“I love you so damn much, Sophie. I’m sorry again for what I did,” he softly says before placing a sweet, lingering kiss on my lips. He’s apologized every day since it happened.
“I love you too,” I whisper back, and he smiles back at me. “Don’t forget tonight is my sister’s secret proposal,” I remind him. “You’re still coming with me, aren’t you?”
He nods. “Absolutely. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He flashes me a wink. “Love you.”
I repeat his words before he stands to leave for his day. After falling back asleep, I wake up around eight to a text message from Hunter, but I’m not too alarmed by it because he’s been texting me lately to discuss his plans. A smile touches my lips at the thought of Hunter proposing to my sister.
Hunter: You awake?
Sophie: Yep. Sure am. I’ve not had coffee yet, though, so tread lightly.
I get out of bed and make a pot because I need all the caffeine I can get right now after not sleeping very well.
Hunter: You think you can distract Lennon today? Ask her to go grocery shopping or something? I need her out of the apartment. I didn’t think about how I’d get everything set up if she’s coming directly home after work.
Sophie: You got it, bro. Is it weird to call you bro?
Hunter: Ha-ha. Yeah. Don’t do that. Weirdo.
I snort and pour myself a cup, then add my favorite creamer. I nearly orgasm when I take my first sip because it’s so damn good.
Sophie: Yep. I got you. I’ll text her in a while, so then it’s not so suspicious. I need to go to the grocery store anyway.
Hunter: Thanks! I seriously owe you one.
Sophie: At this point, you owe me two.
Hunter: Deal. :)
I sit at the table and finish drinking my coffee. Glancing down at my arm, I see the bruises have gotten darker and let out a deep breath. I noticed my upper cheek looked slightly discolored this morning too, but it’s nothing I can’t cover with some foundation. I don’t know how I’d explain what happened to anyone, considering I’m still in shock by it all. Instead of continuing to think about it, I decide to lose myself in music as I typically do when I’m frustrated or upset. Since Weston’s house is three bedrooms, he’s allowed me to set up an area in a spare room. I grab my violin, pull the music stand from the corner, and begin to play the songs in my heart. It’s not surprising when Robert Schumann comes out. A tortured soul like most of us musicians.
After I’ve played for an hour straight, I take a quick break, then go back to it. For the past few years, I’ve taught piano on the side, but after I moved in with Weston, I put my lessons on hold. Considering the mood I’ve been in, I’m thankful for the space from other people, though I could use the money.
Hours pass and my stomach begins to growl, so I eat a banana. I try to push the thoughts about Weston out of my head and decide I’m going to keep this to myself and give him the benefit of the doubt. He’s been stressed, and I understand how that can affect everything. Add alcohol to the mix and it’s a recipe for disaster, but I just never thought I’d be on the receiving end. Though I wasn’t trying to tell him what to do, I understand how it looked from his point of view. It’s the last thing I wanted, and I wish I could take it back.
I have no appetite once I start eating, but I force myself to finish, then decide to text Lennon to make sure she can meet me. If she says no, I’m not sure what I’ll do other than beg because Hunter really needs her out of the house for his master plan to work.
He has a really cute scavenger hunt planned at a park based on fairy tales and even bought her a dress to wear that matches the whole theme. A smile hits my lips as I text her, knowing what’s really in store for her later.
Since dating Weston, I haven’t hung out with Maddie or Lennon as much as usual, which is my fault. I love them dearly, but I’ve been focused on my relationship lately. Weston doesn’t want them to know our person business and has made several comments about how much I tell my sisters. So I try to keep everything as private as possible, but it’s hard as hell because I’m so used to sharing every little detail about my life with them. But out of respect for him, I don’t.
When Lennon texts me back, agreeing to meet me, I immediately text Hunter and tell him the plan to get her out of the house worked, but stupid me, I only gave myself fifteen minutes. So I hurry and get dressed, then head to our favorite grocery store.