Until Then : Book 1 - Until Then Series

by Victoria Ashlee

  I leaned on my arm, and looked at him, “I’ll think about it.”

  After a few minutes, I couldn’t stop thinking about where he was going, and why he didn’t tell me. By the time I got to his room, he was already packing his bag.

  “So, you’re like really going? Like now now, going?” I leaned on the foot of the bed.

  He was standing in his closet pulling dress shirts out, “No, tomorrow.”

  I scooted onto the bed next to his suitcase, “Are you going to tell me where you’re going?”

  He stopped midway back to his bed. “Yes, I'm sorry.” He walked up next to me, placing his shirts on the bed. “I’m going to London for two weeks.”

  “Two weeks?” I choked out, “Why am I just hearing about this?”

  “It was last minute.”

  “Why are you going?”

  “Family stuff.” He said, placing a quick kiss on the cheek before returning to his closet.

  Great, here he goes with his secrets again. “Is it that family stuff you can’t tell me about?” I eyed him.

  “Yes.”

  “Will you be back by the Gala?”

  He placed a few more shirts in his suitcase, “Yes, my flight is that morning. Don’t worry.”

  He told me not to worry, but he’s leaving for two weeks and doesn’t want me to go with Leo and Keira. Which leaves me alone in the house. Plus he’s flying back the same day as the Gala. Which is something I'm already nervous about. Don’t worry, yeah ok. Not worrying one bit.

  “Tim will be around the corner. If you need anything you can call him.” He said, zipping his suitcase.

  “Fine, but I want you to myself tonight.”

  “That is something I completely agree with.” He leaned into me, and placed a kiss on my lips. He pulled away and walked into the bathroom.

  I slid over to the edge of the bed, and followed him, “What is the real reason you don’t want me going this weekend?”

  “Sophia, don’t push me on this. I just don’t trust the people there.” He said, as he applied paste to his toothbrush.

  “Do you not trust me?”

  “It’s not that, you don’t know these people. I won’t be here, or even in this country.” He started brushing his teeth, staring at me waiting for my white flag.

  “Ok fine, but don’t be upset if you come home to find that I reorganized your entire room from boredom.”

  He scrunched his eyebrows at me, as he continued to brush his teeth.

  “What? Is your mouth too full to tell me no?” I joked.

  He ran his toothbrush under the water. “Oh I can give you something to fill your mouth with.” He smirked, and wiped his mouth with a towel.

  “Nope, I’m off limits until you’re back.” I laughed and walked back into the bedroom.

  Stefan rushed up behind me, taking me in his arms. “Oh I think I can convince you otherwise.” He whispered, sliding his hand down the front of my pants.

  The next morning came all too fast. Stefan woke up early, not to go on his early morning run, but to get ready to leave. I stood in the shower, allowing the water to rush over me. Two weeks is a long time. I don’t know why my stomach felt bad about this trip, but it did. I was trying to be positive, but I had no idea what was going on. Whatever he’s doing, he claimed he was doing for me, but telling that to a girl will drive her crazy. I stepped out wrapping a towel around me.

  I zipped up my flowy skirt and tucked in my white blouse. Stefan carried his bag downstairs, and I followed. He turned to look up at me when he reached the bottom of the stairs. I placed my hand on the railing and attempted a half smile.

  “Two weeks.” He gave me a sympathetic smile. I hate sympathetic smiles.

  I stepped down the stairs toward him. “A lot can happen in two weeks.”

  “You can call me anytime, I will be five hours ahead, but I will try to answer.” He rested his hands on my arms, and then placed a kiss on my forehead.

  “I’m rearranging your room.” I teased.

  He looked at me with that delicious smirk he always does, “You will be fine. I will call you when I get there.” He pulled me into a kiss.

  “Be safe.” I told him, as he turned to walk out the front door. Then it closed and I was left alone.

  I stopped for coffee on the way to work, which made me extremely late. I didn’t really care this morning. Ms. Franklin will survive, or she will fire me. I was very tempted to test the outcome.

