Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
Sophie
Tyler jogged toward the car, his tall frame silhouetted against the setting sun. I’m still amazed that this almost-adult is my baby. It seems like yesterday he played his first tee-ball game and now he starts varsity for the high school and plays on an elite travel team. And of course, the local American Legion team, which is what this practice was for.
I opened the hatchback and he tossed his gear inside and closed it.
“Hey Mom,” he said as he slid into the passenger seat.
“How was practice?” I asked as I pulled out of the parking lot.
He launched into a detailed account and I found myself marveling at how grown up he sounds.
“...and Coach says with the way my pitching improved, I might be the first starter.”
“That's fantastic Ty,” I said.
“He’s not sure if I’ll bat the days I’m pitching, but that’s okay because I’ll still get to hit when I play the field.”
“I ordered Alfredo’s for dinner,” I said as I made the turn that would take us in that direction.
“Did you get pepperoni?”
“Of course. And I got an extra tray so there should be leftovers for tomorrow.”
I smiled at Jamie’s reaction when I said I was ordering trays of pizza. I forget that it's unique to Scranton.
“You’re leaving tomorrow?”
“Yes. I’m flying out of JFK, so I’ll be leaving the house early.”
My original flight was out of Avoca, but after inviting Jamie, changed my ticket so we could fly together. I’m going to park at his house and Elliott is going to drive us to the airport.
I pulled up outside Alfredo’s and Tyler ran in to get the order. He emerged a few minutes later carrying four trays. He set them in the back and my mouth watered as the smell of cheesy, tomato-y goodness filled the car before he sat back in the front seat.
Twenty minutes later, we walked through the back door. Surprisingly Courtney, Bobby, and Emily were sitting in the family room. Normally they’re either not home or in their rooms. Actually, Bobby is usually at college, but he got a last-minute interview for a summer job at an engineering firm so he came home for a long weekend.
“Dinner’s here,” I yelled.
I grabbed paper plates from the cupboard and set them on the counter along with some napkins. Tyler took a plate and Bobby grabbed it out of his hand then opened a box.
“You better not take all the ends,” Tyler said as he picked up another plate.
They jostled each other, vying for the first cut.
Again I smiled as I thought of Jamie. I honestly don’t know what’s so complicated about the fact that round pizza comes in slices and square is in cuts.
Before Bobby and Tyler got into a full wrestling match, I intervened.
“There are sixteen ends. I’m sure you can make it work.”
After a couple more elbow shoves, they filled their plates and sat at the island. Courtney and Emily did the same, minus the pushing.
I took a cut of pepperoni and stood on the opposite side of the island and looked at them while I ate. With her hazel eyes and light brown hair, Courtney is my mini me. And Bobby has dark hair and brown eyes like Rob. But Emily and Tyler are a combination of both of us. Dark brown hair and hazel eyes for her and dirty blond with brown eyes for him.
They all may look different, but there’s something similar that pegs them as siblings.
“She’s doing it again,” Tyler said.
I shifted my gaze among the four of them as they stared at me, chuckling.
“What?”
“Watching us.”
“It’s so rare you’re all together, I need to savor the moment.”
We’ve talked about that before and they know how emotional I can get, so instead of teasing me, they just continued eating.
After we finished, Bobby stood and tossed his empty plate in the garbage. Rubbing his hands together, he asked, “Who’s ready for some quality time with Dunder Mifflin?”
Surprisingly, a chorus of agreement followed. After doing a quick clean up, we migrated to the family room. Bobby logged into Peacock and turned on The Office .
As the familiar theme song played, once again I thought of Jamie. After spending time with the people he considers his family, I know I need to introduce him to mine. Since the kids are all here, I could tell them now, but Bobby being home is a surprise, and I’m not mentally prepared. Besides, I don’t want to dump the information on them then head out of town.
As we settled into the episode, I once again found myself looking at the kids. Courtney and Emily, curled up on opposite ends of the couch, giggling at Jim's latest prank. Bobby, sprawled on the recliner, and Tyler, on the love seat, his long legs propped up on the coffee table.
