Until Then : Book 1 - Until Then Series

by Victoria Ashlee

  “Everything ok?” My mother asked.

  I took a sip of my water, “Everything is fine.”

  My mother kept staring at me. “Who was on the phone?”

  “No one.” I told her, not breaking eye contact. I knew what she was doing; she was trying to cause an issue. Everyone was silent now, watching the two of us.

  “You and your secrets.” Thomas laughed.

  “It was Sophia.” Jess said snarkily to them.

  My attention darted straight to her. I guess I wasn't shocked she said it, but I was still pissed.

  “Is that the girl you told us about, Evelyn?” Jessica’s dad asked, while he pulled apart the bread in front of him. Not even bothering to look in my direction.

  I looked at my Mum. “You told them about her?” I snapped.

  My Mother sat there in silence for a moment, studying my rising anger. “It is.” She responded, turning her attention to Jess’s father.

  Her father looked at me again. “My boy, you shouldn’t waste your time with those types of girls. She just wants your money. It’ll pass.” He said it so nonchalantly, that I could hear the condescending tone in his voice.

  My jaw tightened. “I think it’s you, who just wants my money, Sir.” I said directly to him, shock rushed over his face. I thought I could almost see him choke on the bread he kept stuffing in his face.

  “Stefan, you will not act like this.” My father snapped.

  “I told you guys, he’s very sensitive about his mistress.” Thomas mocked.

  I banged my fist on the table. “I will come over this table, Thomas. Fuck off.”

  “Stefan, Thomas. That’s enough, can we just eat in peace.” My mother pleaded, even though she was the one who started this whole thing.

  I pushed my chair back, standing up from my seat. “I’ve lost my appetite.”

  Chapter Thirty Six

  Sophia

  The phone that Stefan sent me was sitting on my desk staring at me like a third eye. I leaned back in my office chair and spun around to face the window. He comes home tomorrow, even with me being upset with him; I missed him more than I’d like to admit. Plus the Gala is tomorrow night. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little excited. I’ve never been to a fancy party like this before. Prom is the only event that I’ve been to that is remotely close, and it’s not even in the same hemisphere.

  The first few nights after we returned home, I slept on the grey sofa in my room. I was so angry that I didn’t want to be in his room. I knew if I slept in his bed, all I would do is miss him. It wasn’t until two days ago that I finally gave in. As pretty as the sofa is, it’s not comfortable in the slightest. I’ll admit I did wear his sweatpants and t-shirt to bed last night. I think talking to him yesterday and hearing his voice made me hurt a little less. I still can’t get past the idea of her being there with him. The thought of it kept bringing this aching pain to my stomach.

  I walked over to Cam’s office, thinking maybe he could distract my thoughts. “Hey.”

  He spun his chair around to face me, “What’s up, Soph?”

  I plopped down on a chair in the corner. “Nothing. Just hanging out.”

  “Well please proceed” He laughed.

  I looked around at the sports memorabilia in his office. “Are you going tomorrow night?”

  He turned back around to his computer, as an email chime sounded. “I am. I do every year.” He paused as he read, then turned back to face me. “You’re nervous aren’t you?”

  I folded my legs in front of me in the chair. “A little, I haven’t really talked to Stefan since all that stuff I told you about.”

  “Look Soph, Keira and I got you. You can come be a commoner with us. Leo doesn’t count. He’s one of them.” He laughed. “The people there, they’re just snooty rich people, but the joke is on them because we get to eat their food and drink their booze.”

  “I guess you have a point.” I smiled. “Keira picked a dress out for me and made us hair appointments. I told her I wasn’t going, but she refused to let me stay home.”

  “That sounds like Keira alright.”

  I unfolded my legs and stood up, “I probably should get back to my desk, before Zombie Sarg walks by.” I joked. “Thanks for talking to me.”

  “Anytime.” He turned back to face his computer.

