CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
I step my red heels into the passenger side of Briar’s car and wiggle into the seat beside her.
We’re running a bit late, sort of my fault, I couldn’t zip up my dress and had to get Briar to come up and help me. But this dress is amazing, and I feel like a warrior Goddess in it. Alex texted, saying that he and Ben were already there and that they scored us seats at a table in the corner of the room where we might seem the least conspicuous.
I smile like a kid in a candy store and turn to look at Briar. Her hair is pinned up on one side, revealing a new shave underneath, and she is rocking a turquoise sequined number. She looks hot.
We make the drive to the convention center where the event is being held, and it takes us about twenty minutes with traffic. There’s even a valet. Lucy’s company goes all out for these big client deals. They make them millions, so I guess their motto is you have to spend money to make money.
We climb out of the car, and a young guy takes the keys to her Malibu from her fingers.
We’re walking slowly, I might add, as we are both in four-inch stiletto heels.
I’m nervous.
I haven’t seen Ben since I told him about my job offer. It’s been busy. I handed in my resignation, and I feel like I have been running around at the shop since. It all kind of worked out, though. The day I handed in my letter, Avery visited the shop and said she would love to work in a bookshop while she drafts her next novel. Emily was immediately excited, so I called Jeffrey in, and we introduced her. She was hired on the spot.
I think Jeffrey was just thrilled he didn’t have to post and interview anyone. Emily and I vouched for her, and he took our word on it. So, I have been training her every shift. I’m taking a week off between jobs, so technically, my last day is next week. I’ve been working on my character design and plot since the picnic with the girls, and I am so excited to get started on my own novel. Plus, I need to go shopping for some new work clothes. Lots to do. And the article. I need to somehow manage to tell Ben my feelings and write an article to declare my feelings for all to see. Including all my new coworkers. Talk about being vulnerable.
We make our way into the large room that is filled with fairy lights and white drapes. It’s fancy as hell.
We see Lucy as she grabs a glass of champagne, and we make our way through to her. We’re only with her for a minute when her boss takes her by the arm to lure her away to greet potential clients.
“Enjoy the free drinks. I’ll catch up with you later,” she whispers.
We do a round, getting ourselves some champagne while we’re at it.
We’re just making our way towards the table when we see Alex. He’s alone, and I wonder where Ben could be. My heart stops in anticipation. I feel someone grab my hand from behind, and I let out a yelp. I turn to see who’s caught me when his voice catches me off guard.
It’s James, the realtor-dicpic douche. “Sofia, you look fantastic. How are you?”
Briar looks towards me questioningly, and I introduce her.
“James, what are you doing here?” I ask, eyeing him.
I try to take my hand back, but he has a good grasp on me. I don’t want to make a scene, so I let it be for now, waiting for his response.
“I have some clients here tonight, found out about this little shenanigan, and thought there may be more opportunities, business opportunities to claim. Or, you know…” he winks at me…“Some opportunities to meet some fine, looking ladies.”
He eyes me up and down as he says this, and a shiver runs through me. Not the good kind, the heeby-jeeby kind. The Tom kind.
Out of nowhere, he spins me. I lose my balance, teetering on my four inches of shoes, and I fall into his chest.
“Oh, baby, I thought I was going to have to get you drunk first, and look, you’re making the first move.” His gaze narrows. “must have been the picture I sent you, eh?”
I try to straighten myself, pushing the thought of my first unwanted dicpic out of my mind as I shake out of his grip.
Briar cries out, “Ben, no! Sofia…”
I feel her take hold of me and help me escape the firm grip of James’ fingers. I see anger flash over Ben’s face as he turns to leave.
“Ben…” I call out, trying to steady myself enough to go after him, but he’s too quick.
I follow him all the way to the entrance, but he’s in a car and off before I can open the large glass door in front of me.
Briar and Alex are behind me.
I turn to them and feel the tears coming. They both embrace me and lead me back to a table in a dark corner, where we’re hidden from James and the fancy clients Lucy is entertaining.
When I’ve managed to stop shivering, Briar places a hand on mine. “Who was that?” she asks.
“That was my first date from the App, James, the realtor, the dicpic - the guy that was rude to the server.”
“Oh…” Briar exchanges a look with Alex that I was probably not meant to see.
“This is bad, isn’t it?” I ask them. “Ben thinks I’m hooking up with that guy.”
My heart sinks. Until the moment James appeared, I couldn’t wait to see Ben. To have a chance, maybe even a dance with him. To tell him all the things I have been holding inside of me. I planned the whole thing in my mind.
Instantly, our eyes would connect. I’d feel my heart flutter and my breath quicken. I would feel the spark between us, and I would want nothing more than to grab his hand and make a run for it. Find a corner somewhere and wrap my arms around his neck, letting his mouth take over mine with urgency.
And it’s ruined. James ruined the night. My chance with Ben is gone.
“I was going to tell Ben tonight,” I admit.