  When I entered the lobby of my office, I noticed they hired a new girl already. She smiled as I passed her swiftly to my office. I rushed by Cam’s office, and I could hear him instantly laugh at me. I threw my stuff down on my desk, and turned on my computer. I jumped from Cam’s presence at my door.

  He set a file on my desk, “A little late, Soph?”

  “Shhh I was hoping she doesn’t notice.”

  “Oh she noticed.” Cam said sarcastically.

  “Really?”

  “Ms. Brooks, I need you to try to be here on time.” Ms. Franklin said right on cue, as she walked past my door.

  Cam looked at me and rolled his eyes, “Bull shit, that’s all you get? Maybe I need to start hooking up with Stefan too?”

  “Shut up.” I laughed. “Hey, I need to talk to you before you go.”

  “About what?”

  “About what you said the other night? When you told me to be careful.”

  His hands gripped on his coffee mug. “That was nothing, I was drunk. I don’t remember what I said.” He laughed uneasily.

  “Cam, you don’t have to lie to me. If you know something, I'd rather you tell me.” I walked around my desk.

  “I don’t Soph, you’re just over thinking it.” He said and turned to walk out of my office.

  “Over thinking my ass.” I mumbled.

  By lunchtime, Stefan still hadn’t called or texted me, but his flight was supposed to take a few hours. These were going to be two long weeks. I made my way over to Cam’s office to see what he’s doing for lunch.

  I poked my head around the corner. “Hi, do you want to go grab a sandwich or something?”

  He looked up from his computer. “How about a Poke Bowl?” He said standing up from his desk.

  “That sounds amazing.” I smiled.

  The sun was shining bright. I almost needed sunglasses. I could tell Cam was being weird, but I didn’t want to push the subject from this morning.

  “So, are you going to Leo’s this weekend?” Cam finally spoke.

  “How did you hear about that?”

  He held the door open at the restaurant. “Leo told me they were trying to convince you.”

  “Did he now?” I laughed. “No, I don’t think I am.”

  “Why not? It’s always fun up there.”

  “Stefan doesn’t really want me to go.”

  We were seated at a little table outside, the waitress brought over two waters, leaving Cam and I in silence.

  “I don’t get you.” Cam said, opening his menu.

  “What don’t you get?”

  He looked up at me. “You’re so headstrong, but you let Stefan tell you what to do.”

  “I do not.” I tried to defend myself.

  “Sophia, you do. If that’s how you want to live your life, then fine. I just thought you were different.”

  “I didn’t ask you to lunch, to tell me everything I'm doing wrong.” I snapped.

  He leaned back in his chair, “I’m not. I just care, that’s all.”

  The waitress walked up. Why do servers always walk up at the worst time? It’s like they know.

  “Can I take your order?” She asked.

  “A number 2 please.” I handed her the menu.

  “Same.” Cam answered, handing her his menu.

  A few more seconds of silence between the two of us passed until I finally spoke. “He’s your friend, why would you care about what I do?”

  He pressed his lips together. “You’re just not like the other girls; you’re no
t tainted like the rest of them.”

  I leaned on my elbows and looked out at the street, taking in his words. Not tainted. Not like the rest of them. What does that even mean? Cam is so damn cryptic. I know I'm not like the rest of them. Stefan doesn’t treat me like the rest of them. Honestly I don’t know, but I feel different when I'm with him.

  “I just don’t want you to change.” Cam continued.

  “I won’t change.” I promised him, and I meant it.

  “Good. Can we just eat now, and talk about the weather or something?” He joked.

  I smiled, “Looks like it’s going to rain.”

  We both looked up at the clear sky, and laughed.

  That night when I got home, I still had yet to hear from Stefan. He’s in another country, I kept reminding myself. I set my bag down on the grey couch in my room.

  I changed into my pajamas and walked up to his room. The piano in the corner was calling my name. I sat down, running my fingers over the keys. My fingers started to play a song my mom and I used to play. Which brought a smile to my face.

