Page 11 of Between Regrets and Promises (Between Us Trilogy #2)

SOPHIE

It’s been a month since I drove Mason home from the bar.

Though we have known each other for at least a year and have history, hearing him say he regrets not being good enough for me that night has replayed in my mind every day, and I can’t seem to shake it.

That night, he played me like a fiddle. He knew if he pulled the drunk card, I’d pick him up, and of course I did.

Everyone knows to call me if they need a designated driver, even Mason.

The next day, Liam gave me shit for it, and I was half-tempted to tell him what Mason said but kept it to myself.

Though Liam can see through me and the way I feel about Mason, I’ve not admitted it because it’s easier to keep those thoughts tucked deep inside.

My phone vibrates on my nightstand, and I grab it.

I need to get out of bed and practice. Though I was hired to play in the symphony a year ago, I’m one of the youngest members, so I’m always having to prove my worth to those who have been playing as long as I’ve been alive.

Unlocking my phone, I find a text from Lennon.

Lennon

Just a sisterly reminder. Don’t forget it’s Mom and Dad’s anniversary today.

Even though I had a reminder programmed in my phone. It’s a big one for them, year number thirty of being married.

Sophie

Calling them is on my list of things to do

Lennon

Awesome! I’m gonna call them later after I finish setting up my classroom and organizing the instruments. We should get together soon too.

Sophie

Totally! Ugh, I have to practice for the next few hours.

Lennon

Good luck!

We say our goodbyes, and I promise to go out with her soon.

Lennon recently moved to Sacramento to be with her boyfriend and because she got hired as a music teacher for Hillsong Elementary.

My sisters are amazing, and I love how we’ll all be within driving distance from each other soon.

Our youngest sister, Maddie, is moving here in a week, and I literally can’t wait.

She auditioned for a dance scholarship at Southern California University before she graduated from high school, and right before Christmas, she got the acceptance letter for a full ride.

This year, the Corrigan sisters will finally be together again, and I’m so damn happy about it.

Maddie is a free spirit, so I have a feeling I’ll be reining her in a lot, especially around Liam.

He is one hundred percent her type with that bad boy look and outgoing attitude.

I’ve always been the overprotective big sister—it’s a part of who I am and who I’ll always be—but she’s going to keep me on my toes. I already know it.

After I dress, I walk into the kitchen and make a pot of coffee.

I’m going to need it to jolt me awake because I have a full day of practice ahead of me.

My violin sits in its case by the door, and I set it on the kitchen table, then open it.

The coffee finishes brewing, and I pour a cup, then grab the stand and my sheet music while I wait for the steaming liquid to cool.

I usually practice while Maria, my roommate, is at her day job so I don’t bother her while I play the same songs over and over until I memorize them.

I try to be as considerate as I possibly can when she’s home because I can’t afford to live alone in this city on my salary.

It’s the main reason I’ve taken on side jobs like teaching kids how to play piano or violin and performing at weddings and special events with my string quartet.

I do a few stretches, knowing I’m gonna be sitting for hours, then take a sip of my coffee.

Pulling my violin from its case, I place it on my shoulder and do a few warm-up scales.

I play through each piece of music we’re performing for next month’s concert.

At this point, I could play it all from memory, but I’m meticulous and make sure I hit each note perfectly.

I’m my worst critic. Once I’ve finished each piece, I start from the beginning and go through my set two more times before my stomach growls, and I take a break to eat.

After I scarf down a sandwich, I grab my phone and FaceTime my parents. They answer after the first two rings and are all smiles.

“Sophie!” Mom grins.

“Hey,” Dad says, standing behind her.

“Happy Anniversary, you two! Any big plans tonight?” I ask.

They look at each other and laugh, and I love how much they still enjoy each other’s company. I hope to have a love like them one day.

“We’re having dinner with some friends tonight and then after that…who knows.” Dad chuckles, waggling his brows at my mother.

“Eww, TMI!” I shake my head and give them a face, which only encourages them to kiss like teenagers.

“Is that Sophie?” Maddie yells from behind, busting between them and taking the phone from their hands.

“Mads! Are you almost packed? You’ve got a week,” Dad scolds.

She lets out a laugh. “You know it. I was packed before graduation day.”

“Hey, give me the phone back,” Mom demands.

“I’m counting down the hours,” Maddie calls out, handing the phone to her with a snicker.

