Thirty-Nine
THIRTY-NINE
SOPHIE
Leora
I’m not allowed to travel anymore
M y heart sinks while a sudden wave of worry washes over me. Is everything okay? Did something happen with the pregnancy?
Me
What happened? Are you okay?
Leora
I’m fine, I promise. Doctor’s orders. Apparently, I’m at ‘heightened risk’ for long-haul flights, and Lucas isn’t having it. He’s been acting like a mother hen, hovering, stressing, basically losing his mind. Now he’s saying he might not even travel himself. But don’t worry, I’ll make sure he gets on that plane.
I miss her.
Me
Listen to the doctors and Lucas! All we want is for you to be healthy and have another healthy baby. I’ll see you soon.
Leora
Missed you too, babe. And don’t think I’ve forgotten you said you had something to tell me. So spill. What’s going on?
Dammit, I don’t want to do this by text. Should I call her? No, I don’t have time to do it now, and this call will probably take hours.
Me
It’s a long story, and I want to tell you everything, but it’ll take more time than I have right now. Can we talk later?
Leora
Oh, come on! You’re killing me here! Fine, but you owe me the FULL story when you call. And don’t even think about leaving out the juicy parts. Deal?
I smile despite myself, imagining her dramatic eye roll.
Me
Deal.
Sliding my phone into my bag, I exhale. It’s not that I don’t want to tell her—I do. But talking about Liam feels…delicate like it could either solidify everything we’ve rebuilt or expose how fragile it still is.
Later. I’ll call her later when I can sit down and actually talk properly. For now, I turn my attention back to the project that has consumed my days—and, let’s be honest, a good chunk of my nights. The hotel’s interior is finally coming together after weeks and weeks of meticulous planning and execution. All the rooms are complete building-wise, and what’s left is the coloring in a few suites, the arrival of furniture shipments (which always seem to be delayed), and the delicate, finishing touches that breathe life into a space.
I smile to myself, satisfaction swelling in my chest. The opening is still six months away, but being this close feels incredible. Every element, every corner, every decision—it's all finally coming together. And it’s not just the hotel. Over the past few weeks, two major companies have reached out to me, wanting to hire me for their own projects. Big ones. It feels surreal. For the first time, I feel like I’m truly carving out my place in the design world—all on my own.
Can I have it all? The dream job and the dream guy. I know it happens for other people. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I think about Leora and Lucas, and how they’re practically perfect for each other. But I never thought it would happen for me.
I laugh to myself. Why is it like that? Why do we always cheer for others, rooting for their success and happiness, but never truly believe it’s possible for ourselves? Why do we assume that good things are meant for everyone else but us?
Today, though, I feel it—just a sliver of hope. Maybe I can have both. Maybe I’ll finally open my own company. Anderson Interiors? No, that sounds bland. And who knows if I’ll even have that last name for much longer? Stop. Don’t go there. I might be delusional, but not that delusional.
Sophie’s Spaces? Ew. That’s even worse. Too cheesy, like some discount furniture store.
A small grin tugs at my lips. Forget-me-not Design. Hmm. Now that has potential. It’s cute, memorable, and meaningful.
“Sophie, are you even listening?” Jared’s voice breaks through my thoughts, and I blink, startled. His tone is as grating as always, but this time, it’s even more annoying because he’s interrupted my train of thought. My future plans are more important than him.
I quickly flip my notebook closed, hiding the scribbles of potential business names. “What?” I say, looking up at him with as much patience as I can muster.
“You’ve been zoning out for the last ten minutes,” he says, crossing his arms and looking at me like he’s the boss here. “I was saying we need to finalize the furniture selections for the lobby. The shipment delays are screwing everything up.”
I resist the urge to roll my eyes. He’s so dramatic. “I already handled that yesterday,” I keep my tone professional even though I can feel the irritation bubbling beneath the surface. “I’ll send you the updated timeline after this meeting.”
Jared frowns, clearly annoyed that I’ve already solved the issue he was trying to lecture me about. “Fine,” he mutters, turning back to his notes, but I catch the tightness in his jaw, and it makes me smile.
Yeah, asshole. I do my job, and I do it well. The smile lingers, small but satisfying, even as a pang of guilt creeps in. Some days, I wish I had a different heart that didn’t care so much, so I could let Liam fire him without a second thought. But I don’t. I feel guilt too deep.
My dad used to tell me that all hearts are different whenever I was disappointed in other people’s actions. Not everyone has a heart like yours, and vice versa. Don’t allow yourself to be disappointed by people who have lesser hearts than yours. But always stay true to yours. His words echo in my mind now, grounding me. I can’t change who I am. Only a little more time and then I’m off on my own adventure.
