by Oliva Lucas
She skipped over to the door and closed it shut, then quickly hobbled over to the mirror, and fluffed up her hair. Ugh, she groaned. No point in doing anything. She would be here soon.
Shortly thereafter, there was a knock on the door and she cursed again. She looked down at her clothes. Thank god she had at least changed her clothes from this morning, or Sophie may think she was a real grub. Hopefully, they were both wearing sweats.
By the time she skipped over to the door, she was panting like an old woman. She opened the door breathlessly and hung onto the frame for support.
“Hey Bella.” Sophie flashed a warm smile in Bella’s direction, holding up the bag of Chinese food.
Bella’s mind went blank. She opened her mouth, and nothing came out. Sophie was glowing under the halo of the outdoor light. She was dressed to the nines in a fitted black blouse, tailored skirt and black heels. Did she still have concussion? How come she didn’t remember how insanely attractive she was?
“Hi. Sorry Sophie. Was out of breath,” Bella smiled. “Please come in.”
Sophie walked in. Her arm lightly brushed Bella’s, and again she felt that strange sensation rush through her body, just like it had in the morning. This was followed by a trail of Sophie’s summery perfume, which lingered in the air and tantalized her senses.
Just as she had suspected, she was completely underdressed for the occasion, and she wanted to go hide in the corner like a little school girl.
“Um, I’ll get some cutlery.”
Sophie interrupted. “No please sit. I will get it. Just tell me where it is.”
“Cutlery top draw. Plates in the bottom cupboard. If you want wine, there are glasses in the corner cupboard, and wine obviously in the fridge.” Bella thought she covered most of the essentials as she sat back on the couch. She picked up the remote and turned down the volume on the television.
Sophie brought everything over and sat next to her.
“So, how’s your ankle? Any better?”
“It is still pretty sore. So is my butt. You know, I wouldn’t want to face off against you in a dark alley.”
Sophie covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes smiling. “Oh no. I hope you can forgive me for this eventually.”
“It will take time, and bribes,” Bella squinted. “Pro wrestler back in the day?”
“In my dreams.” Sophie rolled her eyes. “And I don’t plan on moving out any time soon. I have time to win you over.”
Bella was still seeing stars when she looked at Sophie. Those eyes. Her heart was beating erratically. If Sophie wasn’t so close to her, she would’ve told her heart to cut it out.
Maybe the painkillers she took were too strong. She actually wanted to reach forward in that very moment and touch Sophie’s body once more to see if this was really happening in her apartment. On her couch. She would get knocked out again tomorrow if it meant she had such a beautiful stranger close to her.
Bella leaned forward and poured two glasses of wine. She handed one to Sophie.
“We should probably toast to being new neighbors.”
“New neighbors that look out for each other.” Sophie winked, as they raised their glasses in the air.
Bella grimaced internally, and flashed a smile. Sophie was certainly charming. She hadn’t counted on a new distraction in her life. This one could turn her upside down in every way.
Sophie brought her glass to her mouth. “So, you must really be missing working out?”
Bella jerked forward, almost choking on the gulp of wine she had just taken. “Wait. Sorry. What?”
“Every time I saw you, you were working out? I assumed you were an athlete of some description?”
Bella burst out laughing. “Come on with my chicken legs? No, Bella the athlete went into hibernation years ago.” She shook her head. “Actually, I am not sure she ever existed. That whole outfit of mine, including my neon shoes, are a front. You did me a favor. No more having to make excuses to get out of working out. At least for two weeks anyway.”
Sophie smirked and furrowed her brow. “I see. So, the real Bella is into game shows then?”
“Correct. Well, only when there is something worth winning.” Bella stretched her arms above her head. “And yeah, sorry forgot how paper thin the walls are. You can hear everything and I mean everything.”
Sophie looked concerned. “Everything?”.
Bella nodded emphatically. “Everything.”
“I’ll do my best to keep quiet then.”
