Текст книги "Truth Or Dare"

Автор книги: Aimee McNeil

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Текущая страница: 19 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

Sophie grabbed her hand. “Mel, you are my best friend. I need you to understand. I forgave her for the past and I told her that I would be her friend. She’s pregnant and alone without any family to help her. This feels right and I need to do this. Please be supportive. Everyone deserves to be loved.”

“Argh…don’t look at me like that…fine. As long as you promise to love me the most and she won’t weasel her way between us. ’Cause if she tries to steal you away from me, it doesn’t matter if she’s pregnant. There are plenty of places to hit a pregnant woman without harming the baby, like that bitchy face of hers.” Mel stomped her foot.

“That’s all I ask and who could possibly replace you?” Sophie smiled.

“So true.” A smile took over her angry composure and melted it away. “It’s funny that you think everyone else deserves to be loved except yourself. You deny yourself the one thing that will make you the happiest.”

Sophie didn’t know how to respond. Mel was right. She was denying herself the love she felt for Ashton for no other reason than for fear of things she could not control. When Sophie sat beside Lucinda in the hospital room, holding Lucinda’s hand, watching the new life growing within her, Sophie realized that she had it all wrong. Love was not something to be scared of. Looking at that little baby she knew it deserved to be loved. That strong little heartbeat was ready to take on life. Sophie knew she shouldn’t live her life in fear of what she might lose but instead she should live it for what she could gain. That little baby was proof that hearts were strong and should fight for love because it was what gave life.

“Anyway, we have lots of work to do.” Mel climbed up the ladder and pulled down the tarp that was covering their sign. “What do you think?” Mel waved toward their café triumphantly.

Sophie looked up at the sign that was on display for the world to see. “Wow. It looks amazing.” Bold lowercase letters spelled ‘eat my cOOkie!’ It made her smile to see their vision brought to life. The two o’s in the word cookie looked like two large chocolate chip cookies.

“We will talk more about the whole Lucinda thing later but we have a store to put together before your Mom’s wedding tomorrow. Come on.”

Sophie grabbed a sign they had made up with the opening date and set it out on the sidewalk before she walked back inside to tackle the set up now that the renovations and painting were complete. They were ready to put the final pieces together and make it presentable for opening day only a week away.

***

“That’s it. I’m buying a car!” Sophie announced when the bottom of the box gave out and all of the contents dropped onto the floor of the bus on their way home.

“For the love of god, yes!” Mel agreed as she began collecting their papers scattered around their feet. Mel and Sophie had worked all day and the store was now ready to open. The shelves were stocked with supplies and everything was lined up and prepared for opening day.

“What a day…so tired,” Mel moaned as she sat down and leaned her head on Sophie’s shoulder. Sophie looked around the bus and noticed the other people sitting around them. Most kept to themselves, tuned into their phones and computers and oblivious to anyone else around them. She made eye contact with a man sitting on the other side of the bus, whose eyes were already on her when she looked his way. He was dressed in a pair of jeans and a ragged looking T-shirt. Sophie gave him a polite smile but turned her attention away quickly when he in exchange gave her a very suggestive, creepy expression. It was all she needed to put her plan into motion.

When the bus pulled up to the next stop, Sophie stood up. “Come on.”

“What are you doing?” Mel gasped in surprise. “This isn’t our stop.”

“I’m going to buy a car,” Sophie said in a determined tone.

“Right now?” Mel questioned in confusion.

“Right now,” Sophie confirmed.

“Okay. This is exciting!” Mel said, following Sophie off the bus. “This is so unlike you…but I like it!”

“Yeah.” Sophie smiled at Mel. “Someone told me that I need to do what makes me happy. Right now, a car would make me happy.” She winked at Mel.

“Does that mean you’re gonna call him?” Mel asked hesitantly, her eyebrows raised in anticipation.

“One step at a time,” Sophie said.

“What happened to using Mrs. Money’s car?” Mel skipped beside Sophie.

“I feel guilty using Margaret’s car when I’m not working. She pays me way too much as it is, I’m not taking her car. Besides, that thing is worth more than I’ll make in my entire life. I’m nervous driving it down the street when I have to pick up her dry cleaning.”

“What does guilty mean? I don’t think it’s something I have ever experienced before.” Mel smiled her signature mischievous smile.

