As she went through the front door, Katy spotted her immediately. Sophie waved, pointed at her watch, and held up two fingers. Katy pointed at an empty two top in the back. Sophie smiled at her and moved to the indicated table. Clarisse came right over with a menu and a water glass. She could see why people liked this place. No matter how busy, they paid attention to customers right away.
“Just coffee, for now, Clarisse. I’m meeting someone.”
“Chase Peters?” Clarisse said teasingly, putting two menus down.
Squirming in her seat, Sophie said, “Yes, he’s got a meeting in Sausalito this morning, and he asked me to go along.”
“Well good for you, hon!” she said and spun around to another table to greet the newcomers. “Be right with you!” she called, pleasantly. Turning back to Sophie she winked, and said, “One coffee, coming right up.”
Katy arrived with the coffee carafe Clarisse had filled for her and sat down across from her. “So tell me. Did you like the place?”
“I’m living there now,” Sophie told her. “I signed a lease yesterday, and Chase is meeting me here today to drive to Sausalito. Last night, he took me to get groceries at Safeway and then took me to dinner at Remy’s. I think…I like him.”
Katy leaned back, appraising Sophie shrewdly. Then, she moved closer, arms on the table top. “Well, that’s fast,” she said with a grin. “No more New York, huh? I thought you would like Chase. He’s a great guy. If I were ten years younger, he wouldn’t be free to take you to Sausalito!” Her laughing, green eyes sparkled.
Sophie laughed too. Funny, yesterday at this time if anyone had told me I’d be laughing this morning, I’d have told them they were nuts!
“Well, he is likable, that’s for sure,” she said, pouring a cup of the coffee Katy had brought, and busying herself with the cream and sugar to cover her embarrassment.
“Sweetie, it’s just what you need! You know how they say if you fall off a horse, get right up and get back on? Well, same thing here.”
“I don’t know Katy. I like him…” Sophie trailed off wondering what to say to Katy. Chase was an amazing guy, and she had feelings for him, ones that she didn’t exactly understand yet, but she didn’t want Katy thinking she was a girl who flittered from man to man.
Sophie decided to play down her feelings for Chase, at least for the moment. “I just met him, and it’s kind of soon. Yesterday I felt so lost, and then I came in here and you . . . Well, you and Chase picked me right up again. I don’t know how to thank you. As for Chase, we’ll see. Oh, here he is now,“ she said, waving as Chase came in the front door.
Chase greeted them when he got to the table. “Hi, ladies. You both look wonderful.”
Katy saw that the last part was really meant for Sophie and not her. She smirked and congratulated herself on another match. These two didn’t know it yet, but they were both caught, hook, line, and sinker. She pushed back her chair and stood. They didn’t need her around. Sophie and Chase would come together in their own time.
“Sit down, handsome,” Katy said. “This young lady is starving and needs nourishment before your big adventure!”
“Oh, she told you about our trip? Well, not too adventurous, just a business trip and some lunch.” He sat down and picked up his menu absently, looking intently across the table at Sophie.
Katy watched Chase stare at Sophie for a few seconds. A smile played on his lips, and his gaze seemed a bit unfocused. When Sophie began to blush, Katy took it as her cue to leave the couple alone.
Sophie wondered if her makeup was smudged or something. She remembered walking out of her hotel room barefoot the other day and mentally cringed. She wiggled her toes, feeling her sandals. It made her feel more confident, and she asked, “Do I have coffee creamer on my lips?”
“No, no,” he said. “I just wanted to see if you were still the same beautiful woman I had dinner with last night,” and laughed at her expression. “Let’s order,” he said, waving the menu at Clarisse, who waved back and held up two fingers.
“I see… I’m out to breakfast with a charmer. Well, I’ll just say thank you for the compliment and leave it at that.”
