Sophia's POV.
It was 7 pm when I woke up and went down to the living room. Mum was seated on the couch and Mia sat beside her on the floor.
They were munching on a big bowl of ice cream and watching Frozen. I was pretty sure it was Mia's idea because she sometimes tends to act like an eight-year-old. I chuckled and they both turned towards me with smiles on their faces.
Of course, I went to the kitchen to grab my spoon and sat down beside Mia, munching on the ice cream and watching Frozen.
About an hour into the movie, the doorbell rang, causing Mia to gasp in excitement. “It's Julie with my dress!”
What dress?
I shook my head. “I'll get it.”
Chuckling, I walked up to the door and swung it open.
It wasn't Julie. It wasn't a woman at all.
A man stood there, leaning against the doorframe, holding a bouquet, a charming smile on his lips.
“Hello, love.” His deep voice rang in my ears. I almost dropped to the floor.
Was I dreaming?
“Alex?” I said in utter confusion.
Moments passed and I just found myself staring at his face in bafflement while he just watched me with a smirk. He was dressed in a black business suit as he had arrived straight from work.
“How....” I trailed off.
“You're here!” Confused, I looked beside me to find Mia grinning up at him. Wait. What's going on?
Alex extended the bouquet he was holding in her direction. “You must be Mia, right? I got these for you.”
Mia excitedly took it and breathed in.
“Wow! They are so pretty and they smell so good. Thank you, Mr Hayes.”
“Just call me Alex.” He smiled. “And thank you for inviting me. I know your aunt's birthday is tomorrow but I just wanted to stop by and say hi today.”
“What? “He invited you?” I muttered, still trying to contemplate the situation. I turned to Mia. “You invited him? How?”
Alex looked up at me. “Your cousin went through all the trouble of sending me a message on Instagram.”
My jaw dropped slightly. “Mia you're on Instagram? Hell! I'm not even on Instagram yet.”
“What a boring life you must have, Soph,” Mia spoke up. “You live in the city for God's sake. Where do you post all your fun pictures?”
“She doesn't have fun.” Alex shook his head.
“Oh right! She doesn't.” Mia agreed with a roll of her eyes, causing both of them to chuckle.
I narrowed my eyes and opened my mouth to say something but was cut off.
“Girls!” My mum shouted from behind us and we turned around. “Will you at least let him step inside the house? Where are your manners?”
Mia and I stepped aside, letting Alex into the house.
“Hello, Alex. It's nice to finally meet you. I'm Peggy, Sophia's mum.” Mum said, shaking his hand.
“Nice to meet you too Peggy.” Alex greeted me politely.
“And a happy birthday in advance to you.”
“Oh, thank you.” My mum replied, smiling. “Wait. You're Sophia's mum?” He asked.
“Yes.”
“Aren't you too young to be a mum?”
My mum blushed and then let out a chuckle. “I guess, thank you.”
Is it just me or did he just flirt with my mum?
The three of them walked to the living room and I followed closely behind, still confused about what was going on.
“I'll get some snacks and drinks.” I quickly announced and went to the kitchen, taking as long as I could to avoid Alex.
I stepped into the living room after a few minutes with a tray.
He seemed to be getting along with my family, especially with Mia. They were all laughing at a story my mum was telling.
Mia got up from where she sat beside Alex and walked over to sit beside my mum when she saw me enter.
I cursed under my breath.
With a small smirk, Alex shifted over to make space for me and I had no choice but to settle down beside him. My breath hitched when he lifted his arm to my shoulders.
“Hey.” He muttered with a smile.
I turned my head to stare at him for a while, trying to understand what game he was playing now.
“What are you doing?” I whispered. “What?” He shrugged.
“You know,” my mum started, grabbing our attention. “I asked Sophia to invite you over but she just assumed you would be busy.”
Alex threw me a glance. “I wish she'd just asked me once.” Ask him what exactly.
Hey, Alex! I know you're avoiding me but let's go to my hometown for my Mum's birthday. Nah....I don't think so.
“Yeah. She's a bit shy.” My mum replied, talking like I wasn't even in the room. “But I think she missed you. She seemed sad over the phone when she mentioned that you wouldn't be able to make it here.”
My jaw dropped.
“Really?” Alex suddenly seemed very interested in the conversation.
“No,” I interjected. “I wasn't sad. I was just tired. There's a difference mum.”
Just then, Mia was about to speak when Mum cut her off. “Why don't you come with me, let's try some new dresses I got. Let's give Soph and Alex some time alone to catch up.”
Oh no! I hate you, mum
“Oh! And when I come back, I want to hear the juicy story of how you guys first met!” Mia said even as she nodded with a mischievous smile and got up, wiggling her brows at me before disappearing upstairs with Mum.
I took in a deep breath, thinking of an excuse to also get myself out of the room.
“I should go....check on the laundry.” When I made a move to get up, Alex tightened his hold on me, making me settle back on the couch.
“How was the hangover?” Alex asked.
“What?” I blinked at him. “Oh! yesterday morning. It was fine, I guess.” We were silent for a moment before I spoke.
“You took me to your house instead of my apartment. Why's that?” I asked. Alex withdrew his arm from my shoulder causing me to frown.
“Because,” he started. “During the car ride, you placed your head on my shoulder and you asked me not to leave you alone.”
A shiver ran down my spine. Did I say that?