I might be in my mid-twenties, but you’re never too old for dream catchers.
Chapter Seven
Mason
This past week without Sophie has been lonely as hell. I know why she wanted to go and knew it’d be good for her to get away, but I’ve missed her like crazy. Walking into her empty room and knowing I couldn’t just climb into bed with her was harder than I anticipated. All I want to do is protect her from everything and everyone, and it’s easier when she’s close, but I know she’s safe with her parents.
Luckily, I’ve had to work all week, and afterward, I spent my free time in the gym. It’d been a while since I’ve boxed with my trainer, and I utilized this time to kick his ass. After catching Tyler up on the latest events, he didn’t even chastise me for being weaker than usual. Though, after a few sessions, I was able to finally beat him fair and square.
I’ve kept in contact with the officers to get updates on Dalton, but I’m still waiting for him to be transferred to the jail from the hospital. Of course my father got in my business as soon as he was informed and gave me shit for being involved in yet another scandal. Surprisingly, he hasn’t blamed me for threatening his reputation like he usually does. This was obviously different from the Weston incident, but considering both are from the same family, I expected him to chew my ass.
Today I finally get to pick up Sophie from the airport, and I’m so damn excited to have her in my arms again. She texted and called every day, letting me know what she’s been doing and how she talked with a professional counselor there from her father’s church. I’m happy she spoke to someone and that she plans to continue when she’s back home. I wish I would’ve suggested it after Weston so she wouldn’t have the weight of it all burdening her. Knowing Sophie, though, she does things on her own terms and can’t always be persuaded.
The moment I see Sophie on the escalators coming down to the baggage claim, I light up like a kid on Christmas morning. She looks ten times better than when she left, and she even smiles when she spots me.
Rushing toward her, I don’t stop until I scoop her up in my arms. “Oh my God, I missed you so much,” I say into her hair.
“I missed you too.”
I pull back slightly, cup her face, and capture her lips. She kisses me back but then breaks away a moment later. It’s then I remember we aren’t alone and people are walking all around us. Leaning my forehead against hers, I breathe out a sigh of relief. “So damn happy you’re back.”
“Me too,” she says, swallowing tightly.
I grab her hand and lead her to the carousel to grab her bag. Once we’re in the car, I reach for her hand and realize she’s quieter than usual.
“Everything okay, babe?” I ask as I pull onto the highway.
She looks at me and nods. “Yeah, just tired.” She reassures me with a smile.
I bring her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles. “We’ll be home soon, sweetheart.” I flash her a wink.
The moment I pull into the driveway, I know shit’s about to hit the fan. Serena’s car is here.
And so is my father’s.
Motherfucker.
Of all days for them both to come over, they chose today.
“Why are they here?” she asks as I grab her suitcase from the back.
“That’s a goddamn good question,” I grit between my teeth. “I’m sorry, Soph. I know having people over is probably the last thing you wanted when you got home.”
She swings her backpack on and shrugs. “It’s okay. Not your fault.”
I lead her into the house, open the door, and when we walk into the living room, I notice my dad and Serena sitting on the couch. When they see me, they both stand. Liam’s in the recliner, looking uncomfortable as hell. I glare at him, silently thanking him for the non-heads-up.
He smirks and shrugs, then turns his attention back to the TV.
“Hey, what are you two doing here?” I ask, looking at my father. I don’t mind Serena being here, who’s come over a couple of nights this week to hang out, but my dad isn’t one for just popping in.
Looking over at Sophie, I notice she’s uncomfortable and offer to carry her stuff to her room for her.
“No, it’s fine. I can do it.” She takes her bag and walks to her room off the living room.
“It’s about Dalton,” Serena begins as soon as Sophie’s through her bedroom door.
I brush a hand over my jaw, inhaling a deep breath. “What about him?” I look back and forth between them, noticing the tension.