Текст книги "Truth Or Dare"

Автор книги: Aimee McNeil

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Текущая страница: 3 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

“Hello?” a woman’s voice answered after a few rings.

“Hello, my name is Sophie Rogers. I am calling for Mrs. Darcy in regards to an employment opportunity.”

“Yes, wonderful, this is she. You have such a lovely voice, dear. We should set up a meeting to discuss the position. When are you available?”

“I’m available today until 3:00, or tomorrow evening,” Sophie suggested.

“How about 11:00 this morning?”

Sophie looked at the time; it was 9:25. “Sure, I can make that work. Should I come to you?”

“Yes, dear. That would be lovely. The address is 43 Simons Street.”

“I know the street. Thank you, Mrs. Darcy.” Sophie ended the call feeling excited about the new employment opportunity. She needed to head home for a quick change before she caught the bus to her interview.

When she approached her apartment door she noticed her bucket sitting against it. She looked in and was relieved to see that the mice were gone. She grabbed the bucket and headed straight for her closet. After a quick assessment of her wardrobe, she selected a black and white floral print skirt with a simple blouse in a muted pastel green. She completed the look with modest black heels. Looking in the mirror, she decided to leave her hair down so she didn’t look too formal. She added some blush to her cheeks and a clear gloss to her lips before heading out the door.

Sophie grabbed her phone and dialed her mother’s number. When the answer machine picked up, she left her a quick message. Before she tucked her phone in her bag she sent a text to Jack.

Sophie: Heading off to a job interview with Mrs. Darcy. Wish me luck.

 

Jack: Wow…you don`t mess around. Good luck.

 

She’d lost touch with the few friends she had in high school after they graduated. Mel was the only person she considered close. Sophie had gotten used to keeping to herself and never really reached out to anyone. Mel was always losing her phone, but she usually just showed up when she wanted to chat, or Sophie would go upstairs if she knew she was home. They had an unusual friendship but it worked for them.

The thought of having someone to chat with regularly had its appeal. She liked the idea of sending Jack a message whenever she wanted to share. This new relationship had its benefits and it felt safe. He only wanted friendship and that’s exactly what it was.

Chapter Five

Sophie walked up to the grand house on Simons Street where Mrs. Darcy lived. It was in an older part of the city that had aged gracefully. Large maple trees lined the street, big enough to form an archway down the entire length. In front of Mrs. Darcy’s house, stone statues flanked the end of the short driveway supporting a black iron gate. The house was almost as large as the lot on which it sat. Sophie looked up at its stone exterior and couldn’t help but be impressed. It was beautiful with so much rich character. The exterior of the house as well as the garden were well cared for. It was absolutely breathtaking.

Sophie walked up to the large wooden door and knocked. A few moments later the door opened, revealing a well-postured older woman, dressed in a beautiful blue dress. Her gray hair was swept up in a perfect chignon with warm, inviting features.

“Hello, dear, aren’t you a beautiful sight. I knew you would be lovely from the sound of your voice. Come in.” Mrs. Darcy’s voice had a buttery quality that made it warm and comforting. She held out her hand and formally introduced herself.

“Thank you.” Sophie followed her into a formal living room. The furniture was crisp and fresh but looked as if it could have been original to the house.

Mrs. Darcy poured tea as they discussed the position. She was looking for someone to start immediately to assist in her daily activities, drive her to appointments, and help her organize her social functions. The duties fluctuated based on Mrs. Darcy’s daily needs. The hours were very flexible and the pay was more than she had hoped, making it even more appealing.

“I have a feeling this will be a wonderful fit.” Mrs. Darcy smiled as she led Sophie on a tour around her house. “You have a good energy about you, Sophie.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Darcy. Your home is very lovely. ” Sophie looked around at all the beautiful art that was displayed in the home. Mr. Darcy was definitely wealthy. Every detail of the house looked expensive.

“Please call me Margaret.” She reached for Sophie’s hand, taking it in both of hers. “I am a big believer in fate, Sophie. I learned a long time ago to trust my feelings. We are going to be great friends. I can feel it.” Her blue gray eyes sparkled.

“I think so too.” Sophie smiled. There was something about Margaret that made Sophie trust her; she seemed so pure of heart. “I should inform you that I don’t have a vehicle, will that be a problem?”