Nights like these are rare and precious now. But in moments like this, with laughter echoing through the house and the warmth of family all around me, I'm reminded of how lucky I am.
As Michael Scott delivers another ridiculously funny line, I laughed along with my children. Tomorrow, I'll be off to Chicago and will put on my author persona, but tonight, I'm just a mom, surrounded by her children, cherishing every second of this perfect evening.
I’ll tell them about Jamie when we’re all together at the Blue-White game like I’d originally planned.
Jamie
The crowd around Sophie’s table was insane. From the moment the doors opened, a constant stream of fans surged forward, eager to meet her, get their books signed, and share a moment with their favorite author. She looked stunning, her smile never wavering.
Sophie’s a huge deal here, a real celebrity. People traveled from all over just to meet her, and it was amazing to witness. I’ve enjoyed watching her in her element, chatting effortlessly with her readers, making each one feel special. It was a side of her I hadn’t seen to this extent before, and I couldn’t help but be impressed.
Eve’s line is just as respectable. Max had been with me earlier, but as a former child star, he began attracting attention and decided to return to their room.
Both Sophie and Eve have handlers and assistants provided by their publisher, so there’s nothing for Max and I to do. I could go work out or do something productive, but I’m enjoying this too much.
As I watched Sophie take a picture with a fan, my mind drifted back to our dinner with Eve and Max last night. We’d all been talking about upcoming plans, and Sophie mentioned she’s going to the Blue-White game at Penn State next week. She said she rented a house and I’m pretty sure she also said her ex-husband is staying there with her. And their four kids, of course.
The reason I’m questioning what I heard is because she said it so casually. There was no hint of awkwardness or hesitation. To her, it seemed completely normal. But to me, it felt like a punch to the gut.
I’ve been cheated on before, more than once, so it’s definitely a trigger for me. Add in my parents’ messed-up relationship, and I’m less trusting than most. I’m aware of that, which is why I’m taking time to collect my thoughts before bringing it up.
Taking in a deep breath, I attempted to calm my racing thoughts. I don’t want to let my past experiences get between what Sophie and I have. I may have been a bad picker in the past, but every instinct I have tells me I may have gotten it right this time. She’s different, and she deserves my trust, not my insecurities.
I checked my watch and realized there was still an hour and a half left of the signing. Instead of standing here, staring at Sophie, obsessing about the conversation we need to have, I decided to go for a run. That’ll be a good way to burn off some energy and organize my thoughts.
After heading to the room to change, I made my way outside and looked around. We’re not far from the Riverwalk, so I headed in that direction. As I ran, my initial chill faded away, replaced by a growing warmth with every step.
The path stretched ahead, flanked by the shimmering river on one side and towering skyscrapers on the other. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the buildings, casting a gentle glow over the city.
My feet pounded against the pavement, creating a steady beat that matched the cadence of my breathing. At first, my thoughts were consumed by Sophie and her ex-husband, but as I ran, the scenery around me began to work its magic. Gradually my mind quieted, the worries and uncertainties fading into the background.
Since high school, running has been my sanctuary, a way for me to escape the noise of daily life and find clarity. Today was no different.
I made my way back to the hotel and hopped into the shower. We’re having dinner with Sophie’s publisher tonight, right after she’s done with the signing. I’ve been forewarned that she usually ends up staying later than the stated hours to make sure everyone gets their books signed. Still, I’ll be ready when she is.
My phone buzzed just as I finished dressing. A text from Max.
I was going to head down to the bar and grab a beer and wait for Eve to be done. Want to join me?
Sure. I’ll be out in a second.
Our rooms are only a few doors from each other, which is pretty convenient.
I slipped into my shoes and double checked myself in the mirror. I’m happy to see I look more relaxed than when I was in the room an hour ago. And I feel more relaxed too, more grounded.
Tonight and tomorrow I’ll focus on enjoying my time with Sophie, the woman who’d unexpectedly walked into my life and turned it upside down. Any conversation we need to have can wait until we get home.
I stepped out of the room and found Max waiting for me in the hallway.
“All set?” he asked.
“Ready as I’ll ever be.”