Chapter 40 It's not funny

Chapter 40 It's not funny
SOFIA'S POV

"Sofia? I didn't think a place like this is your scene." Paolo says taking a seat on across from me.

A plate of fries and chicken drumsticks is placed on the table by Nova and i watch Paulo's grin grow.

"Are guys on a date?"

Nova chuckles.

"Since when is having a meal together considered a date?"

Her eyebrow arches.

I mean she's not wrong.

We've eaten together a couple of times.

"Paolo lives in his on delusionised version of things."

He scoffs at my statement.

"You guys look good together, no need in denying that." He says reaching for a French fry.

Choosing a place close to campus might not have been the best idea because Paolo waves someone over like he was expecting it.

"You were right...this does feel like a rewar." Mila says plopping on the seat next to Paolo.

Nova just clenches her jaw but it only lasts a second.

"Are you okay?"

I lean over to Nova now sitting next to me.

"Yeah. I was hoping it'd be just you and me." She says loud enough for them to hear.

I chuckle.

I never thought a moment would come when I didn't want these two around.

"Why are you two here anyway? There's alot of free tables."

"Yeah but they don't have free lunch."

Mila shrugs.

"It's not fucking free!"

I snap.

"Castiello is treating you right? We're just making sure it's good for you."

Paolo chuckles.

It's not funny.

"I'm treating Nova so you two better buy your own lunches." I retort.

Mila blinks.

"Whoa."

Paolo slowly lowers the fry in his hand.

"Okay. That was terrifying." She says.

Then a pause.

"We'll get out of your hair." Mila says seriously like it was only funny when Nova was the one taking the jokes.

Nova's thumb brushed slowly against my back.

"You didn't have to do that."

"Do what?"

"Defend me."

I frowned.

"Yes I did."

There's a sparkle in her eyes before she focuses on the food in front of us.

Back on campus she's still reluctant on giving me my bag back.

"I liked spending time with you." I say.

She smiles. A genuine one.

"Me too. You make me feel....hopeful."

I feel my cheeks burn.

That's definitely a good thing.

I feel my legs wobble a bit but maybe it's from the walking.

There's an empty booth and that works for me despite how open it is for anyone paying attention.

"You shouldn't sit this close to me–"

"You're lucky i didn't place you on my lap Tinkerbell."

She winks making me chuckle.

Did she forget that her love life is out in the open now?

"Still."

She sighs, then moves an inch.

I glare at her.

"This is already too far."

My phone rings.

I take it out of my pocket.

My dad.

I stare at the screen until it stops ringing.

The guilt settles immediately.

I already know what he's going to say.

"Why didn't you pick up? You never miss a call from your dad."

I sigh.

It's complicated.

She pauses.

I'll call him when I get home." I say and she nods in understanding.

"Your hair looks really good let down." I say and watch her face light up.

She hesitates reaching for my hand but stops herself.

It's not easy for me either.

Ever since the hotel I feel like I've had to restrain myself from wanting her like that.

Naked and on top of me.

"Why are you biting your lip?"

She raises her brow.

"Umm felt like it was dry." I say.

"You know they never are."

I pause.

"I was thinking about that night at the hotel. When we....I've never felt that good with anyone."

She smirks.

Ofcourse she does.

"I know."

"You know?"

"Tinkerbell, you stare at me like you're trying to solve a math problem."

"Shut up."

"Make me."

My throat dry up.

"What?"

She chuckles.

"Relax Tinkerbell, it's just a phrase."

I let out a nervous chuckle.

I knew that.

"Yyeah it is."

She laughs.

"It's not funny."

"I know...but you're too cute." She says.

"Forget it."

She furrows her brows in confusion.

Then laughs again.

It's annoying now.

"Stop fucking laughing."

"I'm sorry....I just...you're adorable. I do think about the hotel too."

I pause.

"Really?"

"Yeah. You're all I think about whenever I'm not near you."

My cheeks flush.

"I would do anything to make you feel that good again." She says.

I swallow hard.

"Anything?"

Her eyes soften.

"Anything."

The words settle somewhere deep in my chest.

"Tonight then." I say.

A pause.

"Just so you know...you don't have to ask. I'm already easy for you as is."

She winks at me.

Then gets up from her seat checking her watch.

"I have practice but if you're sticking around campus....I know a perfect place to–"

"Go to your practice Nova."

I cover my face in embarrassment.

She chuckles.

"Shame, Tinkerbell....you'd have gotten a preview for tonight."

She leans over planting a quick kiss on my forehead before I can object.

Then Jogs off.

I sit there letting my mind go back to what the doctor said.

I'll just wait until Nova's last game then tell her.

I already hate that I'm keeping it to myself.

"Just looking at her....I wonder why Nova's friends with a girl who clearly wants her. It's pathetic." I overhear a girl says before her voice fades out.

Friend?

Somehow that stung more than being called the other woman.

Because the other women atleast get acknowledged

I hadn't really thought about it that way.

How long would Nova keep the engagement going before she chooses the truth?

Chooses herself?

Was it easier for us because she already has a forced future or am I the girl that she'll eventually have to choose between?

My phone vibrates on table with a text from Mila asking where I am.

Dad must have called her.