Bella was unravelling inside with all this playful banter so tried her best to neutralize the conversation. “So, what brings you here to San Diego?”
“Long story, but an ex and a shitty friend. I thought Matt was cheating, then I caught him but I never knew with who. Until yesterday. I saw him walking hand in hand with my friend Ally. Outside Walmart of all places. It was devastating. I felt more betrayed by her than by him.”
Bella’s heart sank a little when she heard she was straight. “Oh wow. That is horrible. No wonder you wanted to run for the hills. I think you made the right choice to get away.”
“Yeah I think I did. We needed to break up along time ago. I hadn’t been happy and was just working twelve hour days. Meanwhile, he was working my friend.”
Bella saw the pain in Sophie’s face, and reached across and touched her hand. “You will be okay, you know. It takes time. One day you will wake up happy knowing that you aren’t wasting your time on a creep anymore. You want the right people in your life.”
Sophie gave a small smile and looked straight into Bella’s eyes, possibly even her soul. Bella was momentarily transfixed by the set of light blue eyes shimmering her way. She blinked when it all became too much before diverting her gaze and pulling her hand away. She could still feel Sophie looking at her.
“Spoken like someone who has been there before. I know you are right. And I will be fine.” Sophie eyes twinkled, as she paused and continued. “So now that we have established that you are not a professional athlete, what is it that you actually do with yourself Bella?”
“Well, I am a journalist. Clearly not on television.” Bella wriggled her body, and held out her palms. “I live in sweats as you can see.”
“Well you look comfortable, unlike me. I’d rather be wearing my sweats.”
“I kind of have a sweats only policy in my apartment. Anything else, and you are not normally allowed in.”
“I see.” Sophie smirked. “I can go and get changed if you like?”
“You brought Chinese, so I will make an exception. This one time.”
They both laughed.
“I actually freelance from the comforts of these four walls. I am a freelance writer for some of the local newspapers in town. Still have a few contacts around so I have plenty of work to keep me busy. And you Sophie?” She put her finger to her lip and studied her outfit. “You must be a marketing executive or a lawyer? Hmm, I’m leaning more towards a lawyer.”
“Your investigative powers are on point Bella. I am impressed. I am a lawyer. Started with Radlers in town. My last firm was too much, too big, too bitchy. It looks like I have a nice crew here. So, if you ever need legal advice, fire away.”
“Well, funny you say that. I was going to ask you about punitive damages for this one incident where I was almost rendered unconscious in the common area of this building. And the mental toll…” Bella blew out her cheeks, trying to contain a smile. “Just staggering. I may need intensive counselling.”
“Oh hey.” Sophie tilted her head to the side and laughed.
Bella smirked and crinkled her forehead. “Do you think the assailant was negligent? I mean, those boxes were obstructing her view and all?”
Sophie narrowed her eyes, as the corner of her mouth tugged to smile. “Well, the other party was woefully distracted by her cell so she was negligent in her own right. And clearly it takes two to tango.”
Bella smiled and shifted uncomfortably with that last comment. Her stomach st
arted to flip flop around. “So, I shouldn’t sue? Is that what you are saying?”
“Not unless you want to further sour neighborly relations.” Sophie laughed, as she leaned forward and lightly swatted Bella’s arm.
“Ow, watch out, that could be two cases against you.” Bella grinned.
“Well, we haven’t had the best start have we? Bella, I wanted to apologize for being frosty to you in the parking lot. That was not my finest hour. I hope you can understand now that it wasn’t intentional.”
“Don’t apologize, I get it. And I am sorry too for calling you Apples. And for what you heard by the pool. I am not as evil as I make out.”
Sophie sipped at her wine. “Thanks, I appreciate it. Can we try again?” Sophie held out her hand, and Bella hesitantly shook it as her chest tightened. She thought she saw Sophie flinch a little, but she was probably just imagining it. She oozed confidence, and had probably never been rattled in her life.
