Until Him: Book 3 - Until Then Series

by Victoria Ashlee

  Sophia was as quiet as a mouse walking through the front door. I knew she was nervous about returning home, but I didn’t expect this. I picked up the pile of mail set off to the side.

  She picked up her back, “I’m going to go upstairs to unpack.”

  “Ok.” I kissed her cheek. She gave me a quick smile before disappearing up the stairs.

  I continued to fan through the mail. Most of it was junk; a few things for Keira, even though she doesn’t live here anymore. Then I came across the crimson and gold envelope addressed to me. I instantly knew what it was. When I opened it up, it read “You are cordially invited to attend the New York Ballet Charity Gala…” I closed it before finishing, tossing it off to the side. I didn’t even know if Sophia was ready to be around those people yet. She’s only just barely made it through the past few weeks.

  My phone in my pocket began to vibrate. I pulled it out to find my Mum calling. I rolled my eyes, hesitating to answer. I slide my thumb across the screen, “Do you have someone watching my house?”

  She gasped, “Why would you say such a thing?”

  “Well I surely wouldn’t put it past you.”

  She let out a short hum, ignoring my comment, “How are you?”

  “We just landed an hour ago.”

  “How’s Sophia?”

  I paused for a moment, “Why do you have such an interest in her lately?”

  “I may have my standards, but I’m still a Mother at heart, and she lost hers.”

  “Ok. Why are you calling?” I demanded.

  “Why can’t I just call my son?”

  “Because you always have a motive, so why are you calling?”

  She huffed, “I was calling to make sure you were attending the Ballet.”

  I laughed through my annoyance, “There’s your plan.”

  “There is no plan Stefan.” She said dryly.

  “I don’t trust that for a minute. But no, I don’t know if we are attending.”

  “Why not?” She sounded offended.

  “Because I don’t know if Sophia is ready for that, she is my priority.”

  She fell silent for longer than I expected.

  “Mum, you would think you would be proud of that decision. Normal parents would be.”

  “I am proud of you; I just want you to be sensible. You need to be there.”

  “I don’t need to do anything.”

  She huffed again, “I’m done arguing with you. You will attend, end of discussion.” She hung up the phone before I could once again politely decline her demand. I shook my head sliding my phone back into my pocket.

  Sophia

  I dropped my bag on Stefan’s floor, and let out a long exhale. Home. It felt strange after my roller coaster of emotions the past few weeks. When I left New York, I wasn’t myself. Now, being back here, I felt different. I don’t think I’ll ever return to that version of me.

  I sat down on the foot of the bed, trying to decompress from traveling. I looked down at my phone that had remained off since we left New York. My friends wouldn’t stop checking up on me, and I honestly couldn’t talk to anyone yet. The screen lit up bright white. I stared at it as the notifications popped up; a few from Cam and Kevin, Stefan’s Nan. I stopped scrolling when I saw Tristen’s name, he showed up here the day we left. I looked at the doorway, I could hear Stefan downstairs. I clicked Tristen’s name, opening the text.

  Tristen: I stopped by to check on you, but your bodyguard wouldn’t let me see you. I hope you are doing ok.

  Tristen: I’d like to see you when you get back.

  I backed out of his text message, and set my phone down. Tristen cares, I know that, but I can’t open that door to him.

  I looked back down at my phone, sighing as I picked it back up.

  Me: I don’t want to see you.

  My eyes blinked; to my surprise he started texting. I waited, holding my breath.

  Tristen: You’ll change your mind.

  Me: I think that’s very bold of you to say.

  Tristen: How so? You’re the one who responded.

  I scoffed, tossing my phone across the bed. I can’t believe him. He could really be a pompous jerk some days.

  “Hey,” Stefan’s voice startled me as he entered the room, “What are you doing?”

  I smiled up at him, “Nothing. Just glad to be home.”

  “Me too.” He kissed my cheek.

  The next morning we woke up to a normal New York morning; Cars honking, sirens going off. Stefan left for his morning run per usual, leaving a cup of ice water for me on the nightstand. Today I go back to work after not being there for two weeks. Am I even going to remember how to do my job? I picked up the water, as I walked into the bathroom to shower.

  I dressed in a blue skirt, with a white top, and heels to match. I even did my makeup and curled my hair. It felt like a small pamper sesh even though I was going to work.

  Stefan hadn’t returned from his run yet which was strange, but I was going to be late if I waited around to say goodbye. I stopped by my normal coffee shop. They asked where I had been, I lied just a little by saying I had been on vacation. I kept the part about my Mom to myself. I couldn’t handle anymore sad eyes.

  My office building was still standing when I turned the corner. I looked at the time on my phone; I still had five minutes before I needed to be upstairs. I sipped my coffee, trying to shake my nerves. It’s just work, the only way to move forward is to keep going.

  “Hi,” A chipper familiar voice came from a few feet away.

  I looked to my left to find Kevin walking toward me, “Hi, I missed you.” I wrapped my free arm around his neck.

  “I tried to reach out to you a few times, that Stefan of yours is a good one. He gave me updates occasionally.”

