Page 118 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“I’ll survive,” she echoed my words back at me. “Shall we?”

A faint blush traced her cheeks, and I wondered if she was thinking the same thing as me. That even if the mixer went to shit at least we could escape to our room together.

I climbed out of the car and went around to open her door. Sofia climbed out and took my breath away all over again.

“What?” She smiled.

“You look beautiful.”

“So you keep saying.”

“And I’ll keep saying it.” I tucked her bangs behind her ear. “Until you believe it.”

“Wait until you see my dress for the mixer.”

And now that was all I could think about.

Sofia all dressed up for me.

Jesus, I was so screwed.

I got our bags and we headed for the elevator. My cell phone vibrated with a text from my old man.

“They’re waiting in the lobby,” I said. “And I apologize in advance for anything he says that’s out of line.”

“I think I can handle your father. I grew up around my dad, Jason Ford, and Cameron Chase,” she scoffed, right as the doors whooshed open. “Oooh, fancy.”

We stepped into a grand foyer. The Old Royal was exactly the type of place I expected my father to make reservations at. Gaudy, expensive, and full of assholes with more money than sense.

“Come on, they’re over there,” I said, spotting Mom and we walked over to them.

“Cole.” She beamed. “We were starting to worry.”

“We’re barely fifteen minutes late, Mom.” I kissed her cheek.

“Oh, and you must be Sofia. My, how you’ve grown into a beautiful young lady. It’s lovely to officially meet you.”

“Hi, Mrs. Kandon, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Please, call me Cecilia.”

“Where’s Da—”

“Cole.” His voice made my stomach sink.

“Dad,” I said, turning slowly to greet him.

“And this must be your friend.” He pinned Sofia with a cool look.

“Hi, Mr. Kandon, it’s really nice to meet you.”

The air crackled between them as I waited for my father to say something, anything.

After another painful beat, he pursed his lips and said, “Sophie, was it?”

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

Sofia

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