Page 124 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“Surely a father should support his son whatever path he chooses to take in life,” I said quietly.

Another faint smile traced her mouth. “You would think so. But Curtis is, well, he’s very old-fashioned, Sofia. Gets that from his father.”

“Let me guess, also an attorney?”

“He was, yes. And he was Curtis’s biggest supporter… and his biggest critic. People show love in many, many ways, Sofia. And Curtis learned how to love from a cold, impenetrable man. Oh, they’re about to do the welcome speech.” She flicked her head to the podium in the far corner of the room.

Cole found my eye across the room and smiled, and everything else faded. It hit me then, like a wrecking ball crashing into me without warning. I was falling in love with him. I didn’t need anyone to tell me why my heart raced, or my stomach fluttered whenever he looked at me.

It wasn’t supposed to happen, and yet, here we were. Falling hopelessly, recklessly in love.

I came over hot all of a sudden, panic coursing through my veins, igniting a wildfire inside me.

“Sofia, sweetheart, are you okay? You look a little—”

“I think I’m going to get some water.” I spun around and headed toward the small bar set up on the other side of the room. The edges of my vision blurred as I weaved my way through the small crowd.

“Excuse me,” someone huffed as I barged past them.

“S-sorry.” I kept my head down, embarrassment welling inside me. This couldn’t be happening, not here. Not now, in front of all these people.

“Miss, are you okay?” another voice said.

“I… I’m…” The room spun as I blindly reached out for something to steady me, but it was too late. The walls closed in around me, squeezing the air right out of my lungs.

“Cole,” his name left my lips on a pained whisper.

“She’s going to—,” someone said.

“Oh my God, she’s—”

“Sofia,” a voice yelled, but it was too late. The pull of darkness was too strong, and I was powerless against its lure.

My body crumpled against the floor.

And everything went black.

CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO

Cole

A commotion overby the bar caught my attention, a trickle of unease sliding down my spine.

Sofia was fighting her way through the crowd, panic etched onto her expression.

No.

Fuck no.

Without thinking, I moved toward her. “Sofia,” I called, but it was too late.

Her eyes fluttered as she went down, hitting the floor with a resounding thud.

“Shit, Sofia.” I barged through the bodies and dropped to my knees. “Back up, give her some space.” Shucking out of my jacket, I balled it up and tucked it underneath her head.

“Cole— oh my gosh, what happened?” Mom appeared.

“She fainted.”

---