7
There was nothing wrong with Dylan having to cancel the dinner date. It wasn’t like they were really dating, anyway. After the morning she was having at the restaurant and little sleep, she really was looking forward to going back to her apartment and crashing. Besides, she needed to look over the script. Rehearsals started next week, and she was far from ready.
Sofia thought about asking Charlene to read through the lines with her, but she’d just pester for details Sofia wasn’t ready to share. She was still trying to figure out what was with that kiss.
It wasn’t like her to be so…forward. If Dylan wanted to kiss her, then fine. If he didn’t, so what? But actually pulling him down to her and taking what she wanted was out of character. Maybe Charlene was rubbing off on her. Whatever it was, she hoped it didn’t give Dylan the wrong impression. Yes, she liked him. But she wasn’t the ‘take me home, hop in bed’ type. And she wasn’t even looking for a relationship now, either. Where would she squeeze in dating? Between work and the show, she’d be lucky if she could find any time for herself, never mind another person.
That didn’t mean she could brush away the thoughts of last night. That kiss had to be what kicked off her steamy dreams last night. She woke up in a dead sweat, panting so hard, that she’d have sworn that orgasm was real. That he was real.
But a wet dream was only a sign that she was sexually frustrated, and nothing more. Her intense reaction to his kiss and touch was because of the same. Now, if she were Charlene, she’d have her head in the clouds, thinking of how they were destined to find each other, and the sexual chemistry was their souls connecting, causing a spark.
It was funny, because she never would’ve thought Charlene would fall for all that mushy stuff. If anything, Charlene was the wild one who used to think that if you want something, you go for it, and Sofia used to be the hopeless romantic. Over the years, something had changed that. Maybe it was being overworked or seeing so many relationships fall apart that had crushed it for her. But romance was for fairytales and dreamers. She was chasing something bigger than both.
Pouring herself a glass of pink lemonade, she settled down to start reading. Most of the lines had nothing to do with her, but the director said everyone should know it. You never know when something might happen and you’ll be asked to fill in. But her character didn’t even have a name, just ‘beggar number three.’ There was a long way to go before she had to worry, or hope, to get some larger role. At least she had some lines to say and was in the chorus for a few songs. More like humming, but she was still on the stage. And I’m being paid too.
Of course, her wage didn’t even equate to what she made in a day at the restaurant. But this wasn’t about money. At least, not right now it wasn’t. She needed to be noticed, get her name out there. And not as beggar number three, either.
Closing her eyes, she laid back on the couch for a minute and could almost see her name, Sofia Marciano, lit up in lights with gold stars on both ends. Hordes of people would be waiting in long lines to get in to see her. But they were all strangers. No one looked familiar. Was that the price she was going to pay for fame and fortune? It was her dream, in a way. But before, it hadn’t mattered to her who was there. She wanted away from this mundane life. Things were changing and she…kind of liked her life right now.
The problem was, starting Monday, it was changing again and she wouldn’t have time for Dylan or Charlene or any of her family and friends. Not if she truly wanted to make a good impression on the director. Not only did she need to be there every night, but on time and ready to shine. The way she felt right now, she had no luster. Lust yes, but luster no.
Sofia realized that time was flying by and she hadn’t done anything but lie back and think of what she wanted. Why couldn’t she focus? Getting up, she decided maybe a coffee would help. She poured her lemonade down the sink drain and pressed start on her coffee pot. It was set to go off in the morning, but she could always set up another pot before bed. Sadly, bed was exactly where she wanted to be right now.
The aroma of the fresh brew definitely was working. Her eyes opened wide and she was finally ready to start. Of course the knock on the door, three taps and a pause before the last, meant Charlene was stopping in unannounced. Opening the door, she said, “Did you smell it on your way up?”
Having a friend live on the floor above was really handy most of the time. Other times, it was a nuisance. Sofia wasn’t sure yet which this was.
“You do make amazing coffee, but that’s not why I’m here.” Charlene walked over to the couch and flopped down. “You’ll never believe what happened.”
Sofia poured Charlene a cup, walked over, and sat down. “Try me,” she said as she handed her the mug.
Charlene took one sip then smiled. “This is good.” But it wasn’t long before the caffeine jolt kicked in. “Okay, back to what happened. I was on my way to work this morning and this pickup truck rammed into the back of my car.”
Sofia reached out and asked, “Are you okay?”
Charlene waved her hand. “Yeah. I’m fine. So this guy hits my car. I get out all pissed off at him and ready to read him the riot act. But when he gets out, well, let’s just say I was left speechless.”
Still concerned, Sofia asked, “Why? Was he hurt?”
“No. Trust me, there was absolutely nothing wrong with this guy. He was…wow. About six foot six and rugged, with a cowboy hat on and the sweetest blue eyes you’ve ever seen.”
“Charlene, focus. What about the accident?” Sofia said, prodding Charlene back to this planet.
She took another sip of coffee. “Well, it seems he was pulling his horse trailer. There is this woman in Massachusetts who’s rescuing two horses from being slaughtered. Imagine that? They were healthy-looking and young, and so friendly, and they were just going to destroy them. How sad is that?”
She felt for the animals, but still had no idea where Charlene was going with this conversation. “Were the horses okay?”
“Yes, they are fine too.”
“Good. You’re okay. The cowboy is okay and the horses are fine. That’s great.” Now drink your coffee and go so I can study.
“Well you didn’t let me finish. His brakes let go so his truck needed to be fixed. Well, I couldn’t just leave him there in a strange town with no place to go. So I brought him to Mama’s Place for a late lunch. By the way, Emily is good, but she’s not you.”
“Thanks.”
“Well, the mechanic said the truck will be ready shortly.”
“Great. And they can be on their way to their new home.” Charlene was good at making a short story long.