Page 36 of Always Mine

Unknown number:

In his defense, I was insistent on getting it from him. We are chairing the Law Gala together after all. What do you say?

I look up to see my two best friends look at me expectantly.

“It’s Marco, isn’t it!” Stella claps gleefully, while Evie eyes me warily reading the apprehension in my expression.

“No, it’s Arty. He’s inviting me to have drinks with him and a few other lawyer friends this coming week. For introductions and to chat about the Law Gala.”

I read the messages back to them.

“It can’t hurt, right, to try and get a foot in the inner circle. God knows this industry is built on favors and power exchanges,” I rationalize out loud as I contemplate doing something I know will send Marco’s blood pressure skyrocketing for all the wrong reasons.

I can sense their hesitation simply by the way they have remained silent. Then after a beat, Evie breaks the silence. “Ummm Sophia, I hate to point out the obvious, but that means you’re doing exactly what your dad wants.”

“I’m doing it on my own terms. I have no intention of dating the guy. I meant it when I said I need to focus on my career. So if going for a drink keeps my dad off my back for a while and helps me network, then it’s a strategic move.”

Evie harrumphs and raises her eyebrows into her hairline. She completely disagrees.

“I’m all for your independent woman era, Soph,” quips Stella, “but I’m going to hang around for action.”

“I’m meeting him to talk about the Law Gala. I’m not fucking him.”

“Oh no, babe, I’m not insinuating you will.” She chuckles. “I’m more thinking about nabbing the front row seats to the showdown when Marco gets wind of this.”

“He knows we’re working on the Law Gala together. Besides, it’s got nothing to do with him.”

Even as the lie leaves my mouth I can’t stop it. Still, I bristle at the way my friends’ reaction makes me feel foolish. I know exactly what I’m doing. I quickly save his contact to my address book and hit reply.

Sophia:

Hey Arty, I’d like that. It would be great to meet some fellow associates. Making friends in this business never hurt anyone. Let’s touch base next week when I officially start to lock in the details.

Sophia:

Happy New Year!

Arty:

Sounds perfect. I can’t wait, darling.

I look up to find my besties staring at me like I’ve lost my goddamn mind. Unease settles in the pit of my stomach at the overfamiliarity lacing that one word. I push the thought away and take a big gulp of my drink. Then I do what I excel at—I put on my mask and toast my friends.

“Happy New Year. Here’s to being a woman who knows what she’s worth and going after her dreams.”

I drain my drink and as I set down my glass my eyes catch on the stunning timepiece on my wrist. I run my thumb over its smooth face in the same way Marco traced circles on my skin. I can’t help but feel a pang of remorse. Longing. Guilt. So what if all I really want is six-foot-three, with piercing green eyes and the cutest little dimple in his chin that I want to press a kiss to.

I guess the time and space I demanded of him will tell if everything that’s fallen from his pillowy, kissable lips is just lip service. Or if he’s all in on us just like he promised.

Chapter seventeen

Time Check

Sophia

Marco-Boy:

Time check. Has it been a minute yet?