“No, definitely not. I have several. When can you start, dear?” Margaret questioned hopefully.

“Immediately…well, sort of. I currently have another job at a restaurant not far from here, but I can work my schedule around yours. Though, I do have a few more weeks before I graduate art school. I can bring you a copy of my schedule. Once school is out I’ll be a lot more flexible.”

“That would be lovely. Why don’t you come by tomorrow afternoon?” Margaret didn’t seem at all worried about a conflicting schedule.

“Thank you, Margaret, it was very nice to meet you.” Sophie left with a good feeling about the position.

She pulled out her phone and sent Jack a message.

Sophie: Got the job!

 

Jack: Congrats.

 

Sophie: Thanks. I owe you big!

 

Jack: I will hold you to it ;)

 

Sophie: Gotta run to catch my bus. Talk soon.

 

Jack: I hope so.

 

Mel was shuffling around in Sophie’s apartment when she arrived home. “Hey girl!” She hollered from Sophie’s small kitchen. She had learned long ago not to be startled by Mel’s unexpected presence.

“Do locks ever keep you out?” Sophie complained with a chuckle.

“Nope. How was last night? Did you love the dresses?” Mel came around the corner with a cereal box in her hand. “What one did you wear?”

“Um…I wore the dark red one and it certainly drew attention.”

“I know, right? Your boobs must have been busting right out.” She laughed. “I was trying to get you laid. I have known you two years and not once have you dated anyone, let alone got any.”

“Mission failed.” Sophie rolled her eyes. “Besides, you get enough for both of us.”

“True.” She smiled deviously. “You coming to see my show? You always say you will but you never do.” Mel pouted.

“I have never been to a strip club. It’s intimidating. Besides, I see enough of you already.” Sophie indicated toward her tube top and short skirt.

“We’re having a big promo night coming up and I am supposed to recruit some hot friends to make the audience more appealing to the male guests.” Mel looked at her sheepishly.

“No way,” Sophie barked.

“Oh come on. You don’t have to do anything but hang around and look hot. You will get paid.” Mel knew how desperate Sophie was for cash at the moment.

“Paid?” Sophie looked at Mel skeptically.

“Yes. You’ll just be eye candy and I promise you won’t have to take anything off.” Mel smiled.

“Good, ’cause that wouldn’t happen.”

“Say yes. You’re like the hottest person I know and you’ll make the boys want to empty their wallets and…” Mel buttered Sophie.

“Don’t.” Sophie stopped the rant of comments she knew was coming. “I’ll think about it. When is it?”

“Next Friday night.” Mel jumped up and down, wrapping her arms around Sophie. “You’re the best.”

“I didn’t say yes,” Sophie reminded her.

“I know but you didn’t say no either. Gotta run. You’re out of milk, by the way.” She said as she slipped out the door.

Sophie sighed and shook her head. Mel always talked her into crazy things. Mel was a wild card that Sophie was drawn to. Her whole life Sophie had felt the weight of responsibility. She never learned to let go and enjoy life. Mel was refreshing and made Sophie realize there was more to life than the struggle to get ahead. It was usual to find Mel in her kitchen in the middle of the night raiding her cupboards, looking for someone to talk to. It was her favorite time with Mel.

Sophie dressed for work in her typical short black skirt and black button-up blouse. Looking in the mirror, Sophie applied gloss to her lips. The memory of Ashton’s mouth against hers was a guilty pleasure. She would never admit how much she craved him, but she had a hard time convincing herself it was purely hate that fueled her feelings toward him. Her body wanted to indulge in every pleasure he could offer. She decided there was no harm in letting her imagination run wild.

Sophie grabbed her phone as she headed out the door. There was a message waiting for her.

Jack: I’m curious about the history between you and Ashton. Tell me why you hate each other.

 

Sophie: Ugh…where do I start? Actually I should ask before I say anything. How do you and Ashton know each other?

 

Jack: We met through a mutual friend. Don’t worry, we aren’t close. My lips are sealed as far as you’re concerned. Was it that bad between you?

