Chapter 1
Sophia
I never thought I was a naïve woman. Wait, nix that. I never thought I would fall for someone who would be so deceiving, but that is what Nick is, he’s deceitful and hurtful. The one saving grace, I didn’t give him what he really wanted. My virginity. What did I do when the tough got going? I ran, I fled from my home, my best friend, and I even ran away from a Vegas vacation.
Now, I finally have my head on straight. I’m happy with myself. I took charge of my career, and never looked back. Unfortunately, while I was running away, I damaged an amazing friendship and it’s taken Natalie and I almost a year to get back to what we used to be. I still apologize almost weekly when we FaceTime. I know being in New York and her in Alabama, I’m missing so much of her life and I know after the Spring vacation I’m planning on taking, the next one will be straight to her house.
I get back to booking my ticket to Cancun, Mexico, a trip I’m taking by myself. It’s nerve wracking and exhilarating all at the same time, but I need the sun and sand. After being here for over a year, I now know New York will not be my forever home. These seasons are grueling, and being a transplant from Arizona, yeah. This is just not for me. With that thought in my head, I hit purchase and start packing. I’m leaving in two days and I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve already hit online stores for bathing suits, cover ups, and shoes. Thank goodness for two-day free shipping, my credit card will probably be screaming at me next month, but it will be well worth it. While others are shoveling snow, I’ll be on the beach with my toes on the sand.
I’m in the process of packing when my cell phone rings, looking down at it I instantly smile. Natalie, that girl, she always knows just when to call me.
“Hey girlie,” I answer the phone.
“Hey Soph, how are you doing?” she asks.
“I’m good, just packing for Cancun. How are you and my favorite munchkins doing?”
“We’re all good, the kids miss their Aunt Sophia though,” she says in a huff, sounding like she’s trying to wrangle one of the children from creating a mess. I’ve seen that happen one too many times when we FaceTime. Especially when Mason was hungry. He whipped Natalie’s boob out so fast and attached himself to her, and all she could do was roll her eyes, because when he’s ready to eat, he’s going to eat. Mason and Olivia are the light of her life along with Zack. I start laughing uncontrollably on the phone and she immediately says, “You’re laughing at that one time, aren’t you?”
“Maybe, okay. I totally am, but you have to admit, that was a classic moment,” trying to control my giggles. It feels so good to laugh again. I wasn’t sure I’d ever hear myself laugh or see a spark back in my eyes again, but it’s returning.
“I’m living vicariously through you Sophia. So tell me all the things you have planned and what you’re taking down there….ugh, I wish Zack and I could get away for a mini vacation,” she sighs wearily.
“Well I’m planning to come down there this summer. While I’m in Alabama, why don’t you and Zack go off for the day or a couple of nights if you want.”
“Are you sure? I know the twins can be a handful, especially now,” she says with a hint of surprise in her voice that I would even offer to give them a break, and that’s when I know I have to get down there.
“Absolutely, I miss them and you two really need a breather once in a while. As for what I’m planning on doing in Mexico, my only itinerary is to just relax. I’m not making any plans. I want to just enjoy my time down there and put my toes in the sand,” I tell her with conviction.
“Whoa, is this the same Sophia that I’ve known for years, that likes to plan things down to the hour,” she states, more than questions.
“Yeah, it’s time, Nat. I just need to unwind and really figure out where my life is going. I know for sure I am not staying in New York the rest of my life. I am not a fan of the cold or the snow,” that thought alone is enough to make me shiver.
“Good, Soph, you need that. And hey, have I mentioned there’s a few houses in our neighborhood that may go up on the market soon? You know, Alabama is really amazing, plus ahem, we’re here,” she says with a chuckle.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. It’s definitely on my list to look at. Maybe I can do something from home in the same industry, but not all the hustle and bustle that comes along with New York. Shit, I have a lot of soul searching to do, Nat,” I blow my hair out of my face when I finish talking.