“Appreciate you calling, honey. Keep you in our prayers, and we’ll talk soon. We love you,” Mom tells me.

“Love you too. Bye, Maddie!” I say loud, and she yells it back right before the call ends.

Maddie’s upcoming move has my parents struggling. It’ll be the first time they’ll be empty nesters, so it will be an adjustment for them both. Though my dad is the pastor for a mega church, Mom has devoted her life to us kids. She loves taking care of us, so it’s going to be a huge change.

Growing up, we knew how much they loved us, but it didn’t take away from the fact we were forced to live by their strict rules.

Besides having early night curfews, we weren’t allowed to date, wear clothes that showed any sort of cleavage, and attending church was mandatory several times a week.

Maddie is ready for freedom, and Mom knows she’s a handful.

I’ve promised more than once to take care of and protect my little sister while she’s here and look out for her and Lennon, but it doesn’t seem like enough.

“Come visit us soon.” Dad shoots me a wink.

“Maybe. You know how hard it is to break away with rehearsals,” I remind them.

They nod, and we chat a little longer before saying our goodbyes.

I tell them to have fun, but not too much fun.

After the call ends, I go back to practicing but can’t stop thinking about Maddie being here next week.

It makes me so damn excited. Moving to California was one of the best decisions I ever made.

I learned how to make choices in a world without my parents always nagging or guiding me and enjoyed growing up on my own terms. She’s going to have fun, but hopefully not too much, though. The girl seems to love trouble.

“There’s my favorite sister,” I tease when Maddie plops down in the booth next to me.

I can’t believe she’s finally here. She wraps her arms around me and laughs, then glances at Lennon.

They’re both my favorite, and I love them equally, but it’s always fun to joke about favs.

It’s been a running thing since we were kids.

Maddie looks around with an eager expression. “I think the Coliseum is gonna be my new favorite place. Although they won’t serve a minor…I guess it’ll have to do.”

“Yes, it will,” I say. “You’ll get to drink plenty after you turn twenty-one. Just enjoy being underage for a few more years.” Even though I promised my parents I’d watch her, Maddie is gonna do what she wants to do. Always has, always will.

Lennon giggles. “Remember how things were when I first moved here?”

I grin thinking about it. “You acted like you found freedom for the first time ever.”

“Pfft. It was freedom.” She glances at Maddie. “Until I dated that asshole who nearly ruined me.”

“See, Mads. This is why you need to take it slow and not rush into anything,” I remind her.

“Yeah, yeah. Date with intention. Right, Mom ?” She snorts just as Lennon’s cell vibrates. Her face lights up as she unlocks it, which means it’s Brandon. They’re madly in love, and though it’s almost sickening to witness, I’m happy for her. Lennon deserves a nice guy. Hell, we all could use one.

“Brandon’s gonna stop by. That okay?” Lennon asks with googly eyes.

“Yep, the guys coming too?” I ask, curious if Mason will be joining us.

Lennon types away. “Just Mason and Hunter.”

Maddie’s gaze ping-pongs between us. “They’re the hot ones, right?”

“They’re all hot.” I snort, hoping neither of them sees through my lies.

Shaking her head, Lennon goes back to her phone. “You are off-limits to them. Especially Hunter.”

Maddie rolls her eyes, and Lennon instantly becomes frustrated. “I’m serious, Maddie. He’s a player and will screw anything that has legs. I’ll be damned if?—”

“Okay, okay,” I interrupt. “I think she’s got the point.”

Maddie shrugs. “Maybe if one of you gets me a drink, I’ll understand better?”

“Don’t piss her off,” I say.

Lennon playfully flips her off, but she’s not kidding about Hunter. She’s ready to murder him.

I pull my phone from my purse and decide to text Liam because he likes the Coliseum. Over the last year, we’ve become great friends, and I enjoy his company so much. He’s like the big brother I never had, and he’s fun as hell. He gets me without wanting to get into my pants.

Sophie

Why aren’t you coming to have drinks with us?

Liam

Tied up on a job. You know how it goes.

Sophie

Like a real job? Or some chick?

Liam

A real job. Unfortunately. Out of town again. I should be back in a few days, though. We should get together.

Sophie

We should. You still need to meet my little sis.

Liam

If she’s anything like you…hard pass.

Sophie

Don’t worry. She’s worse than me. Wayyyyy worse.

Maddie leans over and sneaks a peek at my phone screen, but I try to hide it from her. “Ooh. Who’s Liam?”