 

Sophie: I’m trusting you! It was worse than bad. Ashton and his girlfriend hated me from the moment I arrived at that school. First week they filled my locker with condoms and started the “Sophie the slut, don’t get too close or you will catch something” rumor. A direct quote from queen evil herself BTW. Not a good way to be introduced to a new school.

 

Jack: Horrible.

 

Sophie: I regret not being able to dish it back better. Instead my main plan of action was to ignore it but I must say it was never very effective.

 

Jack: I bet you took it gracefully. Not letting it get to you.

 

Sophie: I wish. Gotta run to work. Can’t be late.

 

When Sophie arrived at the restaurant, she welcomed the rush of customers. The restaurant had always been a popular place, and Sunday nights were no exception.

“Hey, Lori. How’s Megan? I didn’t see her when I came in,” Sophie asked in passing.

“Still nursing her hangover. She didn’t come in today. That girl does not know her limit, especially when there’s a cute boy she’s trying to sink her teeth into.” Lori rolled her eyes. “I had fun though. How about you? I saw you dirty dancing with the unbelievably hot Ashton.” Lori smiled wickedly.

“Oh.” Sophie’s eyes widened guiltily. She hadn’t realized anyone noticed. “I didn’t even realize it was him. I was just kind of…”

“Sophie.” Lori placed her hands on Sophie’s shoulders and looked into her eyes. “As much as Megan is my friend, she is a complete mess. I won’t breathe a word of it to her. Megan and Ashton are never going to happen. She’s been crushing on him for years now. He barely looks at her but you…holy god, I wish some mega hot guy looked at me like that.”

“What are you talking about? We’re enemies.”

“Whatever.” Lori dismissed. “I wish I had an enemy like that. Megan is already ridiculously jealous of you and I think finding out that the guy she’s obsessed with wants to get in your pants will not go over well. You may want to keep it on the down low.”

“Why would she be jealous of me? And she’s the one who insisted that I go out last night.” Sophie was confused about the whole situation.

“Just remember that Megan can get very dramatic.” Lori sighed with an apologetic smile before she disappeared through the doors of the kitchen.

Sophie ran the conversation through her mind. She didn’t want Megan to feel threatened by her, and she definitely was not going to pursue Ashton.

Sophie was relieved to find out that Sam was not working tonight either. She wasn’t sure how she should act around him now that she knew what his intentions were. He seemed to be making his feelings more obvious, or at least they seemed so now that she knew the truth.

The rest of the evening passed quickly and before long they were closing up. Sophie was thrilled with her tips. She had a couple of generous spenders, improving her mood. It was nights like these that made up for the more frugal customers that didn’t understand that waiters survived on tips.

On her walk home, she pulled out her phone to see she had a missed call from her mother and a text from Jack. Sophie called her mother to let her know about her new job. Her mother congratulated her and then insisted on getting all the details on Margaret because she wanted Peter to do a background check. Sophie relinquished the information because she knew her persistent mother would attain it one way or another.

Jack: Was that unfortunate condom incident the worst of it?

 

Sophie: Hardly. The first of many. I got locked in the girls’ bathroom until a janitor found me. Had my clothes stolen from me while I was in the shower. NIGHTMARE. I still have bad dreams about that one. Got my homework stolen many times, had food dumped on me…all the rumors they spread around about me made everyone always stare.

 

Jack: Are you sure people didn’t stare at you because you are beautiful?

 

Sophie: Haha. No definitely not.

 

Jack: What did you do when they did all that stuff?

 

Sophie: Tried to talk to Lucinda many times. That got me nowhere. I tried the whole revenge is sweet path for a while. Not really my thing ’cause I felt too bad about it. Then after that I just hoped they would eventually get bored. Never happened. Didn’t even get to my prom.

 

Jack: Did you want to go to prom?

 

Sophie: What girl doesn’t? I was actually excited about going because someone had asked me, but when he picked me up he tried to take me “parking” instead. I ended up walking home when he kicked me out of the car. Took me 2 hours. Never told my mom I never made it. You are actually the first person I told that pathetic info to. Don’t tell anyone!

 

Jack: Who asked you?

 

Sophie: One of Ashton’s friends. Don’t even ask me why I didn’t see it coming. He had been nice to me for a couple weeks before. He made me feel special and I fell for it. It turned out to be their best prank of all.

