Chapter 12 Sophie
Sophie
“Sophie, are you listening to me?”
I looked across the table at Maddie, who frowned back at me.
“Yes, I’m listening, Maddie. I’m glad you like him.” I had no clue what she said, but before my mind drifted to Trooper, she had been rambling about Carlos. I assumed she was still talking about him.
“Good, but what was wrong? You keep zoning out on me, like you have a lot on your mind,” Maddie said.
“Something happened last night. I don’t know what, but something took place with Trooper and my parents. When I asked him, he just shrugged it off and said things were fine. He said my father wasn’t thrilled about us, but he didn’t care.”
“Well, you already know that, so what’s the big deal?”
“It’s more than that. My mother was really upset and she and my father were arguing. He left and she took a car service home. It was so weird. When I called her this morning, she told me it was nothing and asked about Trooper.”
“Asked what about him?”
“If we were okay. I told her yes and she said she had to go.”
“Sophie, you had to know your parents wouldn’t want you with him. Your dad likely has wedding invitations printed for you and Lincoln. Your mother agrees with whatever he says, so why are you surprised?”
“I’m not, not about that, but it’s more than that. Trooper was kind of standoffish when we got home. He just went to sleep, and he was up early, like real early. It’s Saturday, he never does that.”
“Have you talked to him?”
“Yeah. I called and we talked for a bit, then he said he had something to take care of and he’d see me later.”
“Then stop stressing. I’m sure it’s nothing. Your parents are intense. They make me edgy and I’m not sleeping with you; so I can imagine how he feels.
“But he’s not like that. He’s so nonchalant about everything. Nothing bothers him and he’s not intimidated by anything as far as I can tell. I can’t imagine he cares what my parents think.”
“He might, since he knows it’s important to you.”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Stop worrying. Everything is fine. Now can we discuss Carlos, please?”
“Fine, what about him?” I asked with a grin, deciding to let it go for now. I planned to have a real conversation with Trooper about it later.
“Weeeelll, I really like him, Sophie, and did you see the way Richard was looking at me all night? That little pop tart he was with will never be me. She’s so basic.”
“Basic? Really, Maddie?”
“Yes, basic. I know you like her because she’s your client’s daughter, but she’s basic.”
“Trooper knows her, did I tell you that? I think they had something too. He was with her at the last event my company hosted, and last night she looked like she wanted to take my head off.”
“Oh, hell no, we can handle that.”
“Listen to you. One night with Carlos and you’re trying to ride out on her.”
“I have nice hands, Sophie, don’t get it confused.”
“Nice manicured hands, laced with diamonds,” I said with a grin.
“True, and she’s not worth breaking a nail over. Besides, I have Carlos and he’s everything.”
“Everything, huh? And just what did you do after you left?” I asked with a smug grin.
“I don’t kiss and tell.”
“Maddie!” I yelled through a smile.
“Calm your nerves. We just went for drinks, talked, then he took me home. He kissed me like the world was about to end though, I got a preview of what’s to come and you were right. Birds of a feather.”
“See, I told you,” I said and smiled. “So you’ll see him again?”
“Hopefully. He called me when he got home and we talked. I haven’t heard from him today, but he better call.”
“Maybe he’s with Trooper,” I said with a shrug.
“Maybe, but I’ll find out later. I want to live on the edge like you. Trooper has brought out a side of you I haven’t seen before.”
“I guess.”
“No guess, Sophie. You’re falling for him.”
“He better be falling for me too,” I said and rolled my eyes.
“He is, I can tell, and you can too.”
“Let us pray,” I teased, then laughed.
After my brunch with Maddie, I called to check on my mother again and she didn’t answer. I planned to drop by soon and see her. Last night still didn’t sit well with me. Someone needed to come clean, and if not Trooper, then my parents.
When I entered the lobby of my building, I was greeted by a smiling Anthony.
“Hello, Sophie. I was instructed to let you know Mr. Olsen is here waiting for you.”
I rolled my eyes at the idea of Lincoln being here.
I wasn’t in the mood for him. He would have a lot to say about me being with Trooper last night.
Lincoln kept his distance, which I assumed had to do with Trooper giving off an intimidating vibe.
Lincoln was a beast in the business world, but not with anything else.
“Where is he?” I questioned and looked around.
“Starbucks,” Anthony said with a slight frown.
“Thank you.”
I headed toward the mini Starbucks and found Lincoln sitting with an espresso shot in front of him.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, peering at him.
“I’m here to see you, beautiful.” He smiled. “Sit down. Let’s talk because I’m sure you won’t invite me up.”
“You’re right, I won’t, and I’ll stand.”
Lincoln smirked and pressed his finger onto the folder in front of him before sliding it in my direction. My eyes moved toward it for a moment before I looked his way again.
“What’s that?” I questioned.
“Read it.”
I moved closer to the table, assuming it was some type of proposal or business deal, but my mouth dropped open when I read Trooper’s name. I flipped through the files annoyed.
“Trooper Carter, arrest, petty theft, possession with intent, assault, armed robbery. And all of that before he was even eighteen years old. I can keep going if you want.”
“How do you have this?”
“I have money and I know people,” he said with an arrogance that struck a nerve. “Do you know who he is, Sophie? Because I do and so does your father. Did you know you were lying in bed with a criminal? A gotdamn worthless piece of shit?”
“I can’t believe you. It’s none of your business, but yes, I know who he is. He hasn’t denied where he came from, but none of that matters now.”
“Please tell me you’re not that na?ve, Sophie. The people we do business with care about shit like that. You don’t think they will do the same thing I did if you keep showing up on his arm? How do you think that will look for you and your family? It matters, Sophie, it fucking matters.”
“Well, it doesn’t to me.” I tossed the folder back on the table.
He stood and glared at me before he lifted it. “Have fun, Sophie, it won’t last. Your father and I will make sure of that.”
Lincoln moved past me and pressed the folder into my chest. I let it hit the floor and he walked off. What the hell was happening?