Until Then : Book 1 - Until Then Series

by Victoria Ashlee

  Part of me wanted to believe it, but his actions spoke otherwise. Sending Thomas to my house, buying the company Sophia works for, having a damn file on her.

  “I’ll believe it when I see it.” I removed his hand from the door.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Sophia

  A week had passed since Halloween. I arrived home from working at VAS only to immediately change, to be at Joe’s Bar by seven. I walked up to my room, and stopped at the entrance. “What the hell?” My bed had been replaced with a large grey sofa. Now I was utterly confused, but I’ll have to sort this out later. I don’t have time. Apparently beds go missing in New York. I looked at a text from Keira, telling me she wasn’t going to be home tonight, and threw my phone on my dresser. I fumbled through my pile of clothes, and pulled out my black tee and shorts.

  Katie, the other bartender, was already organizing the bottles when I arrived to work. She’s always a little over prepared, but that’s my kind of people.

  “Sorry I'm late.” I told her as I walked behind the bar.

  She jumped, almost dropping the bottle in her hand. “Geez, you scared me.” She clutched her chest, leaning against the bar.

  I laughed, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to.” I clocked in on the register.

  “After that guy earlier; he came out of nowhere. He was asking about you. Freaked me out, ya know? People should really announce themselves.”

  I began tying my apron around my waist. “What did you just say?”

  “Yeah, he came out of nowhere, made me jump, just like you did.” She went back to organizing the bottles.

  “No Katie, who was it?”

  “I don’t know, he didn’t give his name.”

  “Katie…I don’t know people here.”

  “I didn’t know what to do...he just asked if you worked tonight.”

  I huffed. “Now some creepy guy is going to come murder me.”

  She laughed, and rolled her eyes. “That’s a little extreme.”

  I walked past Katie toward a couple at the end of the bar. “Yeah I know, I watch too many murder mystery shows.”

  The entire first half of my shift I was paranoid by anyone who walked through the door. Katie kept reassuring me that the creepy man had in fact not returned. However I was still on edge. Chatting with a few of our customers distracted me enough to not ruin my entire night.

  Katie bumped my hip to get my attention while she poured a pitcher. She nodded to the front door, and I looked up to see what she was going on about. My eyes went wide. My least favorite person, Thomas; accompanied by Jessica of all people. Is this another dimension where all shitty people are drawn to me?

  I excused myself from my conversation with Elroy, the old man who has been divorced twice, but claims his last wife is away on vacation. I rushed to the back office where we keep our things, and pulled out my phone from my bag. I texted Keira that Thomas and Jess had randomly showed up, in hopes that she would tell me what to do. Her response was WTF. Which didn’t help me in the slightest. I poked my head around the corner, and saw the two of them seated at the end of the bar. “Shit.”

  Katie walked over, and set two drinks down at a table near where I was standing. “That’s the guy.” She mumbled.

  “At least I know I'm not going to get murdered, just harassed.” I backed around the corner again.

  “You know him?” She dug her hands into her apron looking for something.

  “That’s Stefan’s brother.”

  A look of shock came over her. She pulled a pen and notepad out of her apron, as a customer called her over.

  I took a deep breath, and walked around the corner. Thomas was already looking in my direction when I appeared. Jessica’s head snapped in my direction, after Thomas said something to her.

  I gave them a flat smile, “Strange seeing you two together.”

  “We’re old friends.” Jess replied snidely.

  A small laugh released under my breath, “Yeah I’ve heard.”

  “Don’t be rude, Sophia.” Jess snapped.

  “You came to where I work. Not the other way around.” I picked up a glass, and began wiping the water spots out with a rag.

  “Ladies calm down.” Thomas tried to intervene.

  I set the glass down. “What can I get you two?”

  “Whiskey on the rocks for me and a juice for the child next to me.” He joked.

  Jess rolled her eyes at his comment “Vodka soda, ignore the prick next-to-me.”

  “It was a joke, Jess.” His voice was bland; he was clearly annoyed by her.