Forget-Me-Not Design. Yeah, not going to lie, it’s growing on me.
The day continues without a hitch— knock on wood, as Adeline would say. To ward off bad luck.
Meetings flow smoothly, decisions are made without unnecessary debates, and even Jared manages to keep his annoying comments to a minimum. It’s rare for a workday to feel this seamless, but If I say too much I might jinx it. Either way, I’m in a great mood, which is perfect timing for Addie and my dinner.
We go to Lila’s Bistro for dinner and drinks on the first Wednesday of every month. Why a Wednesday? Well, two years ago, we stumbled across this little place on a random Wednesday after we both had one of the most awful days imaginable. By some miracle, that night changed the entire energy of the week. The food was comforting, the drinks were perfect, and the laughter we shared felt like hitting a reset button. So, we decided to make it a thing—our special tradition. Now, no matter how bad or good our day is, we know Wednesday night will be better. I know it’s not the smartest idea, considering we both work the next day, but it’s worth it. And I’m also on the boss's good side.
I jump in a taxi as soon as I’m done with work and head to the bistro, where Addie’s probably waiting. I didn’t have time to change out of my slacks and blouse, but she’s seen me in much worse attire.
When I arrive, she’s already at our usual table in the corner, her drink halfway gone and her face lighting up when she spots me.
Lila’s Bistro has this warm, inviting energy with soft amber lighting and vintage wood-paneled walls, making it feel more like someone’s dining room than a restaurant. The scent of garlic, lemon, and freshly baked bread fills the air, making my mouth water instantly. My stomach, clearly in agreement, lets out a loud, rumbling growl, reminding me how long it’s been since lunch.
“Finally!” Addie exclaims as she raises her glass, amusement dancing in her eyes. “I was about to order a whole second drink without you.”
I snicker, shrugging out of my coat and signaling to the waiter. “Traffic was a nightmare. What are we starting with tonight?”
She points to a plate of half-eaten bruschetta. “I couldn’t wait. But don’t worry, I left you some.”
“Generous as always,” I tease, reaching for a piece. “Okay, spill. How’s your day been”
She launches into her story, complete with exaggerated hand gestures and expressions. “So, Sarah—you know, the one who always looks like she’s trying to balance the world on her shoulders—somehow managed to lock herself in the supply closet while looking for erasers. She calls me in a panic, whispering like she’s hiding from the Mafia or something, saying, ‘Addie, you cannot tell anyone.’”
I burst into laughter, already picturing it. “Whispering? Was she embarrassed?”
“Mortified,” Addie replies with wide eyes. “I had to grab the janitor and pretend I didn’t know why we were heading that way. And when he opened the door, Sarah practically fell out. She looked at me, dead serious, and said, ‘If anyone hears about this, I’ll never forgive you.’ I mean, like I wasn’t going to tell everyone .”
I’m laughing so hard tears prick at the corners of my eyes. “You’re evil.”
“It’s part of the job, Soph,” Addie says with a cocky smirk. “Teacher gossip is the real glue holding the school together.”
We both laugh as the waiter arrives and takes our orders—more bruschetta, carpaccio, burrata, and, of course, two pasta dishes: carbonara for me and arrabbiata for Addie. Naturally, we ask for it all to come at the same time, and by the time the food arrives, the table is covered with plates.
Between bites of creamy burrata and perfectly al dente pasta, we drink, laugh, and chat.
Addie leans back in her chair, swirling her wine. ”So…how are things going with Liam?”
I pause, my smile matching the warmth rising in my cheeks. “It’s good. Great actually. It feels like this weight is finally off my shoulders. Even though we’re keeping it a secret for now—work and all—it feels…right. Like I want this with him. But the only hard part is that he travels so much. He doesn’t even live in New York. How are we going to make that work?”
She shakes her head, “Soph, don’t think about that right now. Live in the moment. Enjoy it.”
“You’re right.” I sigh, leaning into my palm, my head settling against it. “What about you?”
Adeline arches a brow, amusement flickering in her eyes. “Of course I’m right.” She pointedly ignores my question.
I chuckle, shaking my head. “What about you?” I repeat, grinning knowingly. “No one piqued your interest?”
She rolls her eyes. “Girl, you’d know if there was. I’m an open book.”
I laugh. “Okay, but what about Liam’s friend, Micah? He’s hot and a sweetheart.”
She shoots me a look, her voice laced with playful doubt. “Sweetheart? Did we meet the same guy?”
