Page 36 of Between Regrets and Promises

“Are we done here?” I ask. “Kinda tired of the interrogation.”

“Wow. You really are an asshole,” she barks as I walk past her, not wanting to be alone with her any longer. I go back to the living room, and Maddie’s looking at me with a big ass grin.

“Did you just kiss my sister?” she whisper-shouts.

Liam chuckles, which only annoys me further.

“What, why? Did you two make out while we were gone?” I snap back.

Maddie’s smile fades, and she stiffens. I look back and forth between them with a cocked eyebrow and neither finds it funny.

“That’s what I thought.” Just as I’m getting ready to add fuel to the fire, Sophie returns, and I can tell she’s pissed. I know I’m to blame, but I tell myself it’s better this way. I’ve said it so many times over the past two years that even I’m beginning to believe it.

The thoughts of her being with someone else consume me. Closing my eyes, I envision her kissing or sleeping with another man, and it frustrates the fuck out of me. Liam turns on a movie, some stupid chick flick, and though I don’t understand why he subjects himself to this shit, I’m grateful for the distraction. He’s not dating either one of them and, as far as I know, doesn’t plan on it. Typically, movies like this are date movies where you get laid after, but that isn’t happening for anyone in this room.

When another cheesy line is said, I let out a groan, and Maddie jerks her head in my direction with a scoff. You’d think I told her dancing was stupid by the way she’s acting. The truth is, we should be watching explosions and gun fights, not this romantic comedy shit. Finally, I can’t take it anymore and leave.

Once I’m in my room, I shut the door behind me and sit on the edge of my bed. I scrub my hands over my face, trying to get a hold of myself because my control seems to be slipping, and I know they’re all annoyed by me and my asshole attitude.

After a few deep breaths, I walk to my closet and pull out a shoebox I keep tucked in the back. It’s been a few years since I’ve opened the box full of memories—some good and some bad. Even looking inside is torturous, but I have to, especially after today.

I set it on the nightstand next to my bed and pry off the lid. Instantly all the old thoughts come rushing back, nearly paralyzing me where I sit. With an erratic heartbeat, I grab a photo of Emma and me when we were happy. One of those genuine moments when everything was right in the world. There’s another photo of us on Valentine’s Day along with a few movie tickets and doodles she drew me. I can’t seem to take my eyes off the picture of us, laughing and smiling. I stare until my eyes cross. With blurred vision, I place the top on the box and put it back. Looking inside that box brings an old familiar weight on my chest, and I’m nearly gasping for air.

When I close my eyes, the only person I see is Sophie. Just knowing she’s downstairs has me wanting to get out of bed so I can talk to her, open myself up and let my emotions bleed out with no consequences, but it would be pointless. Maybe looking for love on one of those stupid apps would be the best thing for her, after all. I’m gonna have to accept that she’ll meet guys, and not interfere, regardless of how I feel.

CHAPTER EIGHT

SOPHIE

SIX MONTHS EARLIER

It’shard to believe Lennon could basically go into labor anytime now. I’m over-the-moon excited to be an aunt for the first time and can’t wait to hold that sweet precious miracle. The days aren’t passing fast enough, and Lennon agrees. She’s ready to burst and complains daily about how she’s sick of being pregnant.

My phone buzzes and pulls me away from my thoughts as I pack up my violin. This weekend is the last performance of the Christmas program, and we’ll be playing all the classics. Most members of the orchestra are busy during this time of year, so our director agreed to change rehearsals to twice a week instead of our typical schedule. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I unlock it and smirk when I find a text from Liam.

Liam

Any luck on that stupid dating app?

I chuckle, knowing he’s used the same one in the past. He’s been ragging me ever since I downloaded it, but I blame Maddie.

Sophie

Hardly. Every date I’ve been on has sucked. If you can even call them dates.

Liam

Thinking about trying it again. Might help me expand my pussy portfolio.

Sophie

You’re disgusting.

I can imagine the smug look on his face and shake my head. Honestly, I’m ready to give up on this app and dating in general, but I’m trying. Maddie forced me to give it a chance because it’s more than obvious Mason isn’t interested. Instead of continuing to get my hopes up, I knew it was time to move on. I’ve been on a few awkward dates, a couple of shitty ones, and some that made me want to fall asleep from boredom. I’m not hopeful, but at this point, I have nothing to lose—except maybe my will to live. I’m not getting any younger, and I don’t want to be single forever, which is inevitable if I don’t put myself out there. I wish there was a singles app for musicians, but until then, I’ll stay on this one and weed through the weirdos.

Liam

Wanna hang out tonight? I’m off tomorrow.

---