  “Look, I told you where she worked. I didn’t come here with you for you to be a dick.” She snapped, and spun her body to the side facing him.

  I slowly removed myself from their argument, to make their drinks. It’s ironic seeing the two of them together. I don’t know Thomas all too well, but Jess, well she’s a little crazy. They would be quite the pair. In a perfect world they could get married and move far, far away from me. Regretfully we do not live in that world, and we don’t always get what we wish for.

  I set their drinks in front of them. “So, why is it that you both are here?”

  “Why can’t we be friends?” Thomas took a sip of his drink.

  “I’m pretty sure I don’t reach your high standard of friends.”

  “What standard is that?” He looked me dead in the eyes which sent a shiver down my back.

  “I...I don’t know, someone who doesn’t work at a bar, someone who doesn’t eat ramen three nights a week because she’s broke.”

  “But you’re good enough for my brother?” He raised one eyebrow, holding his drink in the air. I heard Jess giggle as she sipped her drink.

  I looked at her then back to him. “I think he can make his own decisions.” I tried to make my case, but he actually had a point. Why would he want anything to do with someone like me?

  “Doesn’t mean they’re the right ones.” He downed the rest of his whiskey.

  “See Sophia we’re just looking out for you.” Jess half smiled.

  “I highly doubt that.” I snapped at her.

  “Can I get another?” Thomas pushed his empty glass toward me.

  I pretended to not hear him, and turned to help another customer.

  “Sophia, my drink.” He tapped his glass on the bar.

  I eyed him out of the corner of my eye. “Oh I heard you; I just chose to not listen to you.” I began pouring a pitcher for the other customer.

  “I like your feistiness, but I can ruin your life. I can even take this job from you. Don’t test me.” His words rang through my ears, and I was reminded of Stefan telling me that they try to control anyone they come in contact with. I need this job; I don’t have a fall back. I swallowed my pride and picked up another whiskey glass.

  “Here” I almost slammed the drink down, causing some of the contents to spill over. I didn’t even look up at him, and turned to walk to the back.

  Hiding in the walk in cooler I pulled my phone from my apron, and started to text Keira. My fingers froze, my anxiety started to get the best of me, and I started to tear up. I hate confrontation, and I hate the way they’re making me feel. I felt trapped. I sighed, closing my eyes, and started to bite my bottom lip.

  I jumped at the sound of the cooler door opening. I was relieved when I saw Katie enter. She was singing some song that gets played nonstop in the bar. She stopped mid verse when she saw me.

  “Are you ok?” She shut the door behind her.

  “People just suck. Stefan’s family is crazy and that’s his ex girlfriend” I threw my hands up in the air in defeat.

  “I’ll just charge her for doubles all night and give her singles.” She shrugged her shoulders, with a sneaky smile. “That’s the least she can give you for her shitty personality.”

  “That’s illegal.” I laughed, and wiped away the remaining tears under my eyes.

  “Live life on the wild side.” She nudged me and grabbed some limes. “Come on, you
can’t hide in here all night.

  I emerged from my hiding place, and to my disappointment, they were still nestled at the end of the bar. I drug my feet slowly back behind the bar. For a few minutes I thought I could avoid them for the rest of the night. Until I heard Thomas call my name. I looked at him clearly un-amused. He waved me over, and I thought about just flicking him off, but that would probably cause me to lose my job or at least be harshly reprimanded.

  “I didn’t mean to upset you, Sophia.” Thomas said, as I approached them.

  “It’s ok Tom, she cries a lot.” Jess chimed in.

  I slammed my hands palms down on the bar top, and looked at Jess. “If you could stop being a bitch for 2.5 seconds people might actually like you.”

  Thomas exhaled. “Jess, go sit over there for a moment. You’re not helping this situation.”

  “Fine.” She grabbed her purse and drink, and stalked her way to a table.

  “What situation is that, Thomas?” I folded my arms across my chest.

