Loving Sofia

by Alina Man

  “Ok, now that we’re ok, how about dinner? Are you hungry?”

  “Always,” he winks and gives me a little smile.

  Dinner that night is not much fun, but we get through it. Mark does the dishes and we try to keep the conversation simple and away from anything “Bradley.” I still don’t get what the big deal is.

  The following Friday, ten minutes before seven, I hear the doorbell ring and know I have to face the music. It’s been a while since I was on a date and Bradley is not the kind of guy I would usually go for. He comes from a world very different than mine and just seems so prim and proper.

  I’m really in no mood for this, but I am in need of a job; the past few days I spent hours looking and couldn’t find anything. I can hear voices coming from the foyer and pray that Mark is not being an ass about the whole date thing. It would be just like him to give Bradley a hard time.

  After a one last look in the mirror, I picked up my coat and clutch and go to meet my date. God, even thinking the word date gives me a funny feeling in my stomach. He is for sure not my first choice, but, then again, nothing had been my first choice lately. I can see Bradley’s back and as I come into view, Mark’s eyes meet mine. He has a sad look in his eyes, like a little boy who lost his favorite toy and it makes me feel so bad for leaving him.

  Get a grip Sofia, he’s not a little boy and you are not his toy. What the hell is wrong with you?

  Just then Bradley turns and gives me his million dollar smile. You know which one I’m talking about, right? The fake, marketing, car salesman type of smile that I’ve always detested. Maybe this was really a bad idea. Would he think I was a bitch if I called the dinner off?

  “Well don’t you look delectable?” he says, his stretched arm finding mine and helping me down the last step. Seriously, did he just say delectable? I think I just threw up in my mouth.

  “Hello Bradley. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.” I put my coat on, avoiding Mark’s eyes the entire time. One look at him and I would crumble, and that’s a fact.

  “Not at all. I was just talking business with Mr. Mark here. I took the liberty to make reservations at Palermo. They have the best pasta and wine in town.”

  Yeah sure, as if I could eat anything with you looking at me like that. “Sounds wonderful, thank you. Shall we go?”

  As I am about to turn around and say goodbye to Mark, I hear his footsteps as he walks away without a single word or glance in my direction. Bradley’s car is parked right out front and it’s just what I expected: a black, brand spanking new, very shiny, Jaguar. So predictable. Judging by the car and the way he dresses, I just can’t see how I would ever fit into his picture perfect life. Yet here I was, sitting in his luxury car, on our way to some very expensive restaurant.

  “Is Mark always in such a bad mood?”

  “Not really. It could be because of work,” I say without enthusiasm. Why does he care anyway? I feel like telling him to mind his own damn business but then again that’s probably not a good idea.

  We drive in silence for a while, listening to classical music playing softly on the radio. He pulls up in front of the restaurant and as soon as the car stops, my door is opened by the valet. The restaurant is everything I imagined it would be, and I take a few seconds to look around. Yep, nothing but a bunch of rich people with no worries in the world.

  As we are escorted to our table, I look around. Everything about the setting screams “romantic.” The view, the candles, the flowers, you name it. If only my heart was into it. I want to slap myself for having such mean thoughts about him, since he’s never done anything wrong to me. I am judging him based on the outside, just like others have done to me and that’s really not fair.

  “Good evening Mr. Whitley. Would you like to start your evening with a glass of wine perhaps?”

  “Yes thank you. We will have a bottle of Chardonnay.”

  He dismisses the waiter as if he was not worth the time. He also fails to ask me if I wanted to drink wine. Think positive… you need the job.

  “So, my lovely Sofia, I can’t tell you how happy I am that you finally agreed to this.”

  “I’m sorry, what exactly did I agree to? I thought we were just having dinner and talking about that management position.”

  “Ah all in due time; no business talk tonight. Let’s just enjoy each other’s company for now. I’m sure we will have plenty of time to go over the details of the job. Why don’t you tell me a little about yourself?”

  The waiter comes back with our wine, and I welcome the distraction.

  “Sir would you like to order now or should I give you a few more minutes?”

  Once again Bradley takes the liberty of ordering for me and at this point I really couldn’t care less. I was no longer hungry and wanted to get this over with. He obviously viewed this evening as a real date, and obviously I didn’t.

  “Well now that I know we won’t be interrupted for a while, where were we? You were telling me about yourself.” He gave me another one of his bright smiles. Maybe he was a nice guy and I was just in a bitchy mood. Or maybe he was just one of those rich creeps who was used to getting his way and I was just a little side project.

  “There’s really not much to tell. I have a feeling your life is so much more exciting than mine, so maybe you could tell me a little about yourself instead.”

  “Everything about you is exciting, you just don’t realize it. Mark talks about you all the time and I just couldn’t get him to bring you over, so I thank my lucky stars that you decided to stop by that day.” He drinks a little of his wine, his eyes never leaving mine. “So you live with Mark. How did he get so lucky?”

  “I think I’m the lucky one since I was out of a job and needed a place to stay. He’s probably one of my best friends. I know he will always be there for me, just like I will always be there for him.” It sounds harsh, but I want to let him know that the Mark topic is off limits. I feel overprotective when it comes to him and not just because he always helped me, but also because he’s just too nice of a guy to allow anyone to talk smack behind his back.