“I’m going to give Peter a call and see if he has any advice for buying a car. I think the pair of us will be the perfect equation to be deceived by a sleazy car salesman.”

“Sophie? Is everything okay?” Peter spoke quickly on the other end of the line. Sophie had never called Peter before, so she understood his initial response to assume something was wrong.

“Yes. Everything is good. Are you busy?” Sophie suddenly felt nervous.

“No, Sophie, what’s up?” She heard the relief in his voice.

“I am standing in Dan’s Cars lot, trying to buy a car but I realized I don’t know what I’m doing. Mom is as clueless as me when it comes to cars…I was hoping…”

“I’m actually not too far from there,” Peter broke in. “Give me twenty minutes.”

“Thanks, Peter.”

“Sure thing,” he said before he hung up.

“Peter said he would stop over in twenty minutes. Well, we might as well go see what Dan has for us today,” Sophie said as they walked into a car lot with a banner ‘Dan’s Cars’ overhead. There were rows and rows of cars in every color and make lining the square of pavement that designated the used car lot. It looked strangely out of place surrounded by tall office buildings.

“Ooh…look at this one.” Mel leaned down and ran her hand seductively over the hood of a faded gold colored car. It looked decades old with oversized dice hung from the rearview mirror. “We would look like porn stars driving around in this beast.”

“It looks more like a boat than a car.” Sophie shook her head. “I’m going for more of a sophisticated look.” Sophie laughed as she continued to eye the cars. It wasn’t long before a man in a suit sauntered out to ask them if they needed any help. He wasn’t that much older than them. His charm was turned on and he was ready to impress.

“Hello, beautiful ladies. How can I help you today?” The man’s face was covered with a few days’ growth and his thick wavy hair would make any girl jealous. He had a slyness about him that seemed appropriate for the typical car salesman persona she pictured.

“I was hoping you could show me what my options are.”

“It would be my pleasure. I’m Dan.” He held out his hand and Sophie took it.

“I’m Sophie, this is Mel. Would you be the Dan from the sign?” Sophie pointed behind her.

“That Dan is my father. I’m the new and improved version.” He winked playfully.

Sophie followed Dan around the lot as he showed her different options. Mel loved Dan’s attention and she made sure he noticed her. Sophie tried not to giggle at Mel’s attempt to seduce the best deal from him. Sophie didn’t know the first thing about cars or whether to trust the smooth talker in front of her. She was grateful when Peter’s police car pulled into the lot.

“Hey kiddo.” Peter stepped out of his car in full uniform.

“Hey, Peter. Thanks for coming.” Sophie smiled.

Peter engaged with Dan and quickly narrowed Sophie’s options down based on what she had in mind. Before Sophie knew it Peter had found her a great deal. Peter insisted on having his own mechanic confirm the condition of the vehicle. He was the closest thing she ever had to a father. It was nice having his support.

Once the deal was finalized Sophie opened the door of her new car and slipped in behind the wheel. “It’s official. I am a car owner.” Sophie beamed.

Peter chuckled. “You look good behind the wheel but no speeding,” he warned jokingly.

“Yes, Officer,” Sophie laughed. “Peter?” Sophie’s tone suddenly turned serious. Sophie looked in her rearview mirror to see that Mel had moved on to flirting with Peter’s partner. She had to admit Mel had a talent. She turned back to Peter. “I wanted to say thank you for being there for my mom. I know how much she loves you.”

Peter reached in through the window and placed his hand on Sophie’s shoulder. “I love your mother very much and I will always be there for her as long as she’ll have me. That goes for you too, Sophie. I like that you called me today.”

“Me too.” Sophie squeezed his hand, still on her shoulder.

“I have to get my partner out of here before he gets in trouble,” Peter chuckled, nodding toward Mel and him.

“Good idea,” Sophie laughed. “Thanks again.”

Peter smiled. “You’re welcome. I’m glad I was nearby. Be safe and I’ll see you tomorrow for the big event.”

“Bye Peter!”

Mel jumped into the passenger’s seat a moment later. “This is awesome,” she squealed.

“I know.” Sophie ran her hands over the steering wheel before she turned the key in the ignition. She buckled her seatbelt.

“I forgot how delicious a man was in uniform.” Mel looked back at the police car pulling out of the parking lot.

“He’s married, with a baby on the way.” Sophie raised her eyebrows.

