5
Sofia thought for sure her mother would’ve been asking a bunch of questions, but surprisingly, none. If anything, she seemed to be avoiding the topic altogether. Sofia wasn’t sure if that was a good sign or not. Maybe her mother hadn’t bought Dylan’s little act and was waiting for Sofia to fess up. That wasn’t about to happen any time soon.
But if she thought her day at Mama’s Place was odd, her BFF’s reaction really threw her.
“I can’t believe this. You do know who he is, right?” Charlene said.
“Of course I do. None of it matters because it’s not true. We are not dating,” Sofia stressed for the third time.
“You can say what you want, but one thing leads to another and before you know it, he’ll be rocking your world and you won’t even remember your name.”
“Charlene! Will you knock it off? He’s helping me. That’s it.” Sofia didn’t need any more thoughts about Dylan than she’d already had. She wasn’t blind and her senses worked just fine. That kiss had her pulsing in places that wouldn’t have minded a kiss or twenty either. But thoughts like that were going to make this awkward between them.
Charlene shook her head. “Oh don’t you even try to pretend that you haven’t thought about what it’d be like. You’re not that good of an actress.”
Sofia was getting tired of people saying that. Were they subtle hints that she sucked, and no one wanted to come right out and tell her? She hoped not, but it was beginning to look that way. Even the director didn’t hire her immediately and made her do some foolish test. What if all this was for nothing? Maybe the restaurant was where she was meant to be. And I should be grateful I have that.
“Come on Sofia, you know I’m only teasing you. If you sucked, I’d be the first to tell you. That’s what friends are for.”
“Thanks Charlene.” But Sofia wasn’t so sure. Charlene wouldn’t want to hurt her feelings, just like she wouldn’t want to hurt hers. She remembered when they were in high school and Sofia had bought this pair of pink jeans that she loved. Charlene never told her how horrendous they looked. It was actually her brother Sal who spoke up. Charlene said they hadn’t looked that bad. That translated to ugly as far as Sofia was concerned.
“Did you remember to bring me some cheesecake from the restaurant?”
“Charlene, you are capable of going and getting your own, you know.”
“Of course I can, but why would I when I have delivery? Besides, you didn’t come here just to tell me you’re not interested in Mr. Sexy.”
“Please don’t call him that. His name is Mr. Lawson,” Sofia said firmly. Charlene wasn’t one who worried about being overheard, and she didn’t want to risk Dylan ever hearing him called that. But the name does fit.
“Fine. Am I allowed to call him Dylan?” Charlene asked sarcastically. Sofia nodded. “Good. So tell me, when are you seeing him again?”
“I don’t know. We never really discussed that part. He’s got a lot going on. His brother just had a baby and he’s—”
“Blah, blah blah… Sofia, do you need an intervention?”
“I’m serious. Some people have things to do besides butting into other people’s lives,” Sofia said with her hands on her hips. “I, for one, have a play to rehearse for.”
“Oh, exciting. Do you need me to read through the lines with you? Tell me, did you get one with a hot love scene?”
“No, and I don’t have the lead either. This is a small role, but at least I got one.” Sofia never thought she’d even get that, the first time around.
“That’s a positive attitude. Why don’t you use that same way of thinking regarding Dylan?” Charlene suggested.
“I hope you know this is the last time I’m bringing you anything. All you’ve done since I got here is—”
“Encourage you to be the best you. I know you better than anyone. Actually Sofia, sometimes I think I know you better than you do yourself. You have big dreams and you want it all, but you’re the one who is holding you back, not your parents. For some reason, you have doubts about your ability. That is also what makes you think you couldn’t ever be with someone like Dylan.” Charlene said firmly, “Trust me, he’d be lucky to have someone like you.”
Sofia smirked. “I’m so not sure about that. I still feel horrible about the money.”
“You were only doing as you were told to do. If anyone should feel bad, it’s the director. What kind of bullshit was that? You’re an amazing actress. If he wasn’t smart enough to see it the first time, it was his loss. And that goes for your Mr. Sexy too. Got it?”
“Got it.” Sofia was lucky to have such a cheerleader. It was undeserved, but still appreciated. “So are you going to help me run through these lines or not?”
“Sure, but I’m not promising anything.”
“Please. I’ve seen you when you’re flirting with a guy. You’re a natural actress,” Sofia teased.
Charlene reached behind her and threw one of the decorative pillows at her. “Hey, at least I’m out there trying. Not all of us are lucky enough to snag a billionaire.” Sofia raised her finger, giving her yet another warning. “Fine. I’ll stop. But it’s way too easy. Besides, you should see your face each time I say it. I’m not sure you’re not holding something back.” Charlene leaned closer and looked her directly in the eyes. “Did he…kiss you?” Sofia tried with all her might not to look away, but she couldn’t help it. “I knew it. To hell with practicing lines. Get to the juicy shit already. I’m dying over here.”