  A loud bang from downstairs caused me to jump. I looked around for any weapon to defend myself with, but all I could find was my straightener in the bathroom. So, I wrapped the cord and slowly crept down the stairs. When I got to the bottom, I tiptoed into the living room; I exhaled when I saw who it was.

  “What are you doing with your straightener?” Keira laughed, as she took a bite of a sandwich.

  I set the straightener down on the counter, “I thought you were a robber.”

  “You are crazy.” She laughed, and took another bite.

  I sat down at the island, “I’m just on edge a little.”

  “Why? Cause lover boy is gone?”

  “No.” I started to fidget with my hands.

  “You coming to Thanksgiving with us?”

  I looked over at her, “I don’t know.”

  “Do it. I make a pie and everything. You can see how out of place I am.”

  “Pretty sure I'd be right there with you.”

  “All the more reason.” She leaned on the counter. “I don’t really know why I make pie. They have professional cooks prepare everything. I think I do it to annoy them. Typically I end up eating it myself.”

  I sighed, “Pie is very good. I might come.”

  I heard my phone ringing from upstairs. “That’s probably Stefan.”

  “Tell lover boy hi for me.” She laughed, as I left the kitchen.

  By the time I got to my phone, I had missed the call. I dialed him back, but he didn’t answer. I sat on the side of his bed, staring at the phone. I didn’t realize I would miss him this much. My heart sank a little. I pulled the comforter down, curling up under it. Two weeks, only two weeks I reminded myself. I felt kind of pathetic.

  I scrolled through the names on my phone, and stopped on Cam’s. I decided to text him to keep my mind from wandering.

  Me: I don’t want to be like the others.

  Cam: You’re not.

  Me: I don’t want to lose myself.

  Cam: Then don’t. Be you.

  Me: The life you guys live is a crazy one. I’m trying.

  Cam: You’re the realest girl I know. You can stay you if you choose to. Don’t get wrapped up in all that other stuff.

  Me: Thanks.

  Cam: Can I ask you a question?

  Me: Sure.

  Cam: Why Stefan?

  I stared at his question for what seemed to be forever. I closed our conversation, without answering him. I pulled up Stefan’s number again. I tried him one more time, no answer. I rolled over and faced the window. They won’t change me, I won’t let them.

  My phone started to ring, Stefan’s name came across the screen. A smile instantly formed..

  “Hi, little one.” He sounded half awake.

  “What time is it there?” I asked.

  “About 3AM.”

  I leaned against the bed. “Did you get in late?”

  “No, I just got busy once I got here. I’m sorry I didn’t call earlier.”

  “It’s ok.”

  He cleared his throat, “What are you doing?”

  “Sitting on your bed.” I started to pick at my pants.

  “What are you wearing?” His voice had a hint of playfulness.

  I laughed, “Even half awake you have a dirty mind.”

  “I miss you.” He whispered.

  I leaned back on the bed, “I miss you too.”

  “I just wanted to hear your voice before I fell asleep.” He said.

  A small smile formed on my face, “Did you get what you wanted?”

  “Most certainly.”

  Chapter Thirty Two

  Sophia

  Wednesday, or the day before national casserole day, as I like to call it. Cam wasn’t at work yesterday; he flew home to visit his family in Florida. I talked to Stefan a few times, but he was so busy it was only for a few minutes at a time. Our office was closed today, so I've just been hanging out around the house. Tim called this morning to ask if I needed anything. He insisted he would check up on me later.

  Keira and Leo were getting ready to go out of town. You’d think they were going for a month with the amount of stuff Keira was taking with her. She was frantically pulling every clothing item out of her closet.

  “I can’t find it!” Keira yelled.

  I walked over to sit on her bed. “Find what?”

  “My dress. I need my dress. The yellow one.”

  “You mean the one right there.” I pointed to the left side of her closest.

  She laughed with a sigh of relief, “This is why I need you.”

  “Why are you so stressed?”

  “Leo’s family is just hard to impress. When we first started dating they hated me.” She gave me a half smile. “Will you please come?”

