need your money, Maya. I may live above the shop, but I’m not hurting for cash.”
“Okay. Good.” She nods, then makes her way to the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She smirks at me, then walks out, not waiting for an answer.
Well, hell. I scrub my hands over my face and lean back in my seat, tilting my head back to look up at the ceiling.
I can pretend I’m not even contemplating being there, but I’d be fooling no one. Even if it's just for one night, I need to see her again.
14
Sofia Winters
Maya: It’s done!
Walking into the house, I read my phone as soon as it beeps. The message is followed by a GIF of Rachel and Phoebe from Friends, jumping up and down. Growing up, we were obsessed with watching that show.
I lean against the wall, bringing my phone to my chest. I close my eyes and take in a deep breath.
I’m free. I’m actually free from the train wreck that is Thomas.
My mother steps into the foyer, her hand on her hip, her lips pressed. "There you are, Sofia. You better get upstairs and change. Our guests will be here shortly.”
“Ah, Sofia,” my dad says, walking up to us. “Before you go upstairs, can I see you in my office?”
“Oliver,” my mother wines. “Company will be arriving soon. She needs to get changed, as do you.” She looks him up and down.
“Violet, my dear, this won’t take long. We will be dressed and down in the dining room before they get here.” My father smiles at me as he tucks my arm around his.
“Dad, what’s this about?” I whisper when my mother is out of earshot.
He pats my arm, smiling at me. “You went to see John today.”
I walk in and sit on the sofa in front of the fireplace. “There’s no use lying. I can see you’ve already spoken to him.” I try to keep a brave face. I wanted to tell my dad on my own time, not like this. “I’m sorry, Dad.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry for, Sofia. Would I have liked you to come to me first? Yes. But you went to John, and if anyone will look after you better than me, it’s him.”
“I’m sorry.” I bury my head in my hands. “First the wedding, now this—”
“Shh.” He taps my knee and squeezes it. “As I said the other night, I’ve been putting the company first for a long time. I always thought that Thomas was who you wanted. You always seemed content, but I should have known you were not truly happy. But the last few days, though, your smile has been so bright I could see it in your eyes. What’s changed?”
“Well, as you know, I’m looking for my own place. I think it’s time.”
“I think you more than looked. John said he found you the perfect place.”
I twist in my seat, jumping a little with excitement. “He did, Dad. It’s perfect. It’s not far from here, because I knew you would want me close and in a gated community. The house wraps around the pool and garden and it has a dream kitchen, perfect for baking. And so much natural light. It really is beautiful. I can’t wait for you to see it. Oh, and it even has a half basketball court. I mean, I know it’s been years since we played, but it might be fun.” I shrug and grin at him.
“You think I’m too old to take you on?” He chuckles. “John told me the owners are looking for a quick sale. Something about them having to move suddenly to the other side of the country.”
“Yes. He told me that too. He said with the escrow and a cash sale, that the house can be mine in a week or two. When I called him, I never thought things would move this fast.”
My father hugs me, caressing my hair. “Are you sure this is what you want, sweetheart? You can stay with us for as long as you need.”
I pull back. “It is. I need to do this. I need to have a chance to be my own person.”
“Okay, Sofia.” His tone is soft, the corners of his eyes crinkle as he smiles warmly at me.
“What are we going to tell Mom? She won’t be happy. She still thinks I’m going to marry Thomas.”
He brushes a curl away from my eyes. “You leave your mother to me.” He looks at his watch. “But if we don't get