His eyes dropped to her lips with a smile. It was an unconscious habit she cursed. Her feelings for him had always frightened her. What did it mean about her character to be attracted to someone who chose to make her life miserable? I am a mess.

“I hate you too.” He spoke with a tender softness that confused her. Then he turned on his heel and left. What the hell was that? Sophie stood in her hallway, completely confounded. She wasn’t sure what to make of the confusion that toyed with her thoughts, and the influence of the alcohol did not help the situation.

***

The next morning Sophie woke with a headache. It felt like someone was carving out her skull. She moaned as she crawled out of bed, heading straight to her medicine cabinet for something to dull the pain. Scrubbing her hands over her face, she reached in her shower to turn on the water. She screamed and stumbled backward when she noticed movement in her tub. Two mice were scurrying around, trying to find an escape. “Come on!” she complained as she went to her closet to find a bucket. “Of all days!” I hate my life!

Pulling back the curtain, she slipped on her cleaning gloves and tried to grab the furry little creatures. “You little buggers!” They evaded her grasp, darting around the slippery surface of the tub. Sophie screamed out in triumph when she clamped down on one of them. When she had them both contained, she set the bucket outside of her apartment door until she could deal with it. Although the bucket was deep, she didn’t want to risk them escaping inside while she got ready.

The hot water soothed her tired body, giving her renewed energy. The pain medication was starting to take effect—the prospect of getting through the day seemed more bearable. When she stepped out of the shower and looked at her reflection, memories of the night before came flooding back to her. The thought of Ashton against her lips caused her to cringe. She was disappointed that she had let things get out of hand. The fact that the memory brought heat to her face made it even worse. Her only hope was that she would never see him again. “I am so pathetic,” she moaned at her reflection.

Once Sophie was dressed and ready, she collected the bucket from outside. Surprisingly, Mr. Cleary opened after only a few knocks.

“Here, I brought you a present. I’m gonna need the bucket back, by the way.” She smirked as she thrust it into his hands. The shocked look on his face as he looked inside was priceless but Sophie didn’t stick around, even when he called after her.

The fresh morning air was revitalizing and just what she needed. Her mouth practically watered as she approached her favorite tea shop. Grabbing a tea and bagel, she sat down next to the window to feel the warm sun. Just the smell of the tea soothed her. She searched employment listings on her phone, scanning through the potential opportunities. She would be graduating soon and would have extra time she could apply to another job until she found something more permanent. The restaurant provided a good paycheck, not to mention the tips, but she was tired of living month to month and wanted to put some savings away. She didn’t want to be in the position where she would have to ask her mother for help. So far she had been lucky, but a safety net wouldn’t hurt.

A text message notification popped up on her phone.

Unknown: Did you have fun last night?

 

Sophie was confused by the message until she figured Megan probably gave Jack her number. She assumed it must be him, but she wanted to make sure.

Sophie: Jack?

 

Within a few minutes she had a response.

Jack: Yeah. Anything exciting happen after I left?

 

Sophie: No. Didn’t stay very long after that. How is Megan?

 

Jack: Hungover but she’ll survive. You got home safe I take it?

 

Sophie: Yep. I survived.

 

Jack: Did Ashton take you home?

 

Sophie’s cheeks immediately heated at the mention of Ashton.

Sophie: Yes.

 

Jack: Hopefully he behaved himself.

 

She wondered if Ashton mentioned anything to Jack about what had happened between them. Her fingers nervously hovered over her phone; she was at a loss as to how to respond. She realized that she had to be straightforward with Jack. She wasn’t looking for a relationship and she needed to let him know.

Sophie: I had a wonderful time last night. I think you are great but I am not looking to get involved with anyone right now. I just wanted to let you know.

 

A few minutes went by and no response. Sophie nervously sipped her tea. She knew it was the right thing to do because she didn’t want to lead him on. Then her phone beeped, drawing her attention.

Jack: I have a confession. My family doesn’t know this but I actually play for the other team. I thought we hit it off last night and I think we could be great friends. Is that okay? PS: please don’t tell Megan. I obviously haven’t enlightened her yet.

 

Sophie was surprised with his confession and relieved at the same time. The thought did not even cross her mind last night he was gay. His demeanor and the times she caught him looking at her chest did not support his claim, though she was far from an expert on reading people.

Sophie: I think we can be great friends. PS: my lips are sealed.

 

Jack: Good. BTW Ashton is hot! I know you noticed.

 

Sophie: Yeah but EVIL!

 

Jack: He can’t be that bad.

 

Sophie: Sure is. I have lots of stories that will let you know just how much. But right now I am scanning the employment ads to add job #2 to my schedule.

 

Jack: Looking forward to it. If you need a job I know of an assistant job that just came available. It’s not too far from your restaurant. Flexible hours. Great pay.

 

Sophie: I’m intrigued!

 

Jack: Let me get back to you with the details.

 

Sophie: Thank you!

Sophie had enjoyed Jack’s company and thought a friendship between them would be a good thing. She didn’t really have anyone to chat with on a regular basis. Mel was her closest friend and her schedule was all over the place, with her disappearing for days at a time.

About twenty minutes later, when Sophie was finishing up, her phone beeped with a message from Jack. It had the contact information and a few more details in regards to the job. Sophie decided to go for it. She dialed the number immediately.

“Hello?” a woman’s voice answered after a few rings.

“Hello, my name is Sophie Rogers. I am calling for Mrs. Darcy in regards to an employment opportunity.”

“Yes, wonderful, this is she. You have such a lovely voice, dear. We should set up a meeting to discuss the position. When are you available?”

“I’m available today until 3:00, or tomorrow evening,” Sophie suggested.

“How about 11:00 this morning?”

Sophie looked at the time; it was 9:25. “Sure, I can make that work. Should I come to you?”

“Yes, dear. That would be lovely. The address is 43 Simons Street.”

“I know the street. Thank you, Mrs. Darcy.” Sophie ended the call feeling excited about the new employment opportunity. She needed to head home for a quick change before she caught the bus to her interview.