 

Jack: I might know him. Who was it?

 

Sophie: You wouldn’t know him, but his name was Collin. I was so grateful when I graduated and could move on!

 

Jack: Yes, I can see why. It seemed like Ashton was a complete jerk. Though, it doesn’t seem like the Ashton he is now. Maybe he has changed. Maybe you should give him a second chance.

 

Sophie: Never! Let’s not talk about Ashton anymore. He is your friend and I don’t want to come between you.

 

Jack: I told you we aren’t that close. Besides, I like you more. I’m curious about your history.

 

Sophie: Okay but only because you shared your secret with me. Ashton was the first boy that I had feelings for. I thought he was the most beautiful boy in the world and he hated me from the first moment he saw me. I was pathetic!

 

Jack: No you weren’t.

 

Sophie: That was the only time that I will ever admit I have feelings for Ashton BTW.

 

Jack: Have? Is Sophie in love with Ashton?

 

Sophie: HAD! I HAD feelings for Ashton on some tiny miniscule level when I initially met him and it lasted like 5 seconds. I found a quote one time that sums up my personal take on love: “Love is only a dirty trick played on us to achieve continuation of the species.”

 

Jack: Sounds like the words of a scorned lover.

 

Sophie: Love is just not for me. It’s a fairytale. I am crawling into bed now. Tired from work. Next time we talk about you.

 

Jack: But I like talking about you more. You are far more interesting.

 

Sophie: Trust me I’m not and I don’t like talking about me. You’re lucky you got this much.

 

Jack: I like talking about you and I appreciate you opening up.

 

Sophie: Did Ashton tell you he is a nude model for my art class?

 

Jack: No. How does he look naked?

 

Sophie: No comment.

 

Jack: No comment? How disappointing.

 

Sophie: Fine…he is not disappointing. Happy?

 

Jack: Not disappointing…you can do better than that. Give me something else.

 

Sophie: No and no more talking about Ashton. Goodnight.

 

Jack: Night. xox

 

Sophie: xox

Chapter Six

Sophie woke with a start the next morning. She had slept in and was going to be late. “Oh no,” she whimpered as she scrambled out of bed and stumbled to the washroom. She couldn’t afford to be late for her art sitting this morning. It was the last session, and the painting was worth a substantial portion of her final mark. She flew through her morning routine and settled for running a brush through her hair before twisting it up in a messy bun. She pulled on her favorite oversized T-shirt and jeans before grabbing her supplies and running for the door. She had only a few minutes to make it to the bus stop.

As she rounded the corner, she saw the bus pull away. She cursed the punctual driver and herself for staying up late. She’d given up on the prospect of sleep and did some late night painting of a particular image she could not erase from her mind—Ashton.

Sophie turned when she heard her name called down the street. Mel was leaning out of the upper window of her apartment with a cigarette in one hand and the other waving at Sophie frantically. Sophie sighed as she made her way back toward their apartment.

“I have my boyfriend’s car. I’ll drive you!” Mel hollered down. “Just give me a sec.” She took a long pull on her cigarette before she snuffed it out and disappeared back into her apartment.

Mel shuffled out the front door a few minutes later with oversized sunglasses and an ensemble that was unusually modest for her.

“You’re up early,” Sophie commented as she watched Mel descend the stairs. Sophie could tell that Mel was tired by the way she carried herself. “Did you even go to sleep?”

“No, I’m too angry to sleep.” She huffed. Sophie followed Mel down to where an old black sedan was parked at an odd angle against the curb.

Sophie opened the passenger door and slid into the front seat. The smell of cigarettes assaulted her senses as she sat down in the disturbingly messy interior of the car. Mel reached over and grabbed some garbage by Sophie’s feet and threw it into the backseat. “He’s a fucking slob, if you haven’t already come to that conclusion,” Mel complained. Sophie noticed a dark shadow on her cheek.

“What happened to your face, Mel?” Sophie asked with concern.

Mel leaned back in the chair and took a deep breath. She reached up and pulled off her glasses, revealing a dark bruise that darkened the skin beneath her eye. “Corbin,” she confirmed.

“Don’t do this again, Mel.” Sophie’s tone was more demanding than she intended, but she couldn’t help her own anger at the sight of Mel’s injury.