  “Ok, so we won’t talk about Mark,” he says with a smile.

  We compromise and pick topics like my last job, his work, and places he’s visited that I’ve always wanted to go to while we eat the most amazing meal I’ve had in my life. The steak is done to perfection and the vegetables delectable. Once I let myself relax a little, I realize that Bradley is not so bad. He’s just your typical rich kid who never heard the word NO and always got his way. Too bad he wasn’t getting his way tonight, though.

  He pays for our dinner and helps me with my coat, his arm lingering on my back longer than I would’ve liked. I was not ready for any kind of physical attention, from him, or anyone else for that matter. We don’t really talk on our way back and I have to say, he’s the perfect gentleman, helping me with my door and walking me the few steps from the car to the house.

  “I had a lovely time tonight, Bradley.”

  “Liar,” he says and I can’t tell if he’s joking or not.

  “What?”

  “I’m kidding. You just seemed so tense the entire time that I wondered if you really enjoyed yourself.”

  “Oh my, I’m really sorry if I gave you that impression. I really enjoyed everything, from the company, to the wine, to the delicious meal. But mostly the company.”

  “In that case maybe we can do it again sometime?”

  As he’s waiting for my response I suddenly wonder: would it be so bad to end up with someone like him? I mean he’s obviously interested in me, for whatever the reason, so before I can stop myself, I agree to a second date. He gives me a kiss on the cheek and walks away with the promise to call me the next day.

  Chapter 12.

  SOFIA

  The house is dark and I’m not sure if Mark is out or just hiding in his room. Lately I never know what mood I am going to find him in. I’ve been mostly trying to just stay out of his way. At least with Mona you could
tell right off the bat if she was pissed or happy. There were times when I still missed living with her. I couldn’t wait until the honeymoon was over so we could catch up on things. Tonight was one of those nights when I needed some girl talk.

  Just as I’m about to go up to my room, the light turns on in the kitchen. For a moment I think about joining him but decide it’s best not to. For whatever reason, he doesn’t like Bradley and I’m sure the last thing he wants is to hear me talk about the date.

  I take two steps at a time trying not to make any noise, happy he didn’t hear me. Once inside my room, I turn on the computer to resume my job search. I have this weird feeling that working for Bradley, if that was ever going to happen, is not going to be any different than my last job. He’s whole “I’m the boss” and “I-take-what-I-want” attitude just doesn’t work with me.

  Pushing Bradley out of my mind, I start reading my email. I already have over thirty job matches so that makes me feel a little better, even though I know that just because I see them on the screen is not a guarantee that I’ll get any offers. It is almost two in the morning when I finally turn off the computer. I look over my list of addresses and smile, pleased with the progress. Tomorrow, well today actually, is going to be a great, but busy, day and I can’t wait to start.

  MARK

  I didn’t know what time she got back and it was killing me. I tried to watch TV but got sick of all the reality shows. None of the guys were available to go out for a beer and I really didn’t feel like being alone at Frank’s. I just wanted Birdie home safe, but knew I had no right to tell her what to do. Of all the guys, she had to go and pick that asshole.

  If she only knew who he really was, I know for a fact she wouldn’t give him the time of day. She is too good and too innocent to see behind his fake persona. I know if I try to tell her anything about him, I will end up the bad guy. So I just have to sit back and watch the train wreck and be there for her when it all falls down. That’s what I do best. Lame? Yes.

  I wake up to the smell the fresh coffee, indication that she’s up and ready for the day. When I walk in the kitchen all I can see is her. No one has the right to look this good first thing in the morning. I get hard just watching her and I pray she doesn’t notice.

  “Well it’s about time,” she smiles, hands on her hips ready to scold me. “I was about to go in there and make sure you’re alive.”

  I just stand here like a statue, not able to make a sound. My brain is frozen and I swear for a second there I could hear the crickets playing in the background.

  “Are you ok?” she waves both hands in front of my eyes, trying to get my attention.

  “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

  “I said are you ok? What’s wrong? You’re all weird and you look really pale.”

  “Sorry, I just haven’t been sleeping too well lately. I have too much on my mind. The coffee smells good.” I walk around her, avoiding her gaze.

  “Well if you’re sure you’re ok, I’m going to take off. I found a bunch of jobs online. I already called a few places and have interviews all day. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I’m so ready to go back to work, you don’t even know.”

  She gives me a quick hug and rushes out of the room. I really hope she finds a job. That would keep her busy and away from any more dates with that creep. Also a job meant she was not going to have to work for him. I sip my coffee, smiling into my cup like an idiot. Who am I kidding? Finding a job will not change anything. Nothing will change unless I do something about it. I just have to find the right moment to tell her how I feel. Yeah, easier said than done.

  “Ok, I’m off like a prom dress.” She looks all professional in her dark pencil skirt and crisp white blouse.

  “Good luck, babe. I know you’ll find the perfect job today. I can feel it.”