Chase raised an eyebrow and then his expression turned more serious. “I meant to ask last night. Do you have a portfolio, resume, or whatever it’s called in show biz? I’d like to take it with us to show my friend Jeanne, who happens to be the client I’m going to see this morning. I plan to invite her out to lunch with us so she can look it over. She owns an ad agency, among other things, and does some film promotions. Right up your alley, and I think she’ll like you almost as much as I do.”
Sophie didn’t immediately pick up on the last part of his statement. Instead, she was considering what paperwork she had with her. When she did catch the meaning of his words, she hesitated. He likes me? She’d known he was interested in her, but like seemed too quick, too soon. That was hypocritical, though. She liked him, too, but was it on the same scale? She snatched up her phone and stared at a map to give herself some time to answer.
“Sure. Can we stop by my place before we go? From the looks of the map on my phone, it isn’t that far out of the way. I have a headshot and a resume. I always carry one with me, no matter where I go. You never know who you’re going to meet.” Sophie tried for chipper, but she wasn’t sure she achieved it.
“Okay, let’s eat,” he said enthusiastically, oblivious to Sophie’s confusion. “I’m starved, so I’m going to have a waffle and bacon, with an egg on the side,” he said to Clarisse, who had just materialized at their table.
“I think I’ll just have a waffle, Clarisse,” said Sophie.
“I’ll put a couple of sausages on the plate for you, dear. It’s a ways to lunch, and you’ll probably thank me later.”
Sophie and Chase began discussing what he was doing for his client, and how he was happy that Sophie was staying in Berkeley for a while. Sophie said she was looking forward to visiting Sausalito, as it had been some time since she’d seen it last. When their food came, they dug in, talking between bites.
Katy watched them in amusement from the register area. Warmth filled her soul when she saw them getting along like two old friends. She congratulated herself on keeping Sophie’s mind off being dumped for another woman on her wedding day. Maybe it had been for the best. Chase and Sophie were perfect for each other and without Rob the jerk, Sophie wouldn’t have decided to move back home. Katy smiled and let out a small sigh. She remembered young love. The chimes above the door jangled, drawing her back from her memories of lost love. Katy turned her attention to a customer with a check in hand.
Chapter 12
Sophie and Chase rode in a comfortable silence for a while once they got on the freeway. She had only ridden this way once before, when she went on a day trip with her Dad. That trip had been a while ago and Sophie enjoyed seeing the scenery. She and Chase had talked animatedly through breakfast, and all the way to her apartment, where she had picked up the folder with her resume and headshots. Chase had remained in the car and when she returned they had resumed chatting about the surroundings, the view of the bay, and the weather which had gone from foggy to a mixed cloud cover with occasional blue patches. The clouds were moving off the inland, and there was beginning to be more blue than gray.
Chase had become quieter once they hit the freeway toward San Quentin. She enjoyed the view, but could tell there was something bothering him. “You're awfully quiet,” she said as they passed onto land and veered off the freeway toward Francis Drake Boulevard.
“Thinking,” he said. “I’ve been working on this project in my head and on the drawing board for so long, and it’s going to start this week…Lots of things to discuss with the owner.” Glancing over at her, he offered an apologetic smile, and said, “That’s not entirely true. I was thinking about my uncle.”
A few seconds passed. Sophie remained quiet, hearing the tension in his voice.
“We just passed the prison where he’ll be spending
the next twenty years. I think of him every time I drive by, but I can’t bring myself to ever visit him… not even to ask him why. He killed someone I loved very much,” Chase admitted.
Chase flexed and relaxed his fingers around the steering wheel, finally settling on wrapping his fingers around the grip as tightly as possible before he could bring himself to continue. “My mom and my dad were riding with him to the country club to meet my grandmother and me for dinner. Larry was drunk and drove into a tree head on. Mom died….Dad was badly injured. He died a year later due to complication from one of the surgeries. It was Larry’s third DUI. I have, uncharitably, wished it had been him over the years.”