  “I told Stefan I would stay here.” I crossed my legs under me.

  “Fine. The invite is open all weekend if you change your mind.” She threw the yellow dress in one of her many bags.

  “Thanks, I will be fine.” I helped her zip up her bag. “I’m going to make a casserole. Possibly eat the entire thing in one sitting, and binge a show. I might not even wash my hair.”

  “That’s why I love you, you’re so classy.”

  I laughed, “It takes hard work.”

  After they left I cleaned the house a bit, not that there is much to clean. Stefan has the house professionally cleaned once a week. Honestly I was just trying to keep busy. I decided to go to the grocery store to get the items to make my casserole. I pulled up an uber on my phone. Since everyone else is on vacation, I deserved to treat myself by not taking the subway.

  When I walked into the store, I grabbed a basket and started to scan the isles. One of my favorite things I used to do with my mom was grocery shop. She would let me pick out random items, we would try to come up with a magical meal. Most times it would work. The times it wouldn’t, those were the best laughs. I picked up a few canned items, and turned the corner onto the next aisle. Of all the people to see at a grocery store, I did not expect to see her.

  Evelyn looked at me surprised, almost embarrassed. “Sophia! So lovely to see you,”

  “Hi.” I swooped both arms under my basket. “What are you doing here?” I sounded more rude than intended.

  “I do my own shopping every once in a while.”

  “I just meant…” I looked down at the few items in her hand, as she tried to cover them up.

  “I know what you meant.” She cut me off. “How’s your new job?”

  “Fine.” I answered quickly. I knew they were the reason I got the promotion. I didn’t need her holding that over my head.

  “I’m delighted you like it. There are more perks to following the rules, if you decide to follow them.” She smiled, and pulled a random item off of the shelf to cover up whatever she was holding.

  “I’m happy where I’m at.” I was seemingly uncomfortable, “I need to get going.” I turned on
my heels, giving her a sorry attempt at a wave.

  “Wonderful chatting with you.” She sang.

  When I finished shopping, I pulled out my phone and called Stefan. He instantly answered.

  “I just had the weirdest encounter.” I blurted out.

  “Are you ok?”

  “Yes, I'm fine, but I just ran into your Mom.”

  “Where at?” He sounded concerned.

  “A grocery store.”

  He laughed, “A grocery store? She doesn’t shop for herself. She barely lifts a finger.”

  “That was my thought too, but it was her. We chatted and everything. She was so uncomfortable.” I walked across the street. “I was so uncomfortable.” I added.

  “I don’t know why she was there. She’s supposed to be coming here.” He responded.

  “I don’t know either; I bolted as soon as I had a chance to.”

  “You’re cute,” He said. I could almost hear his smile through the phone.

  “Being awkward is cute?”

  “When it’s you, yes.” He said sweetly. His attention was taken from me, I could hear a woman in the background speaking to him. I couldn’t understand what she was saying, as hard as I was trying to.

  “Baby, I need to go. I will call you later.” He said swiftly.

  “Ok, I will talk to you la...” He hung up before I got the end of the sentence out. I almost felt hurt, but he was there for work. So, I pushed my emotions to the side.

  When I got home I told myself I would only take a thirty minute nap. In true Sophia fashion, three hours later came super fast, and night time had taken over. I walked into the kitchen, and opened the refrigerator. I pulled out the milk and grabbed a bowl from the cabinet. Keira insisted on keeping the cereal in clear jars, she said it was for the aesthetics.

  The quietness of the house was unsettling. I sat down at the island, and started flipping through a magazine. Something shiny caught my attention outside of the window. I turned to see that eerie red dot had returned, accompanied by random flashes.

  Why does this room not have curtains? I quickly jumped up and turned the kitchen light off, ducking behind the island. I peaked around the counter. The flashes stopped, but the red dot remained. Suddenly I heard a creak in the house. Oh hell no, I'm not dying tonight. I half crawled into the living room, finally standing up then rushing up the stairs.