  He squinted his eyes at me, and scratched his chin. “Look Sophia, you seem like a nice girl, but I need you to understand something. You are a problem. A problem for Stefan I mean...you’re a distraction, and honestly just a bump in the road. Stefan’s life has been planned out for him since he was 10. You aren’t going to change that. It would be best if you just leave.”

  I didn’t think I just heard him right. The shock on my face could be seen around the world. I couldn’t believe he just said that. “I don’t understand, his life has been planned out for him?”

  “You naive little girl; you see her over there.” He pointed at Jess.

  “Yes.”

  “Her family owns a very large company. Let's just call it a family merger. You know, when she and Stefan settle down.”

  “I...um” Words Sophia, speak words! Internally I was yelling at myself. Externally I forgot how to form sentences. It was almost closing time, I just wanted to leave. I wanted to be anywhere but here right now.

  The door to the bar opened, causing a brisk rush of air to sweep through. I looked up, and I couldn’t tell if I was relieved, concerned or imagining things. Stefan stood there scanning the room, until his eyes landed on Thomas and me. His face was hard; I could see the anger rising in him. He moved toward us with long strides, he was furious. Jess tried to stop him, but he walked right past her.

  “What in the hell are you doing here?” Stefan said to Thomas, as he pulled the stool out of the way next to him.

  “Stefan wait,” Jess pleaded.

  He looked at her. “And you? You brought him here?! I’m done with you, both of you.”

  “Little bro, Sophia just needed to know the facts.” Thomas looked at me, sipping his drink.

  “Know the facts?” Stefan’s voice rose, and he yanked the glass out of Thomas’s hand.

  “You need to calm down.” Thomas’s voice was deep, he dabbed the spilled liquor on his vest with a square white napkin.

  “I need you to leave.” Stefan demanded.

  Thomas laughed smugly. “I’m just getting started.”

  Stefan’s jaw clenched, and he swiftly pulled Thomas from the stool he was sitting on. Thomas fell back, but caught his balance. Stefan tried to usher Thomas toward the door, but he pulled back. The next thing I knew, Thomas’s fist connected with Stefan’s face. I winced at the movement. He took the punch like a champ, only slightly stumbling backward. He stood there staring at Thomas, as if he were contemplating his next action. Everyone was standing around watching the show they were putting on. I didn’t understand why no one was stopping this.

  Thomas began to straighten his vest out. “Don’t touch me.” He snapped at Stefan.

  “Get the hell out of here.” Stefan gritted his teeth.

  Thomas smiled an evil smile. “You really like this one don’t you? This is going to be fun.”

  Stefan shoved him up against the wall, with his arm up under his chin.

  Suddenly Joe appeared from the back, storming his way upfront toward Thomas and Stefan. He yanked Stefan off of Thomas, and stood between the two. “Get out of my bar. Now!”

  “Look what you did now Stef. You always cause a scene.” He rubbed his neck. “Let’s go, this place is a dump anyway. I never knew why grandfather liked it so much.”

  “Not Stefan; you.” Joe pointed to Thomas. “Do not show your face here again. I don’t care who you are”

  “I will ruin you, Joe.” Thomas looked Joe dead in the eyes, and walked out.

  Jess hesitated before walking out, giving Stefan a pleading expression. He gave her no reaction, and she left through the doors.

  “Joe, I'm sorry about all this.” Stefan picked up a stool, sitting it upright.

  “Your brother sure is something.”

  Stefan took a deep breath. “I know, I’m going to finish this.” He began walking toward the door.

  “Stefan…” Joe called out for him.

  Stefan stopped at the door, and looked at Joe. “I know Joe, I know.”, and then walked outside.

  As the commotion silenced, all eyes focused on me. I was still standing there holding the same rag since Stefan walked through the doors. I couldn’t quite comprehend what had just happened. Thomas threatened me, then Stefan came out of nowhere. A lot of words were said, and I really didn’t know how I should react.

  “Are you ok?” Katie touched my shoulder.

  I finally moved from my statue-like spot. “Yeah, fine.”

  “Do you want me to walk you home?” She asked.

