Page 15 of Between Regrets and Promises (Between Us Trilogy #2)

SOPHIE

The past few months have been hard for everyone, especially Lennon.

Losing Brandon almost three months ago, then finding out she was pregnant not long after were hard realities to accept.

She hadn’t had time to grieve her loss or process anything that happened before she found out she would be a mother.

Though I consider the baby a miracle already, I’ve been worried about Lennon and her health.

I’ve been trying my hardest not to mother her too much and give her space, but it’s been hard as hell.

Thankfully, Hunter has been there for her.

He’s been her saving grace, making sure she’s getting sleep, eating, and taking care of herself, and I will forever be grateful for him.

The man has completely turned his attitude and behavior around and has taken it upon himself to protect her.

He’s the only one who Lennon doesn’t push away or ignore.

At first, it hurt that she wouldn’t talk to me about everything, but I understood why.

The pain was too much for her, and I couldn’t relate.

All I could do was wait until she was ready, though I’m not certain she ever will be.

It’s come to a point where our parents need to know. Lennon will eventually start showing, and lying to them will be impossible. Sure, they live in Utah, but we’re all close, and they FaceTime us regularly.

Considering how religious and strict our parents are, they won’t accept her being pregnant out of wedlock, so she hasn’t told them yet.

Lennon’s concerned they’ll write her off, and I have been too because the possibility of that is more than real.

On a whim, Hunter suggested to be her fake husband and pretend the baby is his, and they flew to Utah this weekend to pull off one of the greatest stunts any of us have ever done.

I haven’t heard from her yet, but I’m anxiously waiting.

I stir, unable to sleep, and though it’s early as hell, I get out of bed and make some coffee.

Anytime I have a concert, I hardly get any rest the night before, so it’s normal.

Today is the symphony’s Fourth of July program, and I want to run through my set a few times before heading to the park, so I may as well get started.

When I round the corner to the kitchen, there’s a sink full of dishes and a dirty pan on the stovetop.

The trash is overflowing, and there’s an empty gallon of milk sitting next to it on the floor.

“Are we fucking children around here?” I grind out, then get frustrated when I set my hand in smeared mustard on the counter.

I glare at the bright yellow paste on my palm and almost lose my shit.

It’s way too early for this, and I’m two seconds from waking the entire apartment.

With everything I have, I try not to scream at the top of my lungs as I grab some paper towels and clean up the mess, but I refuse to do it all and leave the dirty dishes in the sink.

Soon, Maria and Carter will be getting up to go to work, and considering the mood I’m already in, it’d be best if I didn’t see them.

Maria and I have lived together for a few years, and we had a good thing going until she became more serious with her boyfriend.

When she asked if he could move in, I should’ve said no, but I couldn’t afford this apartment on my own.

If I would've been against it, she would’ve moved out and left me with the lease.

I could’ve tried to find a new roommate but was worried that I wouldn’t in a timely manner to help with the rent.

With rehearsal and everything else going on in my life, I caved and have regretted it every day since.

Carter’s a slob, and I need to get the hell out of here as soon as possible.

After my coffee finishes brewing, I make a cup and go into my room and shut the door. I’m so damn angry as I sit on the edge of my bed, waiting for the liquid to stop steaming. Thankfully, my phone vibrates and pulls me away from my annoyance.

Lennon

Forgot to tell you we made it here safe and sound. Mom and Dad love Hunter (shocker, right?) and today is when the REAL fun begins.

Her message makes me smile, and I’m so relieved she’s texting me.

Today is the big Fourth of July celebration in Utah, and the day will be full of events.

The church helps with a lot of activities, so Lennon and Hunter will be around my parents all day.

I’m glad they love Hunter, but he can be very charismatic when he wants to be.

Sophie

About damn time, woman! I wasn’t sure if they kicked your asses out or not. I mean, based on the situation, it was kind of a toss-up.

We make small talk, and I nearly snort when she asks me if all guys get morning wood. I know why she’s asking too. She and Hunter are sleeping in her old bed that’s so small it’s laughable. Of course, I give her shit about it when she asks me if it’s normal.

Sophie

Probably when there’s a body pressed against it. Especially YOUR body.