Chase kept his focus on the road, purposely avoiding Sophie’s gaze. He knew she was staring at him with a mixture of horror and sadness. It was a face he seen many times whenever he relayed his own personal family tragedy. He didn’t know why he’d told her. It was a long time ago, but there was something about Sophie that made him want to tell her about all his old ghosts. Maybe it was just that she was such a good listener.
Before Sophie could comment, he changed the subject. “There’s the turn to the 101. We’ll be there shortly. Made good time, too. It’s only 10.”
Sophie was reeling from Chase’s confession, but she sensed that the topic was closed. She took her cue well and commented about the light traffic. Sophie watched the color return to his knuckles as he released the steering wheel from his death hold on it. Her heart went out to Chase. Her mother had died of sickness, but to lose both parents via an uncle’s careless disregard? Well, that was too much.
“So, this lady we’re meeting…” Chase began. “She’s a real pro at what she does. You’ll like her. She’s like Katy, only a little older. They’re friends. It’s how I got to know her.”
“I’m sure we’ll get along fine. I’m good with people,” Sophie answered, trying to refocus on Chase and not getting lost in her own thoughts.
Chase slowed for the exit ramp into Sausalito and stopped at the bottom.
“The building is right down here, near the water,” he said, turning into a driveway next to a long two-story office and commercial building that ran along the street. “There’s a park across the street, and it’s still cool, so you can walk over there and wait for me, or if you want you can come inside and meet her now.”
Sophie thought about it as Chase got out and went around the car to open her door.
“If you don’t mind, I think I’ll stretch my legs a bit down by the water,” she said. “When I’m done, I’ll sit and wait for you on that bench.” Sophie pointed to a bench on the edge of the park. “Don’t hurry on my account. I have my phone with a lot of books on it to read. I might even try to call my Dad.”
“Okay, thanks. I’ll look for you when I’m done. Jeanne would love to meet you. I’ll ask her if she’s free for lunch to talk about you and your career.”
They parted at the street that ran down to the water. Sophie went across to the park, and Chase went to the building. He walked around to the stairway, disappearing up the stairs. Sophie walked the length of the park and came back. She settled on a bench in the shade and took out her phone to dial her father’s number.
Chapter 13
Standing on the deck at the top of the stairs, looking out over the park, Jeanne and Chase finished their discussion of the plans he had given her last week. Glancing over her shoulder at the park, Chase saw Sophie sitting on a bench under a eucalyptus tree. I’ve never seen a more beautiful picture.
“Chase?” Jeanne said, bringing his attention back to her.
“Sorry, I got distracted. The view’s nice here,” Chase said, waving a hand toward the park. He turned back to Jeanne and asked, “Have you given any thought to a start date?”
“I’d like to start next week if that’s possible. I’ve talked to Mike,” she said, referring to the contractor he had recommended, “and he thinks that would work. I’m really looking forward to an office location looking out over the water like this. I’ve always loved it here.” She looked over at the bench Chase had been staring at off and on for some time. “Let’s go meet this young lady of yours, shall we?”
Chase led the way to the park and to Sophie. His long legs ate up the distance, and Jeanne had trouble keeping up. She grinned, watching Chase jog across the street directly toward the park bench where a young woman sat. When Jeanne caught up with him, Chase and the woman were waiting for her. Jeanne knew her business well, and one quick glance at the girl’s sweet smile told her that she would fit in perfectly with her team.
“Sophie, this is Jeanne Parmenter. Jeanne, this is Sophie Rivera,” Chase said.
“It’s good to meet you, Jeanne. I’m grateful to Chase for offering to introduce us. I have my resume with me,” Sophie said and held up her folder.
Jeanne waved away the folder and reached out for Sophie’s hand, saying “My dear, you are stunning! The camera will love you! Look, I can’t join you for lunch but let’s sit a minute and see what you have here.” Taking the folder, Jeanne moved to the bench and sat down.
Jeanne opened it and began to read. Sophie perched on the edge of the bench waiting for the verdict.
