee table. The TV is so damn loud; if he’s not hard of hearing, he will be. Carter gives me one of those douchey head nods, but I ignore him. It’s gotten to where I can’t even pretend to make small talk anymore, though he doesn’t know how to take a hint. I go to my room so I can eat in peace and quiet. Well, try to anyway.
