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“Not a one. You were right, it looks more intimidating than it actually is. Besides, that little help button is a lifesaver. Do you want to take something to go?”
“No thanks. I’m actually going to cook dinner tonight. I thought it would be a nice surprise for Gage.”
We say our goodbyes and I drive myself to The Bluebird. Thankfully Joan always has a fully stocked refrigerator so I don’t need to stop at the market. It’s still daylight when I pull up in front of the house and I’m grateful to not be walking into a dark house.
Since we’ve been doing a lot of grilling at Gage’s, I wanted to make some comfort food. Spaghetti and meatballs was always a favorite of mine growing up. My mom is a whiz in the kitchen and makes her sauce from scratch. That’s why I won’t tell her that I’m using the kind in a jar tonight.
With one of Joan’s country music CDs playing, I move around the kitchen barefooted with her “Kiss the Chef” apron tied around my waist, singing along. The sauce may come from a jar but that doesn’t mean I can’t add fresh ingredients to give it a boost. I’m chopping the basil when I hear a creak in the foyer. A smile takes over my face when I glance at the clock. Gage.
I set down the knife and wipe my hands on a towel and head in that direction. With a smile on my face I cross the threshold out of the kitchen and stop in my tracks.
The thumping of my heart in my ears is deafening as the room begins to sway. It’s not possible.
“Hello Sophia. I’ve been looking for you.”
Chapter 41
Sophia
Music. I hear the soft melodies of classical music. I thought I was listening to country. I’m sure Brad Paisley was crooning while I was chopping the... what was it? Why is everything so far away?
Blinking, the room comes in to focus. Yellow wallpaper. A ceramic bird on the table. The Bluebird. I must have fainted. Gage. He must have moved me to the couch. I shift to push myself up, but a piercing pain in my head makes it impossible.
“Easy now.” The voice is familiar. Not Gage.
Basil.
Creaking.
Nooooo...
“What... what are you doing here? How? Why?”
“So many questions. It’s what I love most about you, Sophia. Your beauty is what everyone sees but it was your mind that drew me to you. I’m here because you are. We can talk about the how and why shortly. First, I left you a glass of water and a pain reliever. Dinner is on the warmer if you feel up to eating.”
Ignoring the nausea as I push to a sitting position, I set my feet on the ground and look at the man sitting across from me. He looks no different than the last time I saw him except perhaps a little grayer at the temples. I take in the casualness he portrays. Sitting in Joan’s favorite chair with his ankle resting on his knee, a glass of amber liquid in his hands. He looks like any other man enjoying a before-dinner drink.
Except to me he’s a monster. Like a puzzle game on a computer the pieces fall around me but I can’t seem to fit them together. None of this makes sense. The capsule on the table looks like any regular pain reliever but I’m not willing to take the chance so I ignore it.
“How did you find me?”
“Take the pill, Sophia. You hit your head quite hard.”
His tone is stern and my stomach twists. To the right of the bird is a book Joan was reading last week. Seeing that reminds me of everything I’ve learned since I’ve been in Starlight Ridge. Each step I’ve taken to regain control of my life.
“I’m not taking anything from you. My... my boyfriend is on his way here.”
“Don’t be obstinate, Sophia. Your head must be pounding. Take the pill and we’ll have dinner. Yourfriendhas been delayed. Don’t worry about him.”
“Tell me how you found me.”
The smug bastard ignores my question and lifts the glass to his lips. My mind spins with thoughts of how I can get out of here. He’s watching me, and it’s unnerving to know he has been doing that for years.
“Please tell me.” I hate the way my voice sounds but I’m desperate. I need to know.
“I know you well enough to realize you won’t let this go. After weeks of searching for you, it was a fluke really. My family and I go to Serenity each summer for two weeks. It’s my wife’s favorite vacation spot.”
His wife?