“You didn’t deny how hot he was,” I tease, raising my glass.
She flushes slightly, taking a long sip of her wine. I really mean long sip, she almost drains her glass.
“I mean, he is easy on the eyes…”
“Mhmm,” I agree.
“But no, there’s nothing,” she insists, brushing off my teasing. “I don’t have time right now, and Liam mentioned he might work with my dad for the custody situation with his kid.” She pauses, shrugging lightly. “And honestly, I don’t know if I’m ready to date someone who has a kid.”
“Why not?”
She shifts uncomfortably, tucking a loose strand of black hair behind her ear. “It’s not that I have anything against it—I love kids. Obviously,” she adds with a small laugh, gesturing to herself, the elementary school teacher. “But it’s a lot, you know? Stepping into something that serious. And I’m not sure I want to make my life more complicated right now.”
I nod, understanding. “Fair enough. But you know…sometimes the things we think are complications turn out to be the best parts.” I can’t help but think about Liam—how everything about us has been messy and complicated, yet somehow still inevitable, just like he said. The thought of him makes my heart ache in the best way, and I find myself smiling into my glass.
Adeline notices immediately, smiling playfully. “Oh no. That look. You’re thinking about him, aren’t you?”
“Maybe.”
“You’re so far gone, Soph. It’s disgusting, honestly.”
“Shut up,” I say, laughing with her, but the warmth spreading through me at the thought of Liam betrays me. ”I just… I never thought I’d get here with him again, you know? It’s still new, but it feels different this time. Good different.”
Her teasing expression softens, but her tone turns deadly serious. “I’m glad. You deserve it. And if he ever makes you cry again, I’ll chop his dick off.”
“Addie!” I snort, nearly spilling my wine
“I’m not joking, Soph.” She narrows her eyes.
“You’re ridiculous.”
“Hey, someone’s gotta have your back. You’re way too nice to throw out castration threats yourself.”
“Well, I appreciate the support… I think,” I say, grinning.
“Just promise me you’ll let me know if he steps out of line,” she raises her glass.
“I promise,” I say, clinking my glass against hers.
I’m truly blessed to have a friend like her, more like a sister. Sisters . My mind drifts to Leora—she’d say the same thing as Adeline if she were here. Maybe not as aggressive, but she’d threaten with something equally ridiculous. A small smile tugs at my lips at the thought of her protective nature, but it’s quickly replaced by a tightening in my stomach. I need to tell her.
I’ve been putting it off, convincing myself the timing wasn’t right. But that excuse is running thin.
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow, I’m calling as soon as I’m off work. No more procrastinating.
I’m drunk.
We’re both quite drunk, but the fun kind of drunk—the kind where everything seems hilarious and the world feels lighter. Are we irresponsible for being drunk on a Wednesday? Maybe. It’s only ten p.m., so technically, we’re still being responsible. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself.
“Why do they never stop when you actually need one?” Adeline says, stumbling slightly as she waves at another cab that drives past us.
“Probably because you look like you’re about to carjack them!” I giggle, grabbing her arm to steady her.
“Oh, please,” she says, brushing her hair out of her face, her cheeks flushed from the wine. “I look like an angel, thank you very much. You, on the other hand…”
“Hey!” I feign offense, clutching my chest. “I’ll have you know I’m incredibly charming when I’m drunk.”
“Sure, Soph. That’s exactly what this driver thought,” she says, pointing at another cab that zooms past us.
We dissolve into laughter, leaning on each other for balance as we finally spot a free cab pulling up to the curb. ”Third time’s the charm!” she says, as we tumble into the backseat, giggling like schoolgirls before we tell him our address.
“Told you I was charming,” I say, slapping her arm, or at least that’s what I try to do because I totally miss.
Am I seeing double?
“Hello, earth to Sophie,” Adeline teases, waving her hand in front of my face. Except her hand smacks me lightly instead, and I yelp in surprise.
“I’m here! I’m here!” I say, clutching my cheek, more dramatic than necessary as my words slur just a little.
“You’re a mess,” she says through her own laughter, leaning back into the seat. ”A fun mess, though.”
“And you’re my accomplice, so what does that make you?” I counter, grinning as I finally land a light smack on her arm.
“An innocent bystander,” she quips, crossing her arms, but the laughter still dances in her eyes.
“Sure, Addie,” I say, rolling my eyes, settling back into the seat with a goofy smile plastered across my face. Tonight has been the perfect kind of chaotic.
I know a person who’s the perfect kind of chaos. Liam. He’s chaos in the best way.