Bella let her hand fall back beside her. “I do have one question though. It has been bugging me.”
“Ask away.” Sophie arched her eyebrow.
“What on earth do you need so many apples for? This question has been keeping me up at night.”
Sophie laughed as her finger traced the rim of her wine glass. “I can not cook for the life of me, but I make a mean apple pie. I missed one of my good friend’s birthdays. She lives down here so I wanted to bake her a cake.”
“That’s very sweet of you. Thank you for letting me know. I will sleep better tonight.” Bella took a sip of her wine. “So, have you met any others in the block?”
“A few. I’ve met Jack, and Leah. They were both really friendly.”
Bella smiled. Oh yeah what a surprise. They were both super friendly, because they both want to get into your pants. Jack was faster than she had expected. She had given him three days. He had followed up in two. Efficient. “Yeah they are nice people. I am friends with both of them.”
“So, no warnings to steer clear of them then from the resident expert?”
Bella smiled and bit her lip. “Hardly the resident expert.” Inside she was screaming YES! Steer clear of them both. They are massive perverts. Just hang out with me! But her mouth belied her thoughts. “No, they are good people.”
She wanted to ask so many questions, like had Jack already asked her out? and strangely enough, had she ever been with a girl? But she refrained. Too soon.
She had only hung out with Sophie for one night and felt this magnetic pull towards her, but now she could feel her walls going back up.
Her lips suddenly started moving. “Sophie, I am pretty tired. Think all the pain killers and wine have made me a bit blah. Do you mind if we call it a night?”
Sophie looked a little surprised. “Of course, my fault. Sorry. I was blabbing too much.”
“Not at all. I really enjoyed our chat.” Too much.
“Great. We should do it again some time.”
“Yeah great. Anytime.”
“Okay well. Good night Bella. If you need anything for your ankle, or butt.” Sophie smiled, before continuing. “I am just next door.”
Oh, how could she forget. “Thanks, and thanks again for the Chinese.”
“Thanks for the wine. And company,” replied Sophie.
There was a lot of thanking going on, and nodding, and smiling, before Sophie finally opened the door and left her apartment. Awkward. Why did it have to head down the awkward path?
Bella put her head in her hands. She was far too dangerous to have near. One night and she was smitten with some stranger. Some straight stranger. No, she would need to keep her distance or she would have her heart smashed all over again.
CHAPTER NINE
Sophie had a long hot shower and changed into her pajamas as she crawled into bed with her case files. They were her usual night time companions. She switched on the bedside light and put on her reading glasses.
Bella was quite the little package. Funny, smart, attractive. She could easily imagine her as lead investigative reporter. They had only hung out for one night but she was drawn to her, and she was a tad disappointed when Bella had called it a night. She made her a little nervous, but she was the new girl so maybe that was to be expected.
She flinched as she recalled the warmth that lingered on her hand after they had shaken hands. What was that? Neighborly nerves? Bella had those large, expressive brown eyes that told stories, and a gorgeous smile that would light up any old room.
Actually, it was surprising she didn’t have a boyfriend. She certainly didn’t mention one. Bella was a catch and she didn’t even know it. Maybe she could rope her into a girl’s night out. She could be great friends with someone like her.
As she opened her case files, she heard Bella next door. When she was in her apartment, she worked out that their places had similar configurations with all the rooms on the opposite wall, apart from the bedroom. This meant that they shared a bedroom wall.
Bella wasn’t joking when she said you could hear everything. She could hear Bella get into bed and swear. She giggled to herself. She must’ve hurt her ankle. Or her butt.
Then Sophie did something unexpected. She tapped on the wall twice. She felt silly at once. Like she was in high school all over again. There was a brief silence, then a double tap back.
Good night Bella.