  That night I came home to an empty house. Keira went out for one of her friend's birthdays. She told me I was welcome to come, but the closer I got to seeing Stefan, the more my nerves kicked in. I walked upstairs and noticed Keira had once again tore her closet apart. I swear she does that at least once a week. I made my way to my room, and dropped my purse on my floor. Kicked off my heels, and peeled off my pants. Leaving a trail of my clothing leading to my shower. The steam from the water started to fill the room. I wiped the mirror, so that I could see. My phone lit up on the counter, it was a text from Stefan. He’s texted me every day since Thanksgiving. I haven’t responded once.

  Stefan: How was your day?

  I stared at the text. Should I respond? I wanted to, more than anything, but the more I talk to him, the less upset I am. It needs to be in person when I talk to him about last week. I exhaled a deep breath and set my phone back down. Stepping into the hot water, I allowed it to rush over my face.

  After I finished my shower, I wrapped a towel around myself and grabbed my phone. I walked into my room, pulled on my pajamas, then made my way up to Stefan’s room. I looked around at the empty room, and clicked on a lamp. This room felt safe for some reason, even with us arguing. I looked down at my phone again, my fingers started typing.

  Me: I can’t do this yet. I just want you home.

  Stefan: Me too. I will be there tomorrow to pick you up. I promise.

  I set my phone down on his nightstand, and walked over to his bookshelf. As I scanned the books, I saw one on the top shelf that caught my eye. I dragged over the piano bench. Even with the bench, I still had to stand on my tiptoes.

  Finally, I was able to pull it down. A small red box fell onto the floor. I stepped down, and picked it up, setting the book down on the bench. I slowly opened it, and that small knot appeared in my stomach again. My hand instantly covered my mouth. The most beautiful antique ring was inside the box. It was like a small punch in the stomach.

  “He was going to propose to her.” I whispered out loud. “It wasn’t a lie.”

  I closed the box, and pushed it back where it came from. Leaving the book and bench in place, I walked over to the bed and disappeared under the covers. I didn’t know what to make of the ring; I didn’t know what to make of any of this.

  The next morning work went by super fast, especially since I took a half day. Keira made our hair and makeup appointments at 3. So, she didn’t really give me a choice. I didn’t mind though because the butterflies had fully kicked in. Cam said he would meet us at the house later tonight. When I stepped outside of the building, I was greeted by Keira who was beaming.

  “You seem excited.” I laughed, as I walked up to her.

  She looped her arm with mine. “I am always excited; don’t you know this by now?”

  I smiled, as we walked past a group of people eating lunch. “I guess you have a point.”

  “This salon is the best. I think I'm going to do some kind of braid updo. What about you?” Keira hailed down a taxi.

  “Honestly I don’t know, I haven’t really thought about it.”

  We arrived at the salon, and it was the most bubble gum pink salon I had ever seen. We were instantly greeted by a bubbly young front desk assistant who handed us two glasses of champagne. “You two are going to look fabulous. This way.” the assistant gilded around the flower wall. “Chair one, and two.”

  I looked at Keira and laughed, this place was just what I needed. It was like pure happiness was born in this salon. We both sat down in our chairs, two stylist walked up behind us.

  “I’m Jan and this is Lux.” The stylist behind me said, as she gestured to Keira’
s stylist. “What are we here for today? Where are you two going?”

  “The Winter Gala.” Keira answered, as Lux started to comb through her hair.

  “Oh my, you two are going there? How exciting.” Jan said, running her fingers through my hair. “You must take pictures with all the celebs.”

  “Keira, has been before. This is my first time.” I told her.

  She stopped tussling my hair, “Why don’t you sound excited?”

  “Her boyfriend sucks, and she hasn’t seen him in two weeks because he’s been in London” Keira blurted out.

  “Oh my, the drama.” She placed her hand on her chest like it was going to jump off of her. “He’s going to be there?” Jan turned the chair making me face her.

  I laughed, “Yes.”

  “We will make you look fabulous then.” She turned me back around, and started to play with my hair. “What do you want to do? Updo? Curls?”

