Sophia's POV.
“Looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed today. Or did something happen at work?”
Startled, my hands dropped the dish I was holding in the sink and I turned to find Stephanie making a face at the noise.
“You scared me.” I scolded.
“No. You scared me with all that slamming and I came here to check up on you.”
Sighing, I went back to the dishes. “I'm sorry. I'm just a little distracted.”
Stephanie propped herself up on the counter and placed her hands under her chin attentively. “I'm listening.”
I shook my head dismissively, “it's nothing.”
“Oh, c'mon. It's never anything with you. Now, out with it.”
I thought for a moment and finally sighed. “It's Alex.”
“I know. That was quite obvious. Now, what about him?”
I narrowed my eyes for a moment. “He doesn't want to talk to me.”
“Alexander Hayes doesn't want to talk to you? How the hell did the tables turn like that?” She asked in disbelief.
“He thinks Colin and I have a thing. He saw him walking out of my apartment yesterday and he hasn't been talking to me since.”
“Wait.” Stephanie raised a brow. “When I asked Colin to come keep you company?” I nodded.
“Oh my God, Soph. I sent him to you. I'm so sorry.”
“Don't be ridiculous, Steph. You were only trying to make me feel better. It's not your fault if Alex doesn't want anything to do with me again.”
“Hey, don't say that, Soph. You know it's not true.”
“You never know.” Rinsing the last dish, I wiped my hands on a paper towel and turned to her. “Thank you, Steph.”
She jumped off the counter. “You know I'll always be here for you.” She said as we both headed towards the living room.
She made me listen to a few new songs, clearly trying to lift my mood. But I was fine.
Maybe my time with Alex was over. If he still needed me, he would've made an effort or at least reacted to my efforts. I felt my heart ache at my thoughts.
“Are you sure you're okay, Soph?” Stephanie asked when we were ready to go to bed. I nodded. “Goodnight Steph.”
She didn't look convinced but still, she said “Night, Soph.” Once in my room, I collapsed on the mattress and dozed off.
My alarm went off at 7 in the morning and I had a few texts. I immediately sat up in hopes of one of them being from Alex but I was disappointed.
Getting out of bed to follow my monotonous routine, I quickly brushed my teeth, showered, and got dressed to go to work. Alex wasn't around in the office today. Again.
I felt almost heartbroken to know that he was deliberately avoiding me but I dismissed it and got to work on my desk. The telephone rang just then.
“Hello?” I said as I picked up.
“Sophia, this is Steve. Please can I see you in my office?”
“Sure. Be there soon.” And then I hung up.
I soon found myself standing outside Steve's office, ready to knock.
“Come in.”
I stepped inside the office and felt like I was living the same day over and over again as I watched him sitting there with his eyes fixed on his laptop screen.
“Good morning, Steve.” I smiled.
“Good morning, Sophia.” He muttered while signing a few pages. “Please sit.”
I sat down and patiently waited.
“Do you have anything you're doing after work today?” He asked.
“Not exactly,” I replied, confused.
“There's this dinner tonight with Mr Kane, our client from yesterday. Jessica was supposed to accompany me but she's still sick.” He sighed, looking at me with hopeful eyes.
“Oh.”
I was so tempted to say ‘Why not ask Stephanie?’
But I knew better than that. Besides, Stephanie's got a date with Harvey tonight and I didn't want to ruin it for her.
“So what do you say, Sophia? Be my plus one?” He joked. I let out a laugh. “Okay, Steve.”
“Really? Thank you. I owe you for this one.”
“Just one question,” I spoke hesitantly but Steve nodded for me to continue. “Who else is going to join us for this dinner?”
A smirk formed on his lips. “Alex would be there if that's what you meant to ask.”
“Oh,” I said, suddenly debating if I should go or not.
If he was going to a business dinner, why didn't he call me to accompany him as his plus one?
I felt hurt.
“Now, just send a few pending emails from the list I've sent you and you can take the rest of the day off. I'll pick you up at 7.”
Now or never, Sophia. Just say no to this dinner. Alex doesn't want you there!
“Alright.” I faked a smile, got up, and before the urge to smack myself in the face took over, I left his office.
God! What have I gotten myself into? I could've just said no. Why did I have to agree to that? Why did Jessica have to be sick today?
I groaned as I sat back on my desk. Around 2:30 pm, I was done with everything and decided to go back to the apartment.
Throughout the ride back to my apartment, I kept thinking of calling Steve and making an excuse but didn't. I knew that a part of me wanted to avoid getting hurt by Alex again but a bigger part of me wanted to see him.
I went up to my apartment while making a list of things I needed to do before dinner.
I opened the door to find Stephanie rummaging through some stuff. “You're back early.” She said.
“Yeah, I got this business dinner to attend later today. Steve's taking me.” I noticed the look in her eyes when I mentioned Steve's name but decided to ignore it. She's not ready to talk about whatever is going on between them.
“Oh perfect!” She said, clapping her hands, her face normal. “Maybe you'll like this.” She turned around and fished out a shopping bag, handing it over to me.
I eyed it and raised a brow at her.
“Open it.” She grinned.
I carefully opened the box to reveal some black material. Confused, I pulled it up to find a sleek black evening gown. The halter neck design added to its elegance. It was such a beauty.
“It's for you,” Stephanie said.
“It's so beautiful. But, Steph, I have a few gowns, you didn't have to.”
“Oh, I didn't.” She had a mischievous smile on her face. “Someone else bought it.” I felt my heart skip a bit. “Who?”
“Alex.” She grinned
“What? He did? I don't believe you. We're not exactly on speaking terms these days.”
“That arrogant ass bought it a week ago in Florida but the box accidentally got mixed up. So here it is. He sent his chauffeur to deliver it.”
I shook my head. “Alex would have given this to me himself if he wanted to. I can't take this.
“I'm sure he didn't give it to you himself because of what's going on but I know he wants you to have it. You should wear it tonight. You'll dazzle that dude.”
“Let's not be presumptuous, Steph. What if it's not even meant for me? Maybe he bought it for someone else.” I paused at the are you fucking kidding me look Stephanie threw me.
“Maybe it's for his sister, Andrea.”
She groaned in frustration. “Hell no, Soph. It's for you.”
“You don't know that.” I placed the gown back in the box like it was packed before. Stephanie sighed. “Why can't I have one, just one normal day with an obedient person?” I laughed despite myself.