  I smiled, “He is a good one.” I took another sip of coffee, “He told me you called, I just wasn’t in the right mindset to talk to anyone at the time.”

  He took my hand, “I know.”

  We started up toward our floor, the elevator stopping every few levels. The doors opened and work set back in.

  Kevin noticed my hesitation to get off the elevator; he stopped, catching the doors before they closed. “Come on, it’s going to be a good day.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  He smirked, “Because I’m back in your life, plus everyone has been asking about you.”

  “Really? I thought people were still trying to remember my name.”

  “Sophie Dear, everyone noticed you after your dashingly handsome Brit of a boyfriend showed up.”

  I half laughed, “People do tend to pay attention when he’s around.”

  “Now can you get off the elevator before I sound the alarm for holding the door open too long?”

  I smiled, walking toward him, “Yes, sorry.”

  Work flew by like it was nothing. I was so busy catching up on my emails that I hardly noticed the time passing. Kevin was right about one thing, people did notice my absence. I think every person from my part of the office stopped by to speak to me, and some that I had never seen before.

  Lunch time arrived; I stood up from my desk, slinging my bag over my shoulder. Another awkward smile came from someone I had never met. I was starting to feel like a sideshow. I made my way to the lobby, my eyes scanned for Kevin, but he wasn’t in sight.

  When I walked off the elevator, my body almost instantly froze. Stefan’s father was standing in the lobby speaking to another well dressed man. I searched for a way around him, where he wouldn’t see me, but I caught his attention just as I was about to make my escape.

  “Good Afternoon.” He said lowly, as he approached me.

  I gave him a flat smile, “I’d ask how you found out where I worked, but an Edwards knows everything right?”

  “Precisely.”

  We started walking toward the doors of the building, people were watching him. You’d think you would get used to the attention this family gets, but I still find it strange.
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br />   “What are you doing here?” I looked over at him.

  “I need you to take a ride with me.” His voice was calm, but his mind seemed elsewhere.

  I laughed, “Taking a drive with your family never turns out well for me. I think I’ll pass.”

  We were outside by now; his Limo was parked right out front in the no parking zone. No rules right? I rolled my eyes.

  “I’ll let Stefan know you said Hi.” I smiled, and started to walk my normal route.

  “Miss. Brooks,” His voice was deep now. “Please, get into the limo.”

  I stopped mid step, sighing as I turned around to face him. I glanced over at the now opened door, with the driver standing next to it. This is a bad idea. Henry’s eyes were piercing through me. I bit my bottom lip, and made my way toward the limo. One of these days they’re going to dump my body into a river.

  Chapter Eight

  Sophia

  Henry motioned for his driver to drive. I looked out the window, trying to figure out what he could possibly want from me. A small spout of anger started to rise in me.

  “So, what’s the purpose of this drive?” I looked at the driver, the partition started to go up. Henry had his finger on the button.

  “We will speak when we arrive.”

  I gave him a strange look, “Arrive where?” Great, he is going to dump my body in a river.

  “Somewhere other than this limo.”

  “Well that’s cryptic.” Part of me wanted to text Stefan, I rubbed my thumb across the screen of my phone.

  Henry looked down at my hand, “Don’t waste your time. He won’t come.”

  “Why?”

  “He’s indisposed.”

  I know he could see the worry that came over me, “What does that even mean?”

  “I made sure he was busy, so that I could speak to you.”

  I huffed, sinking back into the seat.

  The limo stopped, and my door was opened. Another tall building, another day. Henry stepped out behind me, placing his hand on my back ushering me toward the doors. It sent a shiver down my spine.

  We took the elevator up to a floor that housed a restaurant. The hostess knew who Henry was immediately ushering us to a glass room where no one else was seated. I smiled at her as she walked away, a server quickly taking her place.

  “Scotch on the rocks and whatever the young lady would like.” He said without looking up at the server.

  “I’m fine with water.”

  Henry glared at me, not pleased with my answer, “She will have a glass of wine, pinot noir.”

  Henry didn’t speak a word while she was gone; he took a call, telling someone that he could only speak for a moment because he was in a meeting. Would he notice if I slipped out to the bathroom and never returned? The server quickly came back with our drinks. Henry ended his call, taking a sip of his whiskey.

  “How was your trip?” His eyes connected with mine.

  “It was fine.”

  He shifted in his seat leaning into the table, “Do you remember what we spoke about at the wedding?”

  “The Ballet?”

  “Yes. I need you to make sure Stefan attends.”

  The small spout of anger returned, “You have got to be joking.” I pushed my chair back and stood, “I’m sure you are aware of what I’ve lived through the past few weeks, knowing I only returned to New York a few days ago, and you have the audacity to basically kidnap me once again and ask me to help you?!”

  “Sophia, the world doesn’t stop because you experienced something traumatic. It keeps moving forward, with or without you.”

  This was a game of chess, he was the king and I was the pawn. My jaw was clenched as I stared at him. I wanted to throw my glass of wine on his expensive grey suit, but he was right. I kept my eyes on him, as I sat back down.

  “Now that you see things my way…”

  I laughed, “I will never see things your way. I just want to end this meeting as quickly as possible.”