“I know, he told me. Don’t worry, I’m not gonna jump his bones. I just appreciate hot men. Besides, I gotta keep my options open in case Dustin and I don’t work out.” Mel’s enthusiasm waned.

“How are things going with you two?” Sophie asked with curiosity. It seemed like it had been awhile since Mel said anything about their relationship.

“We had a fight,” Mel blurted.

“And…” Sophie encouraged her to continue.

“I told him to fuck off and I ran out on him. That was a few days ago. I don’t even remember how it started. I haven’t answered his calls.” Mel sulked and collapsed back into her seat.

“Maybe it’s time you should,” Sophie gasped.

“Yeah, you’re right. I miss him like crazy and I want to get laid.” Mel sighed. “Drop me off at his place?”

“Definitely.” Sophie turned the music up in the car and a big smile spread across Mel’s face as well. They sang along with the radio and laughed until they pulled up in front of Dustin’s.

“Thanks, Sophie. Do me a favor and call Ashton. It’s nice to hear you laugh again but you still look so sad. I feel like you’re gonna shatter at any moment.”

Sophie only nodded, unable to bring words to the surface with the mention of Ashton’s name. She watched Mel disappear into Dustin’s apartment but she didn’t leave, instead she pulled her phone from her purse. She stared at the screen for what seemed like a long time before she decided to send Ashton a message.

Sophie: Truth or Dare?

 

The seconds felt like minutes as they slowly ticked by…

Ashton: Truth.

 

Sophie: When are you coming back?

 

Ashton: I don’t know.

 

Sophie: Your turn.

 

Ashton: I gotta go.

 

I’m too late!

 

Sophie: Please ask me! I pick truth…

 

Ashton: Bye Sophie.

 

Sophie: You made me a believer.

 

Ten minutes.

Twenty minutes. Respond already!

Thirty minutes…please say something.

One hour…

Chapter

Twenty-Nine

Sophie looked in the mirror, retouching the gloss over her red stained lips. It was the exact same color as her dress. It was the day of her mother’s wedding and they had spent the entire morning at the spa indulging in beauty treatments, styling, and primping. She looked at her hair as it fell in perfect waves around her shoulders with the top swept up into a beautiful clip her mother had bought for her. It was the first time that Sophie had her makeup professionally done and she loved how the colors played around her eyes.

The contrast to her perfectly polished exterior, the chaos it shielded inside couldn’t be more opposite. She smiled at herself in the mirror, trying to make it as genuine as she could. Her mother deserved perfection on her wedding day but everything reminded her of Ashton. I screwed it all up and now it’s too late. He didn’t even respond.

Sophie picked up a bottle of perfume from the counter. The sweet aroma brightened her thoughts. It was a smell that accompanied countless memories of her mother when she was growing up. She always wore the same scent and it gave Sophie an overwhelming sense of comfort. Sophie wanted to make sure this day was perfect for her.

A knock on the door startled her. She opened it, gasping in surprise when Mel burst into the washroom.

“Mel! What are you doing here?” Sophie didn’t even try to contain her shock.

“You sounded a little off this morning. I wanted to check on you.” Mel was dressed in a beautiful black and white patterned dress. Sophie smiled at the transformation into a sophisticated woman. The fitted dress accentuated her natural beauty without having her body on display. Her hair was in a sleek style and her makeup soft.

“You look gorgeous, Mel,” Sophie complimented. She loved the fact that Mel wanted to impress her mother.

Mel looked down at the dress, smoothing it over her hips. “Yeah, I clean up all right.” Mel shrugged. “You’re not so bad yourself. No one would be able to tell that you have cried yourself to sleep for the last few weeks.

Sophie dropped her eyes to the floor. “I can’t call him. I can’t not call him. I feel like I’m stuck.” Sophie took a deep breath to stay the tears that threatened to fall. I will not ruin my makeup! I will not ruin my mother’s day!

“Why can’t you just call him, Sophie?” Mel looked at her like it was the simplest solution in the world.

“Because…what if he’s better off without me? What if he already moved on? What if he doesn’t want me anymore? He didn’t respond to my text.”

“Sophie, you’re being ridiculous!” Mel stomped her foot. “I just want to slap you. He. Still. Wants. You.”

“How do you know? He could be moving on and dating other people for all I know…wait? How could you possibly know that?” Sophie looked at Mel with an accusing look.