I bet she’s regretting texting me now, but we continue to chat about all things Hunter.

Lennon cares about him deeply just by the way she looks at him when he’s around.

Though she hasn’t admitted it, and I haven’t pushed her on it too much , eventually, it will come to a crossroads because it’s more than obvious how Hunter feels.

They’re in a weird non-relationship relationship.

I just don’t want my sister to get hurt. She’s gone through enough this year.

We continue to go back and forth, and she promises to keep me updated.

The fact that my parents love Hunter has me smiling, and it’s a relief they don’t see through the lie.

They act natural and believable around each other because there’s more there than either of them wants to admit.

The underlying tone of her text messages makes me happy. She needed this break.

As I pick up my cup of coffee and take a sip, Maria and Carter scurry around the apartment.

Part of me wants to walk out there and tell them both how I feel about this arrangement while ripping Carter a new one, but it’d be a waste of time.

He’s immune. No matter how much I complain or how nicely I ask, he’s still a slob and refuses to change his ways.

Maria accepts it because she’s sleeping with him.

I don’t know how much longer I can stand it, but I’m trying to hold out.

Once the front door closes, I grab my violin and go into the dining room to practice today’s lineup a few times. The music whisks me away from the filthy apartment and my annoyance. After three hours of playing, a sense of calm moves over me and then I get in the shower.

While I wash my hair, I think about my life and how I’m single as hell.

Mason slides through my thoughts, but I push him away.

As much as I want there to be something between us, I’m giving up hope.

I’ve waited around for so long, and I’m sure he’s wondering why I haven’t gotten the hint yet.

Knowing he’ll be at my concert today makes me nervous, but it also gives me a glimmer of hope when I shouldn’t have one.

I step out of the shower and dry off, then dress in the black uniform we’re required to wear for concerts.

Before I grab my keys, I text Maddie to see what she’s up to.

Considering she lives in the dorms and sold her car to move to California, I already know what the answer will be, but I text her anyway.

Sophie

Meeting me at the park?

Maddie

Hell no. Come pick me up!

Sophie

You’re so demanding. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. The show won’t start for an hour, though. You gonna be okay while I warm up?

Maddie

There are food trucks. I’ll be fine.

I snort-laugh and pack my shit, then head out the door. As I drive to the dorms to pick up Maddie, my phone buzzes. At the first red light, I unlocked my phone and read the message.

Liam

Mason and I are on the way. You there yet?

The last time we hung out, they both agreed to come to the concert and hang out after. It means a lot to me that he’ll be there cheering me on. Liam’s the brother I never had.

Sophie

Grabbing Maddie, then I’ll be there.

Liam

Alright! Maybe there’ll be some hot, single chicks there? You think?

Sophie

Maddie will make sure to scare them off for you.

Liam

NO.

I love teasing him because I see the way he looks at her, but he denies it.

Though, it’s not any different from me and Mason, and he loves to ride my ass about it.

Maybe I’m in denial too. Before I can send him a text message back, the light turns green, and I go.

My heart flutters when I think about Mason and how he’ll finally get to see me play.

Lately, when I’ve been hanging out with Liam, he’s kept his distance, pretending I don’t exist. The way he treats me is starting to wear me down.

Soon, I’m pulling up to the dorms, and Maddie is already outside waiting for me. Her shorts, if you can call them that, are nearly invisible, and she’s wearing a crop top that shows off her perfectly toned body. Once she’s in the car, I playfully scold her.

“Go up there and change, young lady. You can’t go out in public wearing that.”

“But how will I get any dick if I can’t show off what my mama gave me?”

I narrow my eyes at her, scowling.

“Oh, come on. You know it’s hot as hell out here. I’m already sweating.” She fans herself with a laugh.

I grunt. “For a virgin, you’re dirtier than anyone I know.”

She shrugs, then puts on her seat belt, and I drive toward the park.

“Dance school. I learn about all sorts of terrible, horrible, and thrilling things backstage.” When she waggles her eyebrows at me, I burst out into laughter.

“I don’t want to know.”

“Sure you do! Did you know there’s a sex position called the Butter Churner?”

I glance at her. “Don’t. Don’t you dare.”

“You’re no fun.” She snickers. “Bet you google it later.”