Page 97 of Naive in Love

Back in the limousine with Preston and Lena, the weight of the evening begins to dissipate. While I’m ready to take on this responsibility, it did not make it any less stressful.

“I guess I need to fill you in now.” Ethan looks at me, then at Preston.

Preston tips his head, and Ethan continues. “My dad has been talking to me about wanting me to join in the family business. It’s all been somewhat hypothetical until recently because I wasn’t sure I wanted it. Preston and I never really lost touch the way I did with the others, but we weren’t close by any means. We started talking much more this year.

“Building my relationship with Preston made me slowly come around. Uncle Charles isn’t always a fan of my decisions, but he and my dad are close. You know Preston and Christina are being groomed for the company, and if I want it, my dad will help prepare me. But the problem comes with the others. They want to take over, but since their moms just draw money from their stocks, they are ready to claw their way in. That would mean too many cooks in the kitchen.”

“Both of you have known this and have been planning?” I ask.

“Not planning, but aware,” Preston chimes in.

“So you’re working together to stay in the company’s top positions?”

“Yes, but more than that. We want to build and expand. We would continue the vision our dads are proposing. But not everyone is on board.” Preston is taking the lead in answering. I can see Ethan watching me as I absorb the information.

“Okay.” This is enough information for me. I know I can trust one of my best friends the way I always have, and I will support my boyfriend.

“Just okay? No other questions?” Ethan asks as I look at Lena and sense all of this is new to her also.

“Yes, your family business is your business. I am happy knowing I can continue trusting my best friend. Have nothing to hide from the best roommate ever. And I will stand by my boyfriend come hell or high water. Not saying there may not be tears, because I’m really not thick-skinned, but I want,” I look directly at Ethan, “you to be happy.”

His hands come to my cheeks and pull my lips to his.

“So…what about you?” Preston asks, looking at Lena.

She is silent for a few seconds, then she agrees. “Sof is right. This is all your business. As long as we,” she waves her hand between herself and I, “don’t have to hide stuff from each other or be on opposing teams, I’m good too.”

25

Ethan has an early morning lab,so I decide to grab a coffee and read in the humanities building in one of the lounge areas before my first class.

“Where the hell have you been?” Caleb’s voice breaks through the silence.

My body begins trembling. I look behind me, and he is standing behind the couch, sneering at me. My voice is stuck in my throat.

“Well? I’ve been calling you. You fucking blocked my number. Fucking childish. How the hell are we going to fix things? Where have you been?”

I stand up, but fear paralyzes me. No words leave my mouth.Walk. Just move your feet. My heart pounds loudly in my ears. I take one step.

“Oh no you don’t.” He grabs my elbow and pulls me into a corner. “If you don’t want a scene, you better talk to me.”

My breathing is shallow. "There's nothing to talk about. Let me go." My voice is weak.

"Bullshit! I've had enough of this. I've given you time. Come on."

He grips my arm tighter and is about to drag me with him when I hear, “Hey, Sophia! Ready for the quiz?” My classmate, David, greets me.

“Hi. I am.” I pull my arm from Caleb’s grip, gaining courage in the presence of another person. “Do you have the notes from last Wednesday? I forgot mine.”

“Sure. Come on, and I’ll give them to you.” I ignore Caleb and turn around, walking with my classmate, my heartbeat racing like I’d just sprinted.

We take our seats in the classroom, and he finally asks, “Are you okay?”

I shake my head, and the adrenaline that was keeping the tears at bay melts, and I am left with moisture flooding my eyes. I drop my head on the desk, trying to hide.

“Do you need me to do anything?” Concern emanates through his words.

“Not anymore. Thank you. What you did, that was enough.”

---