CHAPTER TEN
Bella stood under her umbrella in the rain out in the parking lot, waiting for the Uber to arrive. She had such a terrible sleep. No matter which way she turned, something hurt. Her butt stung when she rolled onto her back and her ankle throbbed in every other position, so she was biting the bullet and heading to the doctor’s this morning.
She was also considering moving apartments so her bed wasn’t right up against Sophie’s. When she gave her a double tap good night, it had kickstarted a night of outlandish thoughts and desires. Something that she had kept a lid on for years.
The wind began to pick up as the rain tumbled down and started to drive the rain sideways into her legs. Her umbrella started to misbehave and she was having real problems keeping it upright. As she wrestled with her umbrella, she heard some footsteps and swung around.
“Bella! What are you doing in the rain?”
“Waiting for an Uber?”
“Don’t be ridiculous, I’ll give you a lift.”
“Oh no. It’s okay.”
“I insist. Get in.” Bella hopped over to Sophie’s car and opened the door. Great now they were besties. Okay as long as she didn’t touch her, she should be fine.
“Where are you heading? Doctor’s?”
“Yes. How did you guess? The practice is on the way. I really appreciate this.”
Sophie looked concerned. “No problem. I only wish you would’ve let me take you there sooner.”
“You look pretty.” Bella regretted saying that as soon as she said it, and quickly scrambled. “Day in court?”
Sophie smiled. “Thanks, that’s sweet of you to say. No, I am just trying to make a good first impression. In a few weeks, I will be wearing my old clothes again.” Sophie started the car and backed out of the driveway.
Sophie wasn’t snooty at all, in fact quite the opposite. How wrong could first impressions be? She could not help but glance at her profile as she drove. She truly was a beauty. Her blonde hair was swept back into a professional pony tail. She had a hint of makeup on which accentuated her beautiful blue eyes, killer cheekbones and soft, porcelain skin.
Today she wore a tailored black shirt, pin stripe skirt, and navy heels. The whole town would be after her. Luckily Bella did not have to witness any of this inside her apartment.
“Were you able to sleep?” Sophie asked.
Bella froze. No, she didn’t sleep because she was two feet from your bed, imagining you naked. “Oh, because of my ankle? Um, no. It was throbbing all night.”
Sophie grimaced.
Bella pointed out the window. “It’s just over there. That white sign up ah
ead on the left.”
Sophie indicated and pulled up close to the entry.
“Okay thanks Sophie. I really appreciate it.”
“Wait, I am coming.”
“Oh no, you need to go to work.”
“I’ll shuffle things around. I am coming with you.”
Bella closed her eyes. Could this woman not be so goddamn perfect? Sophie opened the door and helped Bella out as they walked up into the reception. So much for the no touching rule.
◆◆◆
One hour later, and Bella hopped out with crutches and a moon boot.
“Hi,” she said sheepishly. “Do I look hot?”
“Gorgeous.” Sophie’s face broke out into a smile. “So, how long do you have all this for?”
“Two weeks. Just to take pressure off it and give it time to heal.”
“Did the doctor inspect your behind?”
Bella felt warmth rise into her cheeks. “Yeah good news, didn’t break my tail bone. It’s only bruised. Along with my ego.”
Sophie smiled, and wrapped her arm around her waist. “Grab hold of me. You can practice with those later.”
“I am worried that this won’t go with my outfits.” Bella looked down at her moon boot.
“Are you always such a smartass?”
“Pretty much.”
Sophie flashed her a smile. “Well I think it would go with all your sweats.”
Bella laughed out loud. “Perfect. Will pick up all the ladies.” Bella closed her eyes briefly, realizing what she just said, and a small wave of shyness overcame her body.
“I am sure you can get anyone you want.” Sophie said as she helped her into the passenger seat. “Now, let’s get you home.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Sophie was having trouble getting through the last of her case files. She was reading the same lines over and over, and nothing was registering. Maybe she should call it a day, or maybe she should message Bella. Why would she message Bella? Maybe because she was having trouble thinking of anything else.