Mel widened her eyes and then tried to casually dismiss Sophie’s question by turning her attention to the perfume on the counter. “Ooh…what’s this?”

“No way, Mel. You look guilty. What did you do?” Sophie grabbed her arm and turned Mel to look at her.

“Don’t get mad, okay?” Mel said sheepishly. The guilt rolled off her and it made Sophie nervous.

“How can you tell me not to get mad if I have no idea what you did?” Sophie leaned on the counter and took a deep calming breath.

“I may have called him.” Mel’s lips turned up in an awkward smile.

“You called Ashton?” Sophie gasped in shock. “When? How could you do that? What did you say? What did he say?” The questions tumbled out of Sophie’s mouth without end.

“Last night. You have been miserable since he left. I didn’t know what else to do. Don’t be mad, please. I watched you pick up the phone a million times. I know you wanted to call him, so I did it for you.”

Sophie squeezed her eyes shut. “I think I am going to cry…slap me.” Sophie breathed tightly.

“What?” Mel asked unsurely.

“Do you know how expensive this makeup was? Seriously, slap me so I don’t cry.” Sophie opened her eyes and looked at Mel expectantly. Without any more hesitation, Mel reached out and slapped Sophie’s face.

“Ouch!” Sophie gasped. “That hurt!”

“You told me to slap you,” Mel said defensively.

“Yeah, but did you have to do it so hard? Not to mention that you seemed to enjoy that way too much.” Sophie touched her tender cheek.

“Well, your face is annoyingly perfect. I’m not gonna lie, I have thought about it a few times.” Mel threw her hands on her hips.

“Mel.” Sophie rolled her eyes. Sophie looked in the mirror. Her left cheek was now bright red. “Great,” she mumbled. “You’re gonna have to do the other side so I match for the photos.”

“I told him that you have been completely miserable,” Mel admitted quickly. “That you spoke to Lucinda and you two were friends now. The past is the past and you were ready to dive into his hotness and hold on forever…and I told him that if he didn’t come back I was going to get some of the bouncers from the strip club to make you forget about him.”

“What!” Sophie gasped before Mel reached up slapped Sophie across the other cheek. “Ouch!” Sophie reached up to cover the sting of her cheek.

“Charles has a huge dick. I can guarantee a few minutes with him and you’ll forget everything else.”

There was a knock on the door. “Sophie, hun? Are you all right in there?”

“Yes, Mom. We’ll be right out,” Sophie said in a controlled voice as she eyed Mel harshly.

“Call him,” Mel instructed before she pulled open the door. “She’ll be right out, Rachael. She’s just going to call Ashton first.” Mel looked back at Sophie as she walked out the door. Sophie’s mother stayed in the doorway with her hand on the door.

“It’s about time.” Her mother gave her a knowing smile. “Take your time. I have a few minutes before I have to get in my dress.” She pulled the door closed, leaving Sophie alone in the washroom.

Sophie let out the breath she was holding. When she finally got her feet to cooperate she reached for her phone with shaking fingers. She held her breath and listened to the ring. She was met with his answering machine. His beautiful voice made a sob escape her throat. She hung up without leaving a message, turned her phone off, and tucked it away in her purse.

***

“You look so beautiful, Mom.” Sophie said with teary eyes as she fastened her mother’s dress in front of a full length mirror.

“My favorite person in this whole world made this dress for me.”

“I’m really trying not to cry until after the photos. Don’t push me or you will have to live with a mascara-streaked maid of honor in your pictures.” Sophie took a deep breath.

“You would still be the most beautiful girl in the world.” Her mother gave her a hug.

“I love you, Mom.”

“I love you too, baby girl, more than you will ever know.” Her mother swept her up in a hug.

“Look at the two of you.” They both turned to see the other bridesmaids in the doorway, wearing their matching black dresses. “Hold on. I need a picture.” They were surrounded by flashes as Sophie helped her mother with all of the final touches.

***

Sophie took a deep breath as she walked through the two large wooden doors. The aisle was carpeted beneath their feet and covered with red rose petals as she slowly made her way toward the altar. Sophie smiled at all the familiar faces. When she reached the front of the church she turned around to watch her mother make her appearance. The church was full of people who had come today to watch her marry the man who owned her heart.

