Page 30 of Between Regrets and Promises

Forgot to tell you we made it here safe and sound. Mom and Dad love Hunter (shocker, right?) and today is when the REAL fun begins.

Her message makes me smile, and I’m so relieved she’s texting me. Today is the big Fourth of July celebration in Utah, and the day will be full of events. The church helps with a lot of activities, so Lennon and Hunter will be around my parents all day. I’m glad they love Hunter, but he can be very charismatic when he wants to be.

Sophie

About damn time, woman! I wasn’t sure if they kicked your asses out or not. I mean, based on the situation, it was kind of a toss-up.

We make small talk, and I nearly snort when she asks me if all guys get morning wood. I know why she’s asking too. She and Hunter are sleeping in her old bed that’s so small it’s laughable. Of course, I give her shit about it when she asks me if it’s normal.

Sophie

Probably when there’s a body pressed against it. Especially YOUR body.

I bet she’s regretting texting me now, but we continue to chat about all things Hunter. Lennon cares about him deeply just by the way she looks at him when he’s around. Though she hasn’t admitted it, and I haven’t pushed her on ittoo much, eventually, it will come to a crossroads because it’s more than obvious how Hunter feels. They’re in a weird non-relationship relationship. I just don’t want my sister to get hurt. She’s gone through enough this year.

We continue to go back and forth, and she promises to keep me updated. The fact that my parents love Hunter has me smiling, and it’s a relief they don’t see through the lie. They act natural and believable around each other because there’s more there than either of them wants to admit. The underlying tone of her text messages makes me happy. She needed this break.

As I pick up my cup of coffee and take a sip, Maria and Carter scurry around the apartment. Part of me wants to walk out there and tell them both how I feel about this arrangement while ripping Carter a new one, but it’d be a waste of time. He’simmune. No matter how much I complain or how nicely I ask, he’s still a slob and refuses to change his ways. Maria accepts it because she’s sleeping with him. I don’t know how much longer I can stand it, but I’m trying to hold out.

Once the front door closes, I grab my violin and go into the dining room to practice today’s lineup a few times. The music whisks me away from the filthy apartment and my annoyance. After three hours of playing, a sense of calm moves over me and then I get in the shower.

While I wash my hair, I think about my life and how I’m single as hell. Mason slides through my thoughts, but I push him away. As much as I want there to be something between us, I’m giving up hope. I’ve waited around for so long, and I’m sure he’s wondering why I haven’t gotten the hint yet. Knowing he’ll be at my concert today makes me nervous, but it also gives me a glimmer of hope when I shouldn’t have one.

I step out of the shower and dry off, then dress in the black uniform we’re required to wear for concerts. Before I grab my keys, I text Maddie to see what she’s up to. Considering she lives in the dorms and sold her car to move to California, I already know what the answer will be, but I text her anyway.

Sophie

Meeting me at the park?

Maddie

Hell no. Come pick me up!

Sophie

You’re so demanding. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. The show won’t start for an hour, though. You gonna be okay while I warm up?

Maddie

There are food trucks. I’ll be fine.

I snort-laugh and pack my shit, then head out the door. As I drive to the dorms to pick up Maddie, my phone buzzes. At the first red light, I unlocked my phone and read the message.

Liam

Mason and I are on the way. You there yet?

The last time we hung out, they both agreed to come to the concert and hang out after. It means a lot to me that he’ll be there cheering me on. Liam’s the brother I never had.

Sophie

Grabbing Maddie, then I’ll be there.

Liam

Alright! Maybe there’ll be some hot, single chicks there? You think?

Sophie

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