“Why do they always turn into shitheads after a few months? It’s like they use up all their ability to be nice and all that’s left is the ability to use their fists to communicate,” Mel uttered in frustration. No matter how upset Mel got she never cried. Sophie took Mel’s hand in hers and squeezed affectionately. Mel was never one for displays of affection but Sophie knew the odd time when Mel needed it. Mel squeezed back tightly.

“You have to break up with him. You know what’s going to happen. You’ve been here before…you’ll see him again and he’ll tell you how sorry he is and want to kiss and make up but then it will happen again, and it will be more than just your eye next time.” Sophie laid it out for her. She didn’t dance around the subject. She had tried that the first time Mel was going through a bad relationship. It was shortly after they had met. Mel ended up in the hospital with broken ribs.

“I know, but—” Mel began but Sophie cut her off.

“What would you do if Mr. Cleary took a swing at you?” Sophie cut in.

“What?” Mel looked confused as she looked back at Sophie.

“What would you do?”

“I would kick him in the fucking balls before beating the living shit out of him.” Mel’s mouth turned up into a satisfied grin.

“Exactly. You are the toughest girl I know. You don’t let anyone else push you around, so don’t let the men you date do it. You deserve better than what Corbin can offer you.” Sophie smoothed Mel’s hair back to get a better look at her eye.

“I’m a fucking stripper, Sophie. What if this is all that I’m ever gonna have?” Mel said sadly.

“You are not just a stripper, Mel. You are a strong woman, a daughter, a sister, and my best friend. You deserve as much love as anyone else in this whole entire world. If you don’t want to be a stripper, don’t. If you do, then don’t let it define you. Just do me a favor and don’t date customers anymore. Find someone that doesn’t see you naked on the first encounter and stay away from the ones that seem to have an addiction problem. Someone good is going to fall in love with you, treat you right, and sweep you off your feet. You just have to stop putting obstacles in your way. Corbin, Billy, and what’s his name are no good for you. Start listening to that tiny voice in your head, Mel.” Sophie smiled with a warm heart. “I know that warning bells go off when one of those idiots walks up to you.”

“You don’t sound like someone who doesn’t believe in love, Sophie.” Mel’s small smile brought Sophie relief.

“I don’t believe in the whole fall in love and live happily after ever for me…but you believe in it and I want you to be happy.”

“What is wrong with us? I can’t find a man with any good qualities, a drawback to my line of work, and you…when are you going to tell me why you are so against believing in happily ever after?” Mel looked up at her with the question in her eyes.

Sophie shrugged. “I have never witnessed happily ever after. My father left my mother before I was born. We struggled through life, trying to survive. I have seen lots of heartache and had my share. I just don’t want to risk the pain. It’s more trouble than it’s worth.”

“Wow…we are pathetic and damaged, Sophie.”

“True that, Mel.” Sophie laughed.

“Tell me though, ’cause I’m curious why don’t you take advantage of the fact that you look like a freaking supermodel and hook up with some hotties?” Mel asked in disbelief. “Seriously, the walls in our building are thin and I would have known if you brought someone home with you. I know it’s not for lack of intent on the male side, either. They practically drool when you walk by.”

“What? No way!”

“You are so naïve, Sophie.” Mel rolled her eyes as they pulled up in front of Sophie’s school.

“I’m not naïve and I really have to go, I’m late. Thanks for the ride, we’re going to talk about this Corbin situation later and stop smoking, already.” Sophie ran up to the front door of the building.

When Sophie walked into the classroom she intentionally kept her eyes from traveling toward the center of the room where Ashton and the other model were posed. “Sorry, sir,” Sophie called to her professor, Mr. Walters, as she took her seat.

“You don’t need to apologize to me. You are only cheating yourself of time spent on your painting,” he responded as he watched her settle in her seat.

“Yes, sir,” Sophie replied politely as she readied her supplies to begin. She gave herself a moment to greedily take in Ashton’s gorgeous hard body that looked as if he was carved of stone. Every part of his body looked powerful and delicious. What am I thinking? Sophie squeezed her eyes shut and tried to focus on her painting.

