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When I look up, she’s staring straight at me.
I smile because it’s that or make this even more awkward. “Hey.”
“I’m the one who invited you, not Winters. Spread the love, St. James,” Drew teases.
Everyone at the table besides me and Sophie laughs. Sophie is clearly not thrilled about being called out for her fixation on me. I can sympathize but I’m also thinking if she were a little less obvious, there would be nothing to say.
Conversation shifts to discussing some Greek-themed frat party happening this weekend.
“How was practice earlier?” Sophie asks me, since neither of us are participating in the conversation.
“Fine,” I reply. “It wasn’t too hot this morning, and then we just had a short film session tonight. Easy day, all things considered.”
“More like the best fucking day of Winters’s life.” Jamie joins our conversation. “Three years, and he finally got his girl to come visit.”
“Fastest I’ve ever seen him leave practice,” Drew chimes in with.
“He didn’t even stay downstairs to see if the Jays won last night,” Elliot adds. “Wonder why.”
“He dragged Lennon upstairs to watch the end of the game,” Jamie tells Elliot with a smirk.
They’re purposefully trying to be dicks, but I’d rather endure their joking than make small talk with Sophie
I shrug. “I like her more than you three idiots.”
Elliot grabs his chest like I’ve wounded him.
“Maggie mentioned Lennon was at practice this morning,” Sophie says.
“Girl’s got some sass, Caleb,” Maggie tells me from her spot across the table.
I grin. “Yeah, I know.”
Sophie studies my expression. “She didn’t stay for very long.”
“She had to get back to Landry.”
“Her grandfather died, right? Your parents mentioned it. They went out to dinner with Mom and Dad a few nights ago.”
I tense at the mention of Earl, and I’m sure it shows on my face. “Yeah,” I reply, taking a long sip of beer and hoping Sophie gets the hint this isn’t a topic I feel like discussing.
She doesn’t. “That was really nice of you to stay in Landry. I’m surprised she let you, though, knowing you had camp.”
There’s some judgment in her words—judgment of Lennon. It turns my next ones curt.
“She didn’t have a choice.”
Sophie smiles, registering my annoyance and trying to temper her words. “Like I said, nice.”
It feels like the conversation we had at Mayfair never took place. Maybe she was drunker than I realized, and doesn’t remember it. Maybe I underestimated how much she likes a challenge. Maybe it’s her parents’ influence. No matter the reason, it’s annoying.
“Who needs another round?” Drew asks.
“Me,” I reply, standing. “I’ll help you grab them.”
Elliot and Jamie both request fresh beers. The girls all ask for cocktails. I hope Drew is listening to their orders, because I’m not really paying attention.
I lean heavily against the wooden counter as we wait for the bartender to come over.
