Page 151 of Between Regrets and Promises

We get through one episode and two pizzas before the front door swings open and Sophie walks in. She hadn’t texted me all day, and I didn’t want to bother her, so I managed to restrain myself from checking on her.

“Hey.” I smile, standing to greet her.

“Hey.” Her eyes catch on Serena and glances between us before pulling away. “What’re you guys doing?” She shifts her gaze to Liam.

“It’s pizza and beer night. You missed out,” he says.

“I can see that. My sisters and I grabbed dinner anyway.”

“Hey,” Serena chimes in.

“Hi,” Sophie says. “I’m gonna grab a bottle of water, then head to bed. I’m worn out.”

“So how’d things go?” Following her into the kitchen, I reach for her elbow, then drop my hand. She digs into the fridge before turning to face me.

“Pretty good. She specializes in emotional trauma and grief, which is perfect. Only time will tell, though.” She shrugs, then takes a drink of her water.

“That’s great to hear. How was it with your sisters?”

“It was fine, Mason,” she says sharply, then walks around me.

Scrubbing my hands over my face, I remember what Serena said and try not to take her edginess personal. When I walk back into the living room, Sophie is gone, which means she already went to her room for the night.

“I’m gonna get going.” Serena stands, grabbing her bag. “Text me if you need to talk, okay?”

“Bye, Liam,” she singsongs. “Stay out of trouble.”

“Never,” he retorts.

Once Serena’s gone, Liam comes and sits next to me. “What’s up, dude?”

“God, not you too.” I roll my eyes, not having the strength to talk about it again.

“I can sense some tension,” he continues.

“Wow, you must be a psychic.”

He pierces me with his eyes, not taking my shit. “What happened?”

“Weston. Dalton. My father. Emma. Need more?” I deadpan.

“You two break up?” he asks seriously.

“No, but she wants space, so that’s what I’m giving her,” I explain, keeping it short.

“Yeah, you did that too after Emma.” He nods. “Sophie is strong. One of the strongest women I know, and for some reason, she’s crazy about you, so I have no doubt when the time is right, she’ll be ready to move forward with you again.”

I glare, not appreciating his half-ass dig.

“She’ll be okay,” he reassures me.

“Doesn’t keep me from being terrified of losing her.”

“You’re strong, too. I have no doubt you two will figure this out.”

“Thanks, man.”

“And that’s my TED talk for the night.” He waggles his brows. “I’m off to bed.”

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