“It’s taking shape at least.” Sophie nodded. “I ordered us a pizza. It should be here any minute.”

“Yum. I’m totally in love with you.”

“I know.” Sophie laughed. “I’m awesome.”

Sophie and Mel ate until they were stuffed and talked until it grew dark outside. When Mel left for work Sophie organized her things for class the next day and realized she must have left her report at Margaret’s house. Grabbing her purse, she decided to head over. It gave her a reason to check on Margaret, anyway. Luckily the bus was still running at its regular intervals before the schedule changed to evening hours. She didn’t have to wait too long before the bus pulled up. Once the late evening hours arrived the bus goers tended to change from the working class to a more rowdy group who weren’t always good company.

When she arrived at Margaret’s, Ashton answered the door. She hadn’t prepared herself to see him; her thoughts were occupied with concern for Margaret. It was like being hit in the chest when she looked into his eyes. “Margaret isn’t here.”

“Is she okay?” Sophie’s eyes widened nervously. “She didn’t feel like herself this afternoon.”

“She’s fine.” There was no playful humor in his eyes. He was quick to the point and Sophie wasn’t sure how to act with him.

“I think I left something here…” Sophie started. Ashton stepped back before she could finish, opening the door for her to come in. He turned and strode toward the kitchen. Sophie walked in and closed the door behind her and followed after him. The last place she remembered seeing it was in the kitchen when she took her computer out. “Looking for this?” He closed the folder and slid it down the counter toward her.

“Did you read it?” Sophie asked in a small voice, looking at her report sitting in front of her.

Ashton shrugged his shoulders as he filled a glass of water, drinking the entire glass before he turned around. “Didn’t care for it much.”

“It’s my opinion.” Sophie grabbed the report and tucked it in her bag, taking out the tablet. She selected the truth or dare app that Ashton had installed and slid it toward him. He looked up at her with his sexy, curious stare. He was dressed in well-fitted jeans and a thin gray shirt that made him look irresistible as usual. Sophie was pretty sure that he could make anything look amazing. “Truth or dare?” Sophie asked, staring back into his eyes.

“Truth.” He looked at her challengingly.

“Are you staying with your grandmother because she’s sick?” Sophie’s words tumbled out in a rush.

He looked taken back. “Yes,” he finally answered.

“Why didn’t she tell me?” Sophie continued. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“You already asked your question. My turn. Truth or dare?” he asked as his intense eyes were on her.

“Truth.”

“Do you really believe that shit?” He pointed to her report tucked away in her bag. “About romantic love being a myth?”

“Yes,” she answered, breaking eye contact. “Who else knows she’s sick?”

“My parents, Charlotte, me, and now you.” He stepped closer to her, leaning against the counter. “Were you relieved when you found out you didn’t sleep with me?” Sophie felt her heart quicken in her chest. She had no idea how to attempt answering that question; her own thoughts had refused to settle since last night, leaving her conflicted. “Yes or no?”

“Yes,” she whispered. He didn’t respond, only nodded slightly.

“How sick is she?”

Ashton pushed himself off the counter. “She’ll tell you when she’s ready,” Ashton said as he walked away from her.

“Ashton? I’m not finished playing,” Sophie called after him.

“I am,” he called back, not even turning to look at her.

Sophie followed him toward the staircase. “Ashton? Wait, please.” Ashton grabbed the railing and stopped, as if contemplating his next move. “I don’t know what to say but I don’t want to leave things like this,” Sophie beseeched. There were so many things that she wanted to say to him but she couldn’t put it in words. She didn’t think she could survive the explosive emotions that he inflicted in her. “I’m so confused. I don’t understand what this is between us.” She looked up at him with pleading eyes. She wanted him to shed some light on what was happening.

“There is no us,” he said coolly before heading up the stairs.

“Thanks for clarifying,” she called after him angrily. Sophie couldn’t contain her anger as she stomped out of the house and closed the door with more force than necessary.

The next few days leading up to Margaret’s fundraiser, Ashton avoided her in every way possible. Sophie never saw him in the house during the day and she didn’t stick around in the evening to find out how angry he was with her. The thought of a confrontation made her nervous. Ashton made it very clear he didn’t want anything to do with her. Although she missed him desperately, she figured it was for the best to let things lie. Sophie found herself hovering over Margaret, trying to make her comfortable. She didn’t know if she was being too obvious but she was worried.

Mel had stayed at her place every day since the incident. Sophie was grateful for the company because it distracted her from wallowing in her thoughts. She wished she could dismiss Ashton from her thoughts as easily as he did her. Sometimes it felt like it hurt too much to breathe. She knew this was coming. It’s why she’d avoided getting involved with anyone for so long. This pain was the result of her own stupidity and she could blame no one but herself.

She finished the last of her classes for the term. When Sophie passed in her report to Mr. Walters he skimmed the title and raised his eyebrow.

“A strong opinion for someone so young,” he commented, skimming through the pages. “Should be an interesting read. Maybe someday you’ll be able to prove yourself wrong.”

“Maybe.” She smiled sadly. Sophie walked out of her classroom knowing that she was finished with school. The last three years were over and now she had to look ahead to establishing her life.

When Sophie arrived home from the restaurant to get ready for Margaret’s annual fundraiser that evening, she noticed a delivery man standing on the door step.

“Miss Rogers?” he asked when she approached.

“Yes?” Sophie answered curiously.

“This is for you.” The young man in a gray uniform held up a garment bag and a couple of boxes were tucked under his arm. “They are from a Mrs. Darcy. She said that I needed to stay here until I delivered them directly to you because you would need them for this evening.” He seemed nervous as he waited to follow her into the building.

“Thank you. Come on in.” Sophie opened the door and he walked in behind her. “Were you waiting long?”

“Naw. I’m getting paid so it doesn’t matter. Where should I put these?” His voice cracked when he spoke and his neck became red and splotchy.

“Oh, honey, you’re home.” Mel walked over in only a tank top and tiny boy shorts. She wrapped her arms around Sophie. She knew what Mel was up to immediately. Mel always liked to get a rise out of people, especially those who were easy targets. She tried to keep the smile off her face as Mel ran her tongue up Sophie’s cheek seductively. “Hurry up and get naked. I’ve been waiting for you all day,” Mel said enticingly as she ran her hand down Sophie’s body before she turned toward the delivery boy. His eyes were wide with delicious wonder. “I’ll take that.” She held out her hand to him.

His hands shook as he reached out to pass the garment bag to Mel and then placed the boxes on the counter. He kept his eyes on the girls as he walked toward the door. Giving a nod, he fumbled for the doorknob and slowly slid out of the doorway.

“Mel, you are evil. That poor guy.” Sophie laughed.

“I think he jizzed in his pants.” She wiggled her eyebrows deviously before breaking into laughter. “It will give him something to tell his friends. What is all this, anyway?” Mel waved at the packages.