Reign A Romance Anthology - Nina Levine Page 0,393

of Thomas once and for all.”

Tears well in my eyes, and I sniffle.

“Thank you, Maya. To you and Brad. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you guys.”

“That’s all that’s needed. We’re sisters, Sofia, and always will be.”

I don’t know what I would have done without Maya in my life. I’d probably be a carbon cut-out of my mother and miserable to boot.

“I love you, Maya.”

“I love you too, honey.”

“Maya?”

“Yes?”

“How much of a stir do you think it will be if I tell my parents I’m moving out?”

“What?” she squeals.

I laugh. “When I was with Jett, it felt good to do what we wanted, when we wanted. No staff constantly around, no tight schedules.”

“Oh my God. I’m so happy for you, Sofia. And don’t even think about going to anyone else to decorate for you. You know I’m your girl.”

“Of course not. I’m going to look online and call around. It will still have to be in a gated community, but I want to find my own place. Something I can call my own.”

“I’m proud of you. If you need any help, for anything, I’m just a phone call away.”

“I know. I appreciate you so much. Keep your phone handy, I’ll send you some of the places I find.”

“Will do. Speak soon.”

“Bye.”

Picking up my laptop, I walk over to the window seat, determined to start my search. It’s going to be a long day.

There’s a knock at my door, followed by an, “Excuse me, Miss. Winters.”

“Yes, come in, Maggie.”

She walks in with a tray of food. I glance at the time on my computer, and it reads nearly 2:00 p.m. I’ve lost track of time, but the good thing is, I have narrowed my search to two places.

Maggie drops the tray on the table next to me. “It was getting late, and I thought you might be hungry.” She smiles at me.

“Thank you.” I smile back.

She hesitates, looking down at her shoes instead of leaving.

“Is there something else?” I ask.

She frowns and nods. “Mrs. Winters has asked me to tell you that dinner will be at seven, and not to be late.”

I giggle. “She wasn't as polite as that, was she?”

Her cheeks redden.

“Thank you, Maggie, I’ll make sure I’m ready on time.”

She scurries out. God knows who mother has coming over. She very rarely has last-minute dinners. But I’m not going to let this ruin my buzz from the good day I’m having. I’m feeling hopeful for the first time since I started planning my stupid wedding.

I practically inhale my lunch, and as I nibble the last fry, my phone rings. It’s John, the realtor.

“Hello.”

“Hi, Sofia. I know we planned to meet in the morning, but I’ve had a cancellation and I’m now free this afternoon. Did you want to go look at some houses? I even have one that’s not listed yet, but they are desperate for a quick sale. I think the house may be perfect for you. It has everything you are wanting in a property”

“Yes. Oh my. Yes, please.”

A month ago, I never thought I would be doing something like this. Now it’s all happening so fast. But while this is scary, it’s equally thrilling too.

“Meet me at the office in an hour and we’ll go from there.”

“Okay, I’ll see you soon.”

The butterflies in my stomach are stopping me from doing any more work, so I shut down my laptop. Walking into my closet, I pick a green dress for dinner and hang it behind the bathroom door.

“Why are you whistling? What are you so happy about?” Mom says, scaring the living crap out of me.

My hand goes up to my racing heart. She’s standing in the doorway, a disapproving look permanently on her face these days.

“It’s just a great day. I need to go.” I drop my phone into my purse, making my way to the door.

“You need to be home for dinner.”

I hold back from rolling my eyes. “Yes, Mom, Maggie already told me. I’ll be sure to be home in time to change and be down for dinner.”

I walk past her and out of the house, then make my way to my car, which Jett dropped back late last night, leaving it with the security guards at the front of the estate.

The Los Angeles traffic that would usually irritate me, does not today. I’m excited at the prospect of finding my own place today, but I’m also not naïve because, sometimes, it can take months. John is one of Dad’s oldest friends, though,