Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
Sophie
I licked the salt rim of my margarita and finished the last of the drink. After setting the glass down, I looked around the quiet table. Since Eve is heading back to Oregon tomorrow, our weekly taco night is less festive than usual. Her leaving is the elephant in the room we’ve been ignoring all week. But since she’s getting on a flight in twelve hours, it’s something we have to face.
“How can you be going home tomorrow? It feels like you just got here.”
I tried not to whine but wasn’t very successful.
“I know. Five weeks flew by.” Eve reached over and squeezed my arm, flashing a bittersweet smile. “As happy as I am to get back to Max, I’m gonna miss you guys so much.”
“So when are you coming back?” Keera asked.
“I’m not sure. Grace is graduating from the master’s program at Cambridge at the end of June, so Max and I are heading to England for that. And we have those reader events.” She pointed at me then shrugged. “I’m still figuring out how to live on the opposite coast from my friends and family.”
“Hear me out,” Anjannette said, then cleared her throat. “I think you should just plan on coming home for the entire month of January and one week every other month.”
“As lovely as that sounds, I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t fit into my schedule.”
“It’s on you if you can’t climb the pole again next time you come home.”
Anjannette punctuated that sentence by folding her arms across her chest and sitting back in the chair.
“Don’t exaggerate.” Eve rolled her eyes. “I was able to climb.”
“That’s debatable,” Anjannette said under her breath, then unable to keep a straight face any longer, burst into laughter
We all joined her and thankfully the mood at the table lightened. I don’t want to send Eve off on a sad note.
“It’s unfortunate you can’t find a studio close to you,” Keera said.
“What can I say? You guys have spoiled me for all other studios.”
“Well of course we did,” Anjannette said.
“And since that’s the case, Max is installing a pole down in the garage for me.” She glanced at Anjannette. “So I’ll definitely still be able to do all the tricks when I come back.”
The waitress approached the table and asked if we wanted another round of drinks. Since Eve has a flight in the morning, we decided to call it an early night and just asked for the check.
I’m driving her home, so I stayed back and let Anjannette and Keera say their goodbyes.
After extra-long hugs and many shed tears, we promised that we’d start up our weekly Zooms again and went our separate ways. Well, Anjannette and Keera did. I drove Eve, so we both got into my car.
Eve has been my best friend for nearly twenty years and in all that time, we lived within ten minutes of each other, so this cross-country thing has been an adjustment. Texts and video calls aren’t the same as meeting multiple times a week at our favorite coffee shop or going to pole class together.
As I pulled in front of her house like I’ve done hundreds of times before, a wave of sadness washed over me. When she left for Seaside last year, it was only supposed to be for the summer, so the goodbye wasn’t so melancholy. But now that she actually lives out there, it’s different.
"Thanks for the ride, Sophie," Eve said, breaking the silence as she unbuckled her seatbelt.
I nodded.
“I wish you weren’t leaving,” I said. “I’m so happy you’re with Max, I just miss you being in the same zip code as me.”
“Same.” She offered a wobbly smile. “But at least we’ll see each other at the reader event in Chicago.”
As she rummaged in her purse for her keys, we talked about the upcoming book signing in April. We both started publishing our books as indie authors, but now we’re both hybrid authors. Which basically means that we self-publish some titles and have a contract with a publishing house for others. Since we have the same publisher and we lived by each other, they often send us to the same events so we could travel together. And even though she lives in Oregon now, we don’t plan on changing that. It’s nice having each other at those events.
“I’m glad we’ll be staying a few extra days. Aside from the fact it’ll be great spending time with you, those events are exhausting.”
“True. And as crazy as the schedule is going to be, I’m really looking forward to it.”
“Me too. The readers are always so great.”
We talked about past events and the people we’ve met at them. Not to mention all the fun we’ve had closing down the bars together.
"You know," Eve said suddenly, her voice tinged with warmth, "I'm really happy you're giving Jamie a chance. He seems like a great guy."
“Well that was an abrupt segue.”
“Maybe, but it doesn’t make it any less true.”
“Yeah,” I said, the word coming out as more of a sigh. “He really is a great guy, but I’m still not sure about the logistics.”