A strange heat settled in her core, making her mouth water and her attention waver to sensual thoughts. The canvas in front of her blurred as her mind was solely fixated on Ashton’s body. She remembered how his hands felt upon her when they were on the dance floor. The heat of him pressed against her.

Sophie raked her hands over her face. She needed to pull herself together—she was losing her self-control. Sophie forced her attention to the painting in front of her, reminding herself how important this was for her final mark. Taking a deep breath, she began working with the paint until she finished the girl’s likeness to her satisfaction. Instead of painting Ashton, she decided to make a bold move. The painting became an image of the woman embracing an identical image of herself. One of the reasons she loved art was the creativity to step outside of rules and structure. She was pleased with the final product and could only hope that Mr. Walters would appreciate the angle she chose.

“I hope that everyone has had enough time to view the models. They will not be joining us again, but should you need more time, next class is open to finish the paintings,” Mr. Walters announced at the end of the sitting. Sophie hadn’t realized how much time had passed. She was startled when Ashton leaned around her canvas to view her painting.

“I’m disappointed…you stared at me long enough and you didn’t even paint me. Though, I must say I do like where your mind is.” He smiled wickedly at her.

“Actually I had to improvise because every time I tried to paint you I would feel nauseous,” Sophie replied, dismissing him by busying herself with packing up her supplies.

“You’re meaner than I remember,” he stated with a humorous tone.

“Well, you are just as mean as I remember,” Sophie spat out.

“And you still want me so bad you can taste it,” Ashton declared arrogantly with a raised eyebrow.

“Don’t fool yourself. Not every girl that sees you wants you, Ashton.” Sophie couldn’t hide the color in her face.

He shrugged his shoulders in the same careless way she had seen him do so many times before. “But you do.”

Sophie huffed. “Why are you even doing this?” She waved to her painting. “Don’t you have something better to be doing with your time?

“And miss this wonderful exchange between us?”

“Was it the model girl?” Sophie’s question was met with a bored look. “It was, wasn’t it? You were trying to get laid.” Sophie rolled her eyes when he didn’t try to deny it. “Well, the rest of us live in a world where we have to work toward our future, not waste it away doing pointless things for a thrill. Please don’t let me get in the way of your fabulous time you have planned between the two of you.” Sophie waved him away toward the other model, who was still lingering around the room.

“Are you jealous?” The humor in his voice was too much.

“Bite me,” Sophie snapped.

Ashton raised his eyebrow. “I can do that.” His words pulled at an invisible cord that tied to her inner heat. The way his lip curved up made her want to taste them. “It explains the kiss the other night.”

Heat raked across her face. “In your dreams, Ashton.” Sophie grabbed her things and headed out of the classroom, not looking back. I am a confident, grounded woman and I will not let that pompous ass get to me!

As soon as she was a safe distance away, she found a place to sit and pull herself together before heading to her next class. Pulling out her phone, she sent a message to Jack. It was the first time in her life she’d opened up to a guy and right now she needed him.

Sophie: Ashton is such an ass.

 

Sophie smiled when he responded almost immediately.

Jack: What happened?

 

Sophie: Just because he’s hot, he thinks that every girl wants to do him, and he is a big fat jerk.

 

Jack: Do you want him?

 

Sophie: Not the point. The point is that he is an arrogant jerk ball.

 

Jack: Point taken but…

 

Sophie: But nothing…so when are we going to hang out or are we just going to have a textual relationship?

 

Jack: Haha. I like that. I’m away on business. This is all you have for now, but I do miss your beautiful face.

 

Sophie: Okay fine. Strictly textual for now.

 

Jack: Let’s devise a plan to get back at him for being a jerk ball, as you call it.

 

Sophie: Where have you been all my life? I think I just fell in love with you.

 

Jack: Gross…girl cooties.

 

Sophie: Best kind. Any ideas for revenge?

 

Jack: Sleep with him.

 

Sophie: Remember that comment I made about falling in love with you? I take it back! That is the most ridiculous plan ever.

 

Jack: Let him think you are into him. Sleep with him and then give him the cold shoulder. It will drive him crazy.

 

Sophie: Don’t like that plan. Something else.

 

Jack: Let me think…

 

Sophie: You do that. Gotta go to class. Talk later.