“Hmmm,” Jeanne mused. “An S.U. Drama grad, with honors, and an English major. Studied Theater Arts, lighting and filmmaking as well…five years in New York, an off, off Broadway role, lead, no less . . .” Jeanne looked up, “And you, my dear, are just what I was looking for. I intend to keep my base in Berkeley, while I move out here. I really need someone to help out in Berkeley. Chase tells me you already have a place. That’s just perfect. When can you start?”
Sophie leaned back against the back of the bench. “Why, as soon as you need me, I suppose,” she said. “I’ll need a car at some point, so I’ll need to take the time to do that, but after tomorrow, I am all yours, if you really want me.”
Chase grinned at Sophie’s stunned expression. She really had no idea how amazing she was. Of course, Jeanne wanted her. He wanted her. I’ve only known this woman for a day, and I think I’m in love. Is that possible?
Coming back to reality, he said aloud “That’s great! I can help you find a car tomorrow.”
“Alright then, it’s settled. First thing Wednesday morning you're my newest employee. I think you'll like my crew,” Jeanne declared, “and I’m sure you’ll fit right in with them. You two enjoy your lunch. I need to get back to my office.”
Chapter 14
Chase and Sophie had walked Jeanne to her car, and after goodbyes, Chase drove them to Bar Bocce on the waterfront not far away. Since it was just before noon, it was not yet crowded in the restaurant, and they were able to get a semi-shaded table facing the water. Seated with a bottle of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon ordered, they had decided on breadsticks as an appetizer and a sausage pizza. A server had returned with the wine, opened it, and poured two glasses.
Chase had waved off tasting the wine and barely noticed the glass in front of him. He was too busy staring at Sophie.
Sophie took a sip of her wine and then glanced out at the water. When she returned her eyes to him, he was still staring at her face.
“What?” she asked.
“I love your eyes,” he said. “In this light, they’re a shade of green that I can’t exactly describe, but they’re beautiful. Last night they seemed a deeper green, but today they remind me of fresh pine needles in the sun. They are full of sparkles from the water and look like emeralds. I’m fascinated by the changes.”
She stared back at him, a little flustered. Maybe that should creep me out, but I like it. People have told me I had pretty eyes all my life, especially photographers and casting directors, but no one ever looked at me with such intensity.
Chase shifted his gaze away from her and Sophie felt like she could breathe again. “I’ve always liked them,” she managed to say.
Chase squirmed in his seat a bit and then said, “I’m an artist, did I tell you that? I paint things, people, or whatever I see that fas
cinates me. It’s how I got into architecture. I love turning one of my drawings into something tangible. I haven’t been inspired to paint for fun in a while, but your eyes… well the changeability of them makes me want to try my hand at painting them.”
He got up and took his phone out of a pocket. “Would you mind if I took a photo so that I could do that?” he asked.
“Oh, no,” Sophie said. “People have been photographing me for over half of my life. I’d be a fool not to take it as a compliment,” she said, laughing.
“Well, I’m not a professional, but I do know what I’m doing with a camera. Here, turn to your right a little, focus on those sailboats with the rigging over there. Pick up your wine glass and hold it in your right hand. Good, great! Now, gaze at the water until your eyes adjust. Perfect,” he said as he snapped several series of shots. “Now, glance toward me, turn your head slowly, and focus on something just to my left, across the water.”
She did as he asked, having been this route many times. Strange, I’ve never felt so comfortable doing this before, and yet I’ve done photo shoots hundreds of times.
He sat again, put his phone on the table, and lifted his wine glass in a toast. “To a good shoot and your new career move. May Jeanne’s team be as wonderful for you as you and this day has been for me!”
She raised her glass, saying, “And may your new design venture be all you hoped for, and my thanks for the opportunity to find work, and oh, for finding new friends here in California, especially you.”
Waffles & Weddings (Cupid's Cafe Where love is on the menu Book 1) Page 5