  She hugs me quickly then walks out the door. I don’t know how long I sat there looking at the door, trying to get the dirty thoughts out of my head.

  SOFIA

  Today was going to be great. I had a tank full of gas, a few bucks to my name, ready to face the day. You would think that would be enough. Yeah right. In spite of my positive attitude, every single appointment sucks. I’m being asked stupid questions like, “Where do you see yourself in five years from now?”, “Did you enjoy your last job?”, oh and my ultimate favorite, “What are you weakness”.

  Seriously? If it was up to me, I would say in five years I hope to be able to have a stable job so I can pay my bills, I enjoyed my job but not working with a bunch of back stabbing bitches, and as far as weaknesses, none that would affect my job performance. Of course, that’s not what I say because that’s not what they want to hear.

  My last appointment is about twenty minutes from the house and I thank God for the light traffic. I’m tired and deflated and ready to call it a day. As I walk into the massive building, I am immediately greeted by a very cheery receptionist.

  “Good afternoon. How may I help you?”

  “Hi, my name is Sofia Bianchi and I have an appointment with Mrs. Jordan.”

  “Ah yes. Please fill out these forms and she will be right with you.”

  I take what looks like a small novel and sit on one of the pretty, but uncomfortable, chairs. Seriously, how do they expect you to fill out all this crap without a table? I try to balance everything on top of my bag and smile at the silly questionnaires. Do they really care what your hobbies are? If you believe that my hobbies are going to make me a better candidate for the job, then you must be crazy. What if you’re a dom by night? Do you list that on the resume or just in the application? Do you go into details or leave that for the actual interview? I am still smiling when I hear my name being called.

  “Miss Bianchi?”

  I look up, and in front of me stands the most intimidating woman I’ve ever met, from her serious face to her severe pant suit, not to mention the sharp haircut. Please don’t let her be the one to interview me, I prayed.

  “Yes, hello.” I don’t recognize my voice. What am I doing being scared by this woman? I’m an adult damn it. I can do this.

  “Hello. I’m Mrs. Jordan but you may call me Amanda.” Her handshake could crack walnuts, and I pray that my fingers are still intact when she releases my hand. “Please follow me.”

  I follow the small sound of her heels and I hope I won’t pass out during the interview. I couldn’t remember the last time I felt so nervous. Maybe this was a sign and I should just turn around and walk out. Before I could decide, we stop in front of a glass door that she opens for us.

  The boardroom, I assume, is beautifully decorated in cherry colors, a flat wall-mounted TV on one side and a full bar on the other. Large windows fill the entire wall, providing an amazing view. But what catches my eye is the immense table that could easily sit thirty people; at least that’s how big it looks to me.

  “Please have a seat Miss Bianchi. Would you like something to drink? Coffee perhaps?”

  “Sofia, please. And I would love some water if it’s not too much trouble.” I sit down and place my hands in my lap, keeping them from shaking.

  “Very well, Sofia.” She walks to the bar area and brings back two bottles of water. “I had a chance to look over your resume. Although you don’t have any marketing experience, I believe you do have the skills I’m looking for. You don’t have to worry about the application. We can deal with that later if I decide to give you the job. Personally, I never understood why we waste so much money on those forms when ninety percent of the questions are irrelevant. Did you have a chance to familiarize yourself with our company?”

  “Yes. I did look over the website yesterday.”

  Amanda asks me a million questions about my last job, my education, why I decided to major in accounting, and, of course, where do I see myself in five years. After a while, she takes her glasses off and folds her hands on the table in that “we’re done here” manner.

  “One more thing Sofia. Would you care to explain what the circumst
ances of your departure from your last job were?”

  I hesitate for a moment then decide to be honest with her, even if it means it will cost me the job. There is no point in trying to fabricate some silly story.

  “I was never given a clear reason as to why, but I guess you could say they decided I was not a good fit.”

  What happened next surprised me, to say the least. She laughed. She actually laughed out loud.

  “I think you will do just fine here, dear. I run a very tight ship and you will have to be here on time every day. I do not tolerate tardiness and if you’re late, you can consider yourself fired. Sounds harsh, but that’s just the way I work. You will report directly to me, which means you will be responsible for my travel calendar as well as all my expense reports. My last assistant decided to get married and pregnant, not sure in which order, in case you are wondering why the position is available. I work hard and I expect no less from my employees. Let’s go show you around. You will start tomorrow. Any questions?”

  Chapter 13.

  Sofia

  And just like that, I got a job working for a woman who could probably intimidate even Miranda Priestly. As we’re walking through the office, I can tell from the way everyone is avoiding her gaze that they are probably scared of her. The cubicles are very large and private, making it hard to tell if anyone is working or just playing solitaire. Amanda’s office is large enough to fit about 10 cubes but just as tastefully decorated as the boardroom.

  “This will be your office,” she points to the office next to hers. “You will find everything you need to bring you up to date, including your job description. If you would like, you can fill out all the paperwork right now or leave it for tomorrow.”

  “Thank you. I would like to finish the forms today and get them out of the way.” I try really hard to keep all the excitement bubbled inside. I couldn’t wait to go home and tell Mark.