I’m upset that Ben might be hurt right now. I don’t want him thinking that we’re going back on this rollercoaster ride. He’s it for me. I’m so caught up in my emotions right now, I can’t think straight. I don’t know how to make this right. I just want to wrap my arms around Ben, look him in the eyes and tell him what a goof I have been, and how much he means to me.
Alex places a hand on my shoulder.
“This isn’t the end,” he says. “That guy is crazy about you. He has done nothing but talk about you since I picked him up.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.”
“Sofia.” Briar touches my hand. “You know Ben has liked you for so long. This isn’t going to change anything. He just saw something that set his ego off, and he will cool down. You need to talk to him. You need to explain things and be vulnerable.”
“Ugh,” I clasp my hand on my forehead and lean my elbows on the table. “What a mess. How am I going to convince him I’m not with James?”
They both look at me, unsure.
“Why don’t you try calling him,” Alex suggests.
I pull out my phone and open my text history, hitting the call button from our last message. My heart sinks when it goes straight to voicemail.
“His phone must be off,” I say, placing my phone back into my tiny clutch.
Briar squeezes my hand. “Listen, he’s going to cool down and come to his senses. Why don’t we focus on Lucy? It’s her night, and let’s celebrate your new job with free champagne.” She nods excitedly. “This will all blow over. Come on. Let’s grab another drink and hit the dance floor.”
“She’s right,” Alex says, “Congratulations on the job, by the way.”
We all stand, and he takes my hand and pulls me into a hug. I feel Briar join in from behind, and I start laughing.
“Guys, you’re squishing me.”
Briar giggles and releases me. We make our way to the bar and order drinks. I don’t know how I can have fun with the weight of how Ben must feel in this moment. I tell myself I will try calling him again in a little bit. I focus my attention on Alex.
“You look great, Alex,” I say, and he blushes.
Briar chimes in, “You really do. You look great in navy.”
I watch as Alex’s cheeks darken another shade.
I grab both his hands. “Come on, you dance, don’t you?”
“Uh, not really,” he stammers.
“You do now,” I say.
The three of us make our way to the dance floor and I spend the next hour trying to enjoy the music and the free flow of drinks. My mind keeps taking me back to Ben, and I can’t help but worry that I once again have lost my chance with him. By the time Lucy’s boss makes her way to the podium, the room is spinning slightly, and I feel the lace of my dress sticking to me.
There’s a nice speech praising Lucy that ends with the reveal of her promotion. Everyone cheers.
I take my phone out and turn on the screen.
Ben: We need to talk. I’m waiting outside your apartment. Take your time.
I show the text to Briar and Alex.
“Catch an Uber and get your man,” Briar says. I smile at them.
“I’m going to.”
By the time I weave through the crowd and find Lucy, an uncomfortable amount of time has passed. We hug, and I congratulate her, then we make plans to meet and celebrate more. She wishes me luck with Ben.
I’m in the backseat of the Uber when I come up with a plan. I need donuts if I am going to make this work. Now is the time to win Ben back. We roll up to the donut shop near Plants, Pottery & Books, and I’m so grateful to see they’re still open this late. I make my way into the shop while the Uber waits for me at the curb. Garrett is behind the counter and stands when he sees me.
“Hey!” I say feeling a little breathless from all the commotion. He smiles and asks what I’d like tonight. I ask him if he has a colorful marker before putting my request in for donuts. His expression is one of curiosity, but he doesn’t say anything when he opens the drawer under the cash register and produces three markers. I smile at him and ask him for one of their boxes. Without question he takes out a pre-built yellow box and hands it over.
I eagerly snatch up the markers and box, making my way to one of the small tables. When I finish, I walk back up to the counter and request Ben’s favorites, handing the box back to Garrett. After reading what I’ve written inside, he looks at me and chuckles softly.
He smiles, his tired eyes and the lines around his mouth revealing a long day of serving customers. “This will win him over.”
“I hope so.” I reply, hoping it’s not too late.
I make my way back to the waiting car, and we head towards my place. My palms are sweating, and I feel a rush overcome me as I sit waiting, staring out the window.
When I spot Ben on the front steps of my building my heart skips a beat. His suit coat is off and hung on the railing. A few buttons are undone at the neck, and he’s rolled up his sleeves, showing his bronzed forearms under the glow of the fluorescent streetlight.
I step out of the car, a little shaky, as Ben stands.
I’m standing on the sidewalk facing him, not moving, yellow box in hand. I can feel the nerves running through my body. I’m swaying slightly in the cool night breeze, and I shiver.
I start walking towards Ben as he starts walking down the steps.
It’s as if we’re walking in slow motion. My head is buzzing from a little too much champagne. I blink a few times, trying to focus on Ben.
In a sudden state of recollection, I remember the box in my hands and take a small step back. With anticipation, I open the box to reveal the message hidden within. I wait for his response as I watch his eyes light up. A sense of calm washing over me.
“I donut know what I’d do without you,” he reads. I watch as his expression turns from one of turmoil to one of relief.