Lord, what’s wrong with me? How am I totally enamored with him? I went from fighting tooth and nail not to think about him, not to let him in, to now… One admission. One door opened, and I let everything flood in.
It’s like I’m obsessed with him. Is that normal? I don’t know. What I do know, however, is that I miss him. So much it’s ridiculous. I should tell him that.
Without overthinking, I pull out my phone and type a message. Before I can second-guess myself, I hit send. Will I regret it tomorrow? Probably. But right now, I don’t care. I miss him.
Me
I miss you. Wish you were here.
I stare at the screen, and almost immediately, the three little dots appear. My heart does this stupid fluttering thing it has no business doing, and I can’t help but smile.
Liam
I miss you too. Where are you?
Me
In a taxi.
Liam
Are you okay, Sunshine?
My whole body shivers at his nickname for me. His Sunshine. I’m his Sunshine.
Me
Yesss. Adeline and I had some wine.
I miss your face. Your face is so hanspme.
Handsup.
HANDSOME. Ugh. You know. You have a good face.
Liam
How much wine did you have?
I send him a photo of me holding up my hand, five fingers spread out.
Adeline leans over the moment I hit send, trying to peek at my phone. “Who are you texting? Is it Liam?” she asks, her words slurring just enough to make her sound like she’s also five wines deep—which she is.
“None of your business,” I tease, clutching my phone to my chest. But my grin gives me away, and she lets out a loud, dramatic gasp.
“Oh my God, it is Liam!” she says, smacking my arm playfully. “What did you say? Did you send him a drunk love confession? An old nude?”
“No!” I protest, laughing. ”Just…that I miss him.”
Her teasing expression softens, and she leans back with a dreamy sigh. “You’re so in love.”
“Yeah,” I admit quietly, my heart pounding as another message comes through. No, it’s not a message. It’s a Video Call request. My pulse spikes and I stare at the screen for a moment, debating whether to answer.
Adeline, however, has no such hesitation. She snatches the phone from my hand and taps to accept the call before I can stop her. “Hiiiii, Liam!” she says cheerfully, her voice high-pitched and sing-songy.
Liam’s voice comes through, low and amused. “Is she drunk?”
“She’s adorably drunk,” Adeline declares, tilting the phone in my direction before handing it back to me with a grin that’s way too smug for her own good.
I take the phone, shooting her a death glare before turning to the screen. His face appears, his dark eyes crinkled slightly at the corners, warm but with a flicker of something that makes my stomach flutter.
“Hi,” I say softly, suddenly shy, the confidence from my texts completely evaporating.
“Hi,” he replies, his smile tugging at the corner of his lips, impossibly charming even through the screen. “She’s right—you’re adorable.”
My face burns, and I pull the phone closer to hide from Adeline’s prying eyes. “I’m not adorable ,” I mumble, pouting slightly.
A low chuckle rumbles through him, and the sound makes my stomach flip. “Drunk you begs to differ,” he teases, his tone light, but there’s a tenderness in his expression that makes my heart squeeze. “Are you heading home?”
“Yes,” I say, nodding a little too quickly. “We’re almost there. The driver is very nice. I think. Adeline says he’s nice. Are you nice?” I glance up to ask the driver, who just shakes his head at me, clearly done with our antics.
Liam’s laughter spills through the phone again, rich and deep but there’s a touch of concern in his eyes. “That’s good to hear, Sunshine. But, I’m staying on the line until you’re home.”
“You don’t have to,” I protest, though more warmth spreads through me at his protectiveness.
“I want to.”
We continue talking, mostly about nothing—the way the lights look through the taxi window, Adeline chiming in with tipsy commentary about the driver’s music choice, and Liam teasing me about my drunk texts. Every so often, he asks how far away we are.
When the cab pulls up in front of my building, I lift the phone to show him. “See? Home safe.”
“Not yet,” he murmurs, his brow lifting. “Get inside first.”
We walk in and take the elevator, and Liam still doesn’t hang up.
Adeline unlocks the front door as I hold the phone. Liam stays quiet, his eyes watching me through the screen as we step into the apartment, and I slump onto the couch with a dramatic sigh. “There. Inside.”
“Good,” he says, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Now go to bed, Sunshine.”
I nod, my eyelids already drooping. “Goodnight, Liam.”
“Goodnight,” he replies, his voice wrapping around me like a warm hug. Then, with a playful wink, he adds, “Dream of me.”
A sleepy laugh escapes me, but as I end the call and sink deeper into the bed. What he doesn’t know is that I will most definitely dream of him—because he’s already in every thought I have. In every waking hour and every dream-laced night.