“Sophie, you live two hours away from each other. If you meet in the middle, it’s only an hour. It’s not like you have to hop on a plane to see him. I’m sure it won’t be hard to figure out.”
“I guess.”
“Don’t sound so excited.”
Eve is my best friend. We’ve worked our way through motherhood, our divorces, and her getting together with Max. I know I can talk to her about anything.
“If I’m being honest, I’m scared.”
She squeezed my hand.
“That’s totally normal. You know how terrified I was to get involved with Max.”
“I know. I just didn’t think I’d feel this way.”
“You were married for a long time. It’s not easy opening yourself up to someone new, especially when the stakes are high.”
“Stakes?”
“You really like him, so if it doesn’t work out, you’ll be hurt.”
I nodded, swallowing the lump that formed in my throat.
"Yeah, if things didn’t work out with Jamie, it would really suck."
“Just take it one day at a time, one date at a time.” Her eyes rounded. “Oh my God! You should take Jamie to the book signing in Chicago.”
“Oh, I don’t know.”
“It’s perfect. You two will be looking for ways to see each other. It’ll be a nice little getaway.”
“Isn’t it kind of soon to be planning getaways?”
“How else are you going to get together?” she asked, once again the voice of reason. “I’ll bring Max so they can get to know each other.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Well don’t think too much. Just feel. Once you stop overthinking, things will be much easier to figure out,” she said. “Trust me. I just went through this with Max, remember?”
“I remember, oh wise one,” I said around a chuckle. “I promise I’ll consider it and let you know. I want to give Jamie at least another week before I suggest we take a romantic getaway.”
“That’s fair.”
My phone buzzed and I couldn’t help the smile that spread across my face when I saw Jamie’s name pop up. We’ve been talking every night this past week.
“I don’t even need to look at the phone to know who that text is from. Your face says it all,” Eve said. “I should be heading inside anyway. I still have to pack.”
“Have a safe trip.” I unbuckled my seatbelt and reached over to give her a hug. “Be sure to text when you land.”
“I will.” She pulled back and looked me in the eye. “Let me know as soon as you talk to Jamie about Chicago.”
“I’ll let you know when I decide about Chicago.”
“Tom-a-to, tom-ah-to,” she said in a sing-song voice as she opened the door and stepped out of the car, closing it behind her.
She turned and gave me a little wave, then I watched her walk up the sidewalk and onto the porch filled with a surge of gratitude for her friendship. And as she disappeared into her house, I knew that no matter the distance between us, we’ll always be there for each other.
Jamie
Elliott and I pulled up to his parents’ house at the same time. I’ve barely talked to him since last week’s family dinner. Now that the new boiler was installed and I have heat at my flip house in White Plains, I’ve been staying there and working long hours. The sooner I get it done, the sooner I can sell it.
“Hey,” I said.
“Well, hello stranger. How are things up north?”
“You act like I’m in Siberia. The house is forty-five minutes up 95.”
“So you say.”
“I don’t even know what that means.” My phone rang just as we stepped onto the porch, and I pulled it out of my pocket, smiling when I saw Sophie’s name. “I’ll be right in.”
“Tell Sophie I said hi,” he said, then made kissing noises.
I stepped back and waited until he was inside with the door closed before answering.
“Hi.”
“Hey,” she said. “I’m on my way to pole class, but I wanted to call and let you know that I won't be around to talk tonight.”
“Heading out with the girls?”
“I wish. My daughter’s car needs to go to the garage, so after class, I have to pick her up from work and drop it off. And my proofreader emailed just before I left the house and said she double booked herself and asked if I could get my manuscript to her by the end of the week.” She sighed. “She’s been flexible with my deadlines in the past, so I’m definitely willing to get the book to her early. I have my edits back, so it’s not a huge deal.”
“Sounds like you have a lot on your plate,” I said. “But I’m glad I’m getting to talk to you now.”
“Are you in White Plains?”
“No, it’s family dinner night at the Booth house. You called just before I went inside.”
“Oh sorry. I’ll let you go.”
“Elliott knew it was you calling. I’m sure he’s inside telling his family all about you, so I have some time.”
Thankfully she laughed at that instead of being upset.