  I stared at my reflection in the mirror, and the remnants of the past two weeks came rushing to my mind. I blinked, and then finally spoke. “Cut it off.”

  Keira spit her drink out. “What?”

  “Oh you want to look fierce?” Jan said with a little dance. “I can make you look real fierce, just you wait.”

  An hour passed, and Jan finally walked around to stand in front of me as she flipped through my newly short strands. She spun me around to face the mirror. The reflection I saw was me, but a different me. A new me. A smile appeared that I didn’t force. My hair now rested on my shoulders, it was freeing.

  “Now let’s put on your war paint.” She smiled and spun me back around.

  I gave her a weird look in the mirror, “War paint?”

  “A red lip is a woman’s way of saying she means business without saying a damn thing.”

  Keira and I burst into laughter, and I took another sip of my drink.

  After another hour, she stood in front of me placing her hand on her mouth. “My little baby is all grown up and I've only known you for 2 hours.” She then turned me to face the mirror again. The makeup was more beautiful than I could have imagined. It was the most luscious red lip I had ever seen. She pinned my hair back with a golden clip, leaving a few strands to dangle. I didn’t know the girl in the mirror now, but she was most definitely fierce.

  I was standing in my room staring at the dress that was hanging in my closet. My fingers ran along the gold beading, the sparkles danced in the light. The dress was magical. I slipped into it, and zipped it up. The heels paired nicely, I clasped them around my ankles. The mirror showed how the dress hung off my body so perfectly trailing to the floor.

  “Here you go, you look like you need this.” Keira handed me a glass of white wine as she entered my room.

  I took the glass from her and gave her a small smile, “Is it that obvious?”

  “If it helps, you look amazing.” She rubbed my shoulder as she turned to walk out.

  I followed her, shutting my door behind me, “Is he here yet?”

  She turned to look at me, and I could tell by her expression that it was not going to be the answer I was wanting to hear, “He will be here.” She tried to reassure me.

  When we got down stairs Cam and Leo were sitting on the couch dressed in their tuxes playing video games. We’re about to go to one of the fanciest parties of the year and they’re playing video games. Typical.

  An hour and two glasses of wine later, he still had not shown. My heart was beginning to sink. My grip on the glass had become tighter, and my palms were beginning to sweat.

  “Soph,” Keira walked into the living room. “We have to leave soon.”

  “He told me he would be here.” I whispered.

  “I know, but it’s getting late.” She said. I could see the sadness on her face. They feel bad for me; they all feel bad for me.

  Cam stood up, “Soph, you got this. We will all go together.” He held his hand out.

  I gave him a pathetic excuse of a smile, and took his hand. “Ok.” I didn’t want to leave. What if he showed up, but also what if I waited here all night and he didn’t?

  The entire ride to the Gala was agonizing. I kept checking my phone for any form of contact from Stefan. Hoping there was a reason behind his silence. Nothing. Cam was texting someone on his phone. At least he got a response from whoever he was talking to. We slowly started to pull up to the museum entrance, and I started to scan the guest exiting their cars, as drivers held the door open for them. One by one, a more beautiful woman stepped out. Every man was dressed in black and white tuxedos. I felt like I was in a movie.

  Then I spotted him, stepping out two limos in front of us. He turned, and took Jess’s hand, helping her out of the car. My heart stopped, I wanted to cry right there in that vehicle. I wanted to leave.

  Keira looked at me when she finally saw what I was staring at. “Soph, I’m sorry.”

  I bit my bottom lip. “I’m fine.” My fingers gathered into a fist grasping onto my dress. I watched as they walked toward the entrance followed by their families. Our car pulled up next, and the door opened, letting in the cool air. I took a deep breath and stepped out.

  Chapter Thirty Seven

  Sophia

  My heart was racing as we walked up the steps into the museum. When we entered through the doors, the entrance was decorated in white and silver trees draped in lights. Quite a few people were conversing near the front. My eyes searched for him, I wanted to see him. Even though he was with her, even though he didn’t show up, I needed to see him. As we walked through the small crowd, I could feel Keira’s eyes as she kept glancing over at me. I knew she was worried about me. Honestly, I was too.