  “No, I'll be ok.” I set the rag down and untied my apron.

  “I can finish up here if you need to leave.” Her voice was sympathetic.

  “That would be amazing. I need to get out of here. Joe, is that ok?”

  “Of course. Stay safe, and far away from Thomas.” Joe said as he clicked off the open sign.

  “I will. I’m sorry. I really am.” I walked around the bar counter.

  He stopped in front of me, “None of this is your fault.”

  “I know. I’m still sorry though.” I put my coat on, and slung my purse over my shoulder, “Someone should be.”

  The cold air hit me when I walked outside. I could hear Stefan and Jess arguing. Thomas was on the phone calling his driver near the curb. I lingered by the door, not walking into full sight. I just wanted to go home.

  Stefan ran his fingers through his hair in frustration, “Jess, I don’t understand you.”

  “Look, I'm sorry you and your brother got in a fight, but I’m not sorry about her finding out.”

  “Finding out what?! Why would you bring HIM here?” Stefan waved his hand in Thomas’s direction.

  “Come on Stefan, stop playing dumb. You know how this goes. Our families always bring you and I back together. It’s what’s best for everyone.”

  “What’s best for everyone? What about Sophia?” His voice was strained.

  She huffed, “Who cares about her.”

  “You clearly don’t know me like you think you do.” He snapped.

  “What does that mean?” Jess tried to adjust his coat, bringing him closer.

  He brushed her hands away, and stepped back. “I care about her.”

  “Come on Jess, stop wasting your time on him.” Thomas pushed his phone in his pocket. “He won’t win this battle. You know about the contract.” He looked at me out of the corner of his eye, and then turned to face me.

  I stared at him, and then finally walked up the steps.

  “Sophia,” Stefan’s voice was almost a whisper; he started to walk toward me.

  “No, leave me alone.” I said directly to him, and walked in the opposite direction.

  “I can explain.” He pleaded, trying to follow me.

  “She’s a lost cause, Stefan.” Jess yelled, her voice was distant now.

  My heart sank. I continued walking, trying to put them far behind me. You think things can’t get worse, but they do.

  Chapter Seventeen

  S
ophia

  Thomas and Jess were well out of sight by now. Stefan continued to follow me, even with my best attempts to ignore him.

  He tried to walk a few steps ahead of me to get me to look at him, “Please, let me explain.”

  I stopped dead in my tracks, “Why would I let you?!”

  “Because you don’t know the whole story.” His voice strained.

  “Stefan, ever since I met you, it’s been nothing but drama. When I'm with you, I feel safe; happy even. When I'm not, it’s like I'm on the ledge and everyone is trying to push me off.”

  “It’s not supposed to be like that. I wish I could go back.”

  “Go back? Go back to what?!” I was still half yelling, but I was slightly concerned by his tone. “I clearly don’t know what is going on, and everyone else does.”

  “It made sense then. Then she changed for the worse, and now I'm stuck in this fucked up agreement.”

  My stomach started to turn at his words. I knew he was talking about Jess.

  “What’s the contract?” I asked firmly, and started to walk again.

  “It’s something our families convinced Jess and I to sign. Stating that we would get married one day, and our family companies would merge. If we back out the merger won’t happen. The marriage was to make it permanent. Keep it in the family or some bullshit.”

  “What about Thomas?”

  “He’s my adopted brother. The company isn’t left to him. My grandfather saw to that. My father is allowed to run the company until the end of my 25th year. If I don’t take my position by then, the company will go public. Something my grandfather worked out. Thomas cares so much, because he will lose his status in the company. If I back out they lose.”

  “I don’t understand why you would sign that?”

  “They convinced us that it needed to happen, that it would solidify everything. No one will question it, is what they said. I didn’t understand it at the time. We were only eighteen.”

  “So, you’re in a 21st century arranged marriage.” I said it more as a statement, I felt defeated. How do I compete with that?

  “Kind of,” He pushed his hands in his pockets. “It’s not something you tell someone on the first date.”