Page 48 of Between Regrets and Promises

Sophie

Yep. I got you. I’ll text her in a while, so then it’s not so suspicious. I need to go to the grocery store anyway.

Hunter

Thanks! I seriously owe you one.

Sophie

At this point, you owe me two.

Hunter

Deal

I sit at the table and finish my coffee. Glancing at my arm, I notice the bruises are darker and let out a deep breath. My upper cheek looks slightly discolored too, but it’s nothing Ican’t hide with concealer. I don’t know how I’d explain what happened to anyone, considering I’m still in shock.

Instead of continuing to think about it, I lose myself in music as I typically do when I’m frustrated or upset. Since Weston’s house is three bedrooms, he’s allowed me to set up an area in a spare room. I grab my violin, pull the music stand from the corner, and begin to play the songs in my heart. It’s not surprising when Robert Schumann comes out. A tortured soul like most of us musicians.

After I’ve played for an hour straight, I take a quick break, then go back to it. For the past few years, I’ve taught piano on the side, but after I moved in with Weston, I put my lessons on hold. Considering the mood I’ve been in, I’m thankful for the space from other people, though I could use the money.

Hours pass and my stomach begins to growl, so I eat a banana. I try to push the thoughts about Weston out of my head and decide I’m going to keep this to myself and give him the benefit of the doubt. He’s been stressed, and I understand how that can affect everything. Add alcohol to the mix and it’s a recipe for disaster, but I never thought I’d be on the receiving end. Though I wasn’t trying to tell him what to do, I understand how it looked from his point of view. It’s the last thing I wanted, and I wish I could take it back.

I have no appetite, but I force myself to finish, then decide to text Lennon to make sure she can meet me. If she says no, I’m not sure what I’ll do other than beg because Hunter needs her out of the house for his master plan to work.

He has a cute scavenger hunt planned at a park based on fairy tales and bought her a dress to wear that matches the whole theme. A smile hits my lips as I text her, knowing what’s in store for her later.

Since dating Weston, I haven’t hung out with Maddie or Lennon as much as usual, which is my fault. I love them dearly,but I’ve been focused on my relationship lately. Weston doesn’t want them to know our personal business and has made several comments about how much I tell my sisters. So I try to keep everything as private as possible, but it’s hard as hell because I’m so used to sharing every little detail about my life with them. But out of respect for him, I don’t.

When Lennon messages me back, agreeing to meet me, I text Hunter and tell him the plan to get her out of the house worked, but stupid me, I only gave myself fifteen minutes. So I hurry and get dressed, then head to our favorite grocery store.

I have to remind myself not to mention anything about tonight, so I tuck it away deep inside. With one look, Lennon can tell I’m lying because I suck at it, so as long as I steer the conversation away from unrelated things, I’ll be fine. I’ll keep the focus on school, since she’s back to teaching again, and my adorable niece.

I’m nervous to meet up with Lennon, considering how strained things have been lately and all the changes happening in our lives. She hasn’t been unsupportive of Weston’s and my relationship, but she worries about me. I understand because I worry about her too, especially after Brandon’s unexpected death, everything going on with our parents, and Hunter.

By the time I make it there, she’s already waiting for me by the entrance. As soon as I see her, I smile, and she starts talking as we walk in. I grab a cart, and we head straight to the veggies. I need to keep her here as long as possible to give Hunter enough time to do this thing.

“So how’s school been?” I ask, not making eye contact with her as I push the sleeves up on my sweater and reach for some bell peppers.

“It’s been great. Getting ready for the spring concert next week,” she tells me. A moment later, Lennon grabs my arm andpulls me closer to her. When I look into her eyes, I jerk my arm from her grasp.

She lowers her voice, worry blanketing her tone. This is the last thing I wanted to happen, especially here and when I’m still dealing with my own feelings over it.

“What happened, Soph?” She goes quiet, and I can tell she’s concerned. I feel myself begin to break, so I push my emotions back, not wanting to cry in front of Lennon. I’m stronger than that.

I let out a laugh. “It’s nothing.”

As suspected, she doesn’t buy it. “That’snotnothing.”

Lennon places her hands on her hips and waits for me to explain, but I don’t know where to begin. I can’t tell her how I truly feel about it, so I suck in a slow breath and give her a brief summary. It sounds so stupid coming from my mouth in the middle of a grocery store.

“Did he hit you?” Her eyes scan across my face, and I realize I didn’t add more foundation before I left.

“It was an accident, Lennon,” I say between gritted teeth, trying to push down my embarrassment.

She shakes her head, angry and obviously upset. “You don’t drink too much, then accidentally hit someone. This is not okay.”

I want to change the subject and talk about something else. Anything but this.

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