Rachael walked down the aisle by herself. Her father was not there to give her away. She believed that since she had to find her way in life without her parents’ help, she would give herself away. Her mother was a source of strength and love that Sophie would always cherish. She loved her mother beyond words. Peter had tears in his eyes as he watched his bride walk toward him. His love for her mother was written all over him, it was beautiful.

The ceremony was wonderful and everyone was brought to tears as Rachael and Peter exchanged the vows they’d written for each other. The reception followed immediately after the photographs were taken. Sophie sat with Mel and Dustin at their table and watched her mother and Peter dance to their first song as husband and wife. The room was beautifully decorated with black and white accents around. White twinkling lights were suspended from the ceiling. It looked like a starry night, the effect was magical. Red roses were the only color that was incorporated into the decorations, placed on tables and around the room.

“They really are a beautiful couple.” Sophie watched them with a warm heart.

“They sure are.” Mel reached over, took Sophie’s hand, and squeezed it tight.

When the song came to a close an announcement called for Sophie to come to the dance floor over the speakers. Sophie stood up when Peter and her mother waved her over. “Peter would like to share a dance with you.”

“Of course. I would love to.” Sophie smiled. Peter stretched out his hand in an exaggerated display of formality. Sophie laughed as she accepted his request. Peter swept her around the dance floor, causing both of them to laugh and enjoy the moment.

“I promise you, Sophie, I will take care of your mother every day for the rest of my life,” Peter said as they settled into the rhythm of the music.

“You are a good man, Peter. I have no doubt that my mother is in good hands,” Sophie said with true belief in his words.

“I know that I’ll never be your father, but I want you to know I’m here for you.” He leaned in and kissed Sophie’s forehead. Sophie hugged him tight. He returned the gesture by wrapping his arms around her in a warm embrace.

“That means a lot.”

Before they knew it the song faded into the next and the dance floor became flooded with people moving to the music. Her mother returned and Sophie left the happy couple to enjoy each other while she found Mel and Dustin who were among the bodies dancing.

Sophie lost track of time while dancing as one song flowed into the next. It wasn’t until an announcement was made that the band was going to take a break that she stopped to take a breath and get a drink. Sophie collapsed in her chair and sipped on her wine. Mel and Dustin sat down beside her with their drinks in hand, laughing as they carried on. Sophie’s face was beginning to hurt from laughing so much. It was nice to let go and enjoy the evening.

Mel elbowed Sophie in the side. “Ouch. What was that for?” She glared at Mel and noticed her attention was elsewhere.

Sophie turned to see what had Mel so captivated. Ashton stood in the middle of the dance floor, his piercing blue eyes trained on her. The entire room faded away.

Sophie stood up immediately, walking toward him. The dance floor had thinned to only a few people as she approached him.

Time apart did not lesson the pull that she felt toward Ashton. It was still so strong and undeniable. Every part of her body wanted to be closer to him. Every part of her craved him. He was the center of her world and she was falling into the depths of his beautiful eyes and this time she was all in. There was no more holding back. He was her heart and she was taking it back. Sophie knew the entire room was watching them but the only thing she could focus on was the gorgeous man in front of her that only had eyes for her.

He looked nervous as he looked down at her. Sophie stood only inches away—she only had to reach out and she could touch the one thing she wanted the most in the whole world. He was standing before her in his impossible perfection with his stormy eyes searching hers.

“Sorry I missed your call. I was on a plane.” Ashton smiled tentatively.

“You came back.”

“For you.” Ashton brushed her hair from her face, letting his fingers trail across her cheek.

“I love you, Ashton King,” Sophie confessed in a rush.

“You don’t know how much I wanted to hear that.” His face broke into the most beautiful smile that Sophie had ever seen. “Did you hear that, everyone? Sophie Rogers loves me!” The room erupted into cheers as Ashton grabbed Sophie in his arms, squeezing her tight before he set her down and looked into her eyes. He cupped her face before bringing his lips to hers, soft and slow, savoring the kiss that was too long denied them.

“I’m so sorry for…” Sophie began but Ashton cut her off.

“Just tell me that you love me. I want to hear you say it again,” he whispered as he held her close.

“I love you.”

“That is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard.” He brought her hand up to his mouth to kiss it.

“I’m glad you like it because I’ll be saying it a lot.” Sophie beamed.

“You guys are so disgustingly cheesy!” Mel screamed across the room and everyone erupted into laughter.