Chapter 24: She's a puzzle

SOFIA'S POV

"Can you walk a little slower?" I ask but she just stretches out her arm wiggling her fingers for me to take.

"There's a food truck six minutes away and I'm hungry too,"

I chuckle. She didn't mention she was hungry but then again i hadn't asked.

We make a few more turns before stopping by a well decorated truck with different ones scattered for healthy competition.

"I'll have the Luini and two slices of my usual pizza. And Tinkerbell, what do you want?"

"Umm....maybe the mondeghili and dumplings," I say clueless of their menu but Milan is known for them so I'm not as embarrassed.

There's a set up spot to seat and she takes it before a couple does, making me chuckle lightly. She pulls up the seat for me and I play along.

"When you offered adventure, I didn't picture this,"

"You said you're hungry, not fancy,"

She jokes swooping a portion of her hair to her right side. That alone has me sat. Legs crossed to prevent any throbbing between my legs. When was the last time I actually had sex?

"Why did you have her lipgloss on your lip that night?"

"She put it there. She kissed me unexpectedly but I shoved her away from me. She'd rather manipulate the situation than accept things for what they are,"

Her words are clear. Her body language in itself screams anything but uncomfortable. I figured as much. She did say she's only ever kissed one other person so I wonder who that was. Was it Delia?

She gets our food insisting on me waiting instead of helping. I eventually thank her for not letting me help because the face she was making carrying all four types of food was hilarious.

She tries to offer me her food but I know better than to cheat on my diet. Well i am but not extremely. Atleast not with cheese I haven't read ingredients to.

"Why do you play basketball?"

"Because on the court," she pauses. "They only expect me to good. And that I can do,"

"What about life? Do you know what you want to do after school?"

She pauses. Her bites are fuller, like an empty mouth is her worst enemy. She doesn't talk after and I respect it, so I change the topic to something else.

"I googled you, your posture in heels paired with a dress is haunting,"

She lets out a laugh. A free unfiltered laugh at herself. I knew it was funny, I just didn't think it was that funny.

"I don't like heels and dresses because of my height. Makes me look intimidating,"

"Well you should show that one google photo on the first date"

We both laugh this time. I like her laugh, its so adorable and soft.

She reaches over with her thumb wiping the corner of my mouth. It lingers before she retracts it, her face curving into a warm smile.

My phone rings and I reach for it in my bag, displaying my step-dad's caller ID.

"Excuse me," I say getting up and walking away. Far enough for her to not overhear.

"I booked you a hotel at the Four Seasons there. I need you close to the studio and to do final fittings this week." He informs.

"What about the final piece? I sent it to you in the morning,"

"They're working on it but you can stop by the studio to make sure it's to your liking."

His tone is professional. Like he's talking to a business colleague so i don't ask any more questions.

"I love you and can't wait to see you,"

"Me too Sofie. Take care and call me if anything. Don't worry about disturbing me," he says reassuringly before the call ends.

"Am i the other woman?" She asks startling me at how still she was, just being behind me.

"Jealous?"

"Yes. Yes I am,"

I pause. Maybe because i didn't expect her answer to be so direct.

"That was my dad. He booked me a hotel to extend his birthday present, " I lie. I didn't need to, but explaining the fashion week situation sounded alot more complicated.

We walk back to campus but this time Delia and her two followers don't let us walk away from them.

How is she always outside instead of her classes?

Nova takes out her blue shirt letting her white tank top be in clear view.

"Put this on,"

I hesitate. What is she trying to do?

"Just trust me," she insists so i take it and slip it on. It's either she's getting me to cover up or she's trying to make a statement.

"Sofia, I see you're taking the campus display toy very seriously," Delia starts.

"Well you know what people say about favourite toys, they're irreplaceable," I retort.

"That party must have been a blur for a reason then?" She asks and i feel my blood boil at the thought that she did it intentionally to have me sexually assaulted.

"Delia," Nova says her name sternly. Like a warning. Did she know?

"She can handle a joke can't she? I mean you ruined it,"

"You're disgusting Delia. And maybe it's you who needs a reality check. Nobody likes you. You just offer convenience for them," Nova blurts out now standing in front of me to block any attacks sent my way.

"Like I do for you? Tell her the truth. This brand new act might be faker than your intentions," she says walking past us. Not in anger or rage, just a simple request i have a feeling is not so simple for Nova.

"What truth?"

"It's not worth it, Tinkerbell. I'll see you soon,"

She plants a soft kiss on my forehead before walking away to her class. I do the same with my own class but Delia's words linger. What truth? Is it what I already know or is there more? Would she tell me when she's ready?

The questions are endless throughout the lecture and I give in, trying to search up anything I might have missed about the Castiellos.

I wait for a text from her but there's no reply to my double texts.

Mila finds me in the parking lot, her face less brighter than before.

"I better be the best CEO in history after this degree."

"Save that excitement for senior year,"

"Speaking of, why won't you correct people on the sophomore nickname? You're a junior in your close to end of second semester,"

"I figured, they called me that because I moved here in my sophomore year,"I say innocently. Correcting people is an easy way of making their errors permanent. No one likes being wrong.

"Sof Pow, I'm starting to worry about you,"

"Why? I'm happy. Isn't that good?"

"So is Nova, and last time she was happy that girl disappeared,"

"Like....gone dead?"

She lets out a laugh.

"No. She just faded into the background like she was just another regular person no one knew,"

"Well lucky for me, I have you. I can take care of myself Mila. I just need you to be by my side, "

"Always. You're my family, "

She hugs me from the side before tapping on the jeep.

How many red flags are around Nova? It's like signing up for a mystery solving case.