“Tell me about what you got done at the house today.”
I filled her in on the flooring I installed and promised to send pictures. When she first asked me about my progress at the house, I figured she was just being polite. But she usually asks for more details, so I guess she’s really interested.
“Maybe if you can get away for a day, you can come see the house when it’s closer to being done.”
“I’d like that,” she said.
We’ve Facetimed most nights since I got home from Scranton but haven’t discussed plans to get together again. And obviously now isn’t the time to do that. Instead, after I finished telling her about the house, she told me about the extra pole classes she’ll be teaching the next couple weeks because Anjannette is heading to spring training in Florida with Leo.
“How will you juggle that with your son’s baseball season starting?”
“He just has practice until the beginning of March, so it’s not so bad. And Rob is always around to pick him up if I’m not available.”
We have spoken about her ex and the fact that they’re still pretty friendly. Considering how I’ve been burned in the past, that’s usually a red flag for me, but she’s so open about it, I’m trying not to worry about it.
“You warned me that you have a crazy schedule.”
“Scared yet?”
“Not at all.”
“Speaking of my schedule, I have to go open the studio.”
“Okay, Facetime me tomorrow night if you get a chance between edits.”
“Will do.”
We hung up and I went inside. As I stepped into the dining room, the conversation stopped. I have no idea what Elliott has told them, but I’m sure I’ll find out soon enough.
I looked around at the table full of food and everyone’s empty plates.
“Sorry about that,” I said as I took my seat. “You should have started without me.”
“Nonsense,” Maggie said. “But since you’re here now, let’s eat, everyone.”
Platters and bowls were passed and soon enough, everyone’s plates were full of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, and biscuits. This is my second favorite meal, after Swedish meatballs. And since I’ve been living mostly on takeout the past week, it tastes even more delicious than usual.
I finished a drumstick and half my mashed potatoes, then set my fork down to take a drink.
“Jamie, Elliott said you’ve met someone.” Maggie said, her eyes bright with anticipation. “Tell us about her.”
I’m sure Elliott has already filled them in on Sophie down to the smallest detail, but I know she wants to hear everything from me.
“Her name is Sophie. She’s the woman I met when she got her pole certification at Elliott’s studio.”
“And things are going well?”
“It’s pretty new, but yeah, I guess.”
Maggie continued to pepper me with questions.
“She’s an author?”
“Yes.”
I dipped my biscuit into the mashed potatoes and gravy and took a big bite.
“And she has four children.”
“Mmm hmm.”
“That’s exciting.”
I nodded, even though I’m not sure about that. I don’t have much experience with kids. Then again, Sophie’s are mostly grown. Of course that doesn’t mean they won’t be upset about us dating. But I guess we’ll take that as it comes.
“When are you seeing each other again?” Eileen asked.
I shifted my eyes to Elliott, who offered what I’m sure was supposed to be a sympathetic glance. But I know him too well. He’s loving this.
“I’m not sure. Her schedule is pretty busy at the moment, so we’re playing it by ear.”
Before they could ask another question, I asked Ed to pass the chicken and also took a second helping of mashed potatoes. Thankfully Maggie shifted her focus from me to Eileen’s upcoming wedding.
Eileen listed the replies she received the past few days and talked about the people they needed to avoid sitting together. Since the wedding is in three weeks, there are only the last-minute details to worry about.
I half listened since what they’re discussing really doesn’t involve me. The only things I have to do, is pick up my tux and show up.
After finishing my meal, I swiped the remaining half biscuit over the plate, clearing the remains of mashed potatoes and gravy. I was just about to pop it into my mouth when Eileen’s voice stopped me.
“I know!” I shifted my eyes in her direction. “You should bring Sophie as your plus one to my wedding,”
“That’s a great idea,” Maggie said.
“It really is,” Elliott added.
I glanced around the table as I contemplated Eileen’s statement. She and Maggie looked eager to hear my answer, Elliott smirked, while Ed and Eddie just listened to the conversation with wide eyes.
Sophie and I have been talking for a week. I have no business taking her to a family wedding. We should get to know each other better, spend more time together. So imagine my shock when I said, “I’ll talk to Sophie and see if she’s available.”