  “Very well.” He took another sip of his drink. “The only way to make this end quickly is for you to agree to make sure Stefan attends the ballet.”

  I crossed my arms, “Why is it so important that he’s there anyway? You told me it was because Judith was coming, but I don’t think that’s the entire truth.”

  “A smart businessman never tells the entire truth. It’s how you always keep the upper hand.”

  “So this is about business and not your family?” I kept focused on him.

  “My Dear, my family is my business; they are one in the same.”

  “You know that’s not healthy right?”

  “It’s how the world works when you’re in the position we’re in.”

  I finally picked up the wine, taking a sip, “I don’t think it’s working in your favor.”

  “Good thing I don’t care about your thoughts, only your actions.”

  I laughed. What a dick. His pompous attitude reminded me of Thomas, they’re almost identical.

  “All you have to do is make sure he attends the ballet, it’s not complicated.” He said firmly.

  “Fine.” I stood up. “Are we done here?”

  “Completely. There’s a car waiting for you downstairs.” He gestured toward the glass door.

  “I’ll walk.” I snapped, as I walked toward the exit.

  “It’s fifteen blocks.”

  I stopped at the door, looking at him one more time, “I don’t want anything from you, not even a car to take me home. Don’t you get that?” I let the door shut behind me, making my way toward the elevator.

  Stefan

  I was about to turn home from my morning run when my phone started to ring. My watch showed that it was my Mum calling. It’s 6:30 in the morning, what could she possibly be calling about? Part of me wanted to hit ignore, but it’s strangely early.

  I tapped my watch to answer, “Hello?”

  “Stefan,” Her voice filled my AirPods.

  “Yes, Mum. What is it?”

  She was silent for a moment, “It’s your father.”

  I stopped running, “What about him?”

  “He…” Her voice broke “I just need you to come. He’s in one of those episodes.”

  Something was wrong, she didn’t sound normal. “I’ll be right there.”

  I quickly got into a cab, and told them my parent’s penthouse address. We arrived 20 minutes later. I jumped out of the car, looking at my watch; Sophia would be waking up right about now. The doorman nodded at me as I entered the building. I took the lift up to their floor, rushing off once the doors opened.

  “Mum?” I called out, “Mum, are you here?”

  “In here.” Her voice came from down the hall. “The bedroom.”

  When I walked in she was sitting on the plush bench at the foot of their bed. She looked exhausted, her eyes bloodshot.

  “Where is he?” I asked looking back down the hall.

  “He left.”

  I looked back at her, “Where did he go?”

  “I don’t know.” She closed her eyes tight, “He was screaming, and then just left.”

  “Did he hurt you?” I sat down next to her.

  “Not this time.” She rubbed her arms. “I’m afraid. I never admit it, but I am.”

  “Mum, this conversation is becoming repetitive. No one can change your situation, but you.” I took her hand. “You know I will always protect you, but I’m not always around.”

  “Will you stay with me today?”

  I sighed, looking down at my watch. “I don’t know, Mum. I have meetings today. I just got back.”

  She wiped a tear from her cheek. I stared at her trying to understand what was going on inside her mind. My father’s episodes are something to be afraid of; I don’t understand why she stays.

  “Ok. I will change my meeting to a Skype call. We can at least leave the house for lunch.”

  She gave me a weak smile, “Thank you.”

  The morning rushed by, I had my
Skype meeting in my father’s study. My Mum gave me one of my father’s shirts, and slacks to change into. She got ready for lunch as I finished up my meeting.

  “You ready?” I asked, as she walked down the hallway.

  “Yes.” She said chirpily.

  I gave her a strange look; she was oddly in better spirits. I followed behind her onto the lift.

  We chose a little cafe that my Mum dines at often with her friends. She greeted two ladies sitting by the window when we arrived. I stood waiting for the host to seat us. The women looked in my direction as my Mother spoke to them.

  “Water is fine.” I told the server.

  “Hot tea, please,” My Mum said, as she sat down.

  I looked around the very white restaurant, it was filled with women who were all dressed the same, and a few men dining with their wives. I ordered a sandwich, my Mum a salad. We sat through lunch, and she hadn’t mentioned the ballet one time. Which made me wonder...why would she back down?

  Her phone started to ring, she glanced down at it. It was my father. She placed her hand on it; I put my hand on top of hers before she answered.

  “Why are you answering that? I thought he was horrible this morning?”

  She looked at me, pulling the phone from my grip, “If I don’t answer he will be furious.”

  I glared at her, “The cycle continues.”

  She ignored my comment, putting the phone up to her ear, as she stepped away from the table.

  The women sitting next to our table clearly knew my Mum; they broke into instant whispers as she walked away. When they noticed my stare, their conversation slowly drifted to a silence.

  It had been about ten minutes and she still had not returned. I looked around the room for her, but she was nowhere in sight. I stood and made my way toward the bathrooms in search of her. A woman exited the bathroom; I noticed it was a single stall. Where did she go? I walked back toward the host stand, and then I saw her outside on her phone.

  Her back was facing me, as I walked outside. I didn’t want to interrupt; I stood waiting for a break in her conversation.