  We started walking down a hallway, I felt my dress trailing behind me, it was as if I was leaving my dignity behind the closer I got. Cam was adjusting his bowtie next to me as we walked. I looked up at him, he smiled. At least I wasn’t alone; I don’t think I would have even made it here without them. The sounds of laughter, and music neared. My breathing steadily became deep, my heart started racing. I watched as people passed us walking toward the Gala, servers entered with trays of finger foods, three women who were clearly already buzzed exited the bathroom as we walked by. I started to feel dizzy, and I stopped dead in my tracks.

  “I can’t breathe, this dress is suffocating me. I...I can’t do this. I need to leave.” I pulled at the dress around my stomach.

  Keira stopped and put both hands on my shoulders. “Calm down Soph. It’s just your nerves.”

  “Every person that hates me is in one building, this building. They could all care less if I fell off a cliff right about now.” I could hear the panic in my voice.

  She gritted her teeth, and I could tell she was angry. “I’m over this, fuck Stefan and his family. I don’t care if there’s a contract or not. You don’t deserve this. Come with me.” She took my hand.

  I tried to stop walking, “What are we doing?”

  Keira turned to face me, “You are about to show all of them that you don’t live by their rules.” She led me toward the grand staircase that flowed down into the Gala.

  I looked around at the sea of people, who were dancing, drinking, and living their happy lives. While my heart wanted to jump out and run.

  Keira let go of my hand. “We will go first; hopefully my presence will distract them enough. I’m bad for their image and all,” She winked.

  I watched as Keira and Leo descended down the stairs, like they were my emotional body guards. Leaving Cam and I at the top of the stairs. I looked down into the crowd searching for him. Why was I searching...my heart almost stopped when I saw him, I rested my hand on the tight bodice of the dress to settle my breathing.

  “You got this. You don’t owe these people anything.” Cam told me.

  I looked at him uneasily, “I think I might throw up.”

  “You will be fine. He’s an idiot.” He said and took my hand. “Look at you.” He then raised my hand, forcing me to spin. My dress flowed around me as I turne
d. When I met his face again, I finally smiled.

  “You got this.” He said again, holding his arm out for me.

  I gently placed my hand on his arm and we started to descend. When I looked back into the crowd, people had their eyes on us as we walked down the steps. My sight then met Stefan’s. He stepped forward, but then stopped. He was almost in a trance; this was supposed to be him next to me. I could tell he was concerned, but at this moment I could care less how he felt. I forced myself to look away.

  When we got to the bottom of the steps, I let go of Cam’s arm. We spotted Keira and Leo across the room talking to his parents. I could feel Stefan’s eyes on me as we walked around the dance floor. He was stuck in conversation with an older gentleman. His family had also noted that I had arrived, Stefan’s mother leaned over to Jess whispering into her ear. I could only imagine the things they were saying. My breathing had settled, I was more frustrated than anything at this point.

  “Sophia, it’s so wonderful to see you again.” Leo’s mother embraced me.

  The smell of her perfume was overwhelming, but she had been so nice to me. “You too.” I smiled.

  “How beautiful is this?” She gestured to the decor. “The Edwards certainly know how to host an event.”

  “It is very nice.” I said, “Excuse me; I’m going to go get a drink.” I started to move through the crowd toward the bar.

  I took my place at the back of the line behind a woman dressed in blue, she was older, but her brown hair made her look much younger. She stood there holding her empty wine glass as if she was not amused by the Gala in the least bit. She turned and glanced at me, I quickly looked away from studying her. I swear, I can be the most awkward person at times.

  “Sophia is it?” The woman asked.

  Oh no, why is it that everyone knows my name? I looked at her, a concerning feeling came over me. I don’t know this woman. I felt as if she was offering me candy, and I wasn’t supposed to talk to strangers. “Yes?” I finally answered.