Once Upon a Romance (A Dream Come True Book 1)

by Alex Bailey

  She grabbed a coffee and took a seat in the mostly-empty movie set warehouse-themed seating area. It contained various movie set props, such as barrels of paint, marked mustard yellow and catsup red. Mismatched tables and chairs depicted the props ready-to-be-used theme. Sophie strolled the restaurant taking in the props and finally chose a semi-outdoor seat with a metal roof and open walls.

  As soon as she sat, she pulled her phone out of her bag and dialed Darren. His voicemail message said, “This is Darren, leave me a message.” Even though he had told her she probably wouldn’t hear from him on his trip, she had hoped to get to talk to him while she was in relative quiet. “Hi Darren. Hope you’re having...um, a good day. Call me when you get a chance.” She then dialed Hyun’s desk number.

  “How are you doing?” Hyun’s voice was shrill. Sophie imagined their coworkers would be rolling their eyes at her high-pitched squeal, since both squeals and eye-rolling were common occurrences in the office with Hyun around. “Are you okay? How are things? How’s Ariel?”

  “Good. Everything’s going really well, actually. Much better than I anticipated.”

  “See! I told you it would all be fine. Disney at Christmas time. What could be more magical than that?”

  “Hyun, you will never believe what has happened.”

  “You fell in love with Disney and you bought an annual pass?” Her voice rose a few octaves above shrill.

  “No!” she said more harshly than she expected and then changed her tone to a more cheerful one. “Nothing like that. I’m still me, after all. I haven’t turned into you while I’ve been here.”

  Huyn laughed. “Then what’s happened? Tell me.”

  “The first night we arrived, we met...you will never believe this...Professor Disney.”

  Screeching. Howling. Shrieking. When she was done, Hyun said, “What? Are you kidding me? How? Where?”

  “He’s staying at our hotel. I mistook him for a concierge and asked him for help with my bags.” Sophie’s face burned when she recalled the embarrassing moment.

  “You didn’t!”

  “Yeah, well, he was dressed in head to toe Mickey Mouse. I figured you’d have to pay someone to do that.”

  “Anyway.” Sophie could feel Hyun’s eye-roll through the phone. “So what happened? How’d you know it was him?”

  “That night at dinner, Ariel saw him sitting at a table alone and asked him to join us, and he came over. We introduced ourselves.”

  “Wow! Gotta hand it to Ariel. That niece of yours sure is brave!”

  Brave. That’s one word for it. “He’s actually a really nice guy, Hyun. He’s been hanging out with us the whole trip so far. He’s great with Ariel. They’re on a ride right now.”

  “Wait! What? You let a stranger take Ariel on a ride alone? Who are you and what have you done with my overprotective friend?”

  “I know! It’s incredible. I don’t know how to explain it. But he’s just really kind. And funny. And he’s so good with Ariel. And good for her. She’s so happy. He makes everything so much fun. She’s not sitting here miserable with a bored with a miserable aunt. She’s off doing fun things.”

  Silence.

  “Hyun, are you still there?”

  “I am. But you should listen to yourself. Seriously. I wish I had recorded this conversation. You need to hear it. You sound almost...giddy. You sound like you like this guy.”

  “I do! He’s amazing!” Sophie smiled when she said it. She was thrilled to have found Ray on this trip. He was just what Ariel needed.

  “Amazing?” Hyun’s tone sounded more analytical than curious.

  “Yes. He is. I mean, what guy would just give up his own trip to Disney, a guy who loves Disney, to hang out with two people he doesn’t even know? That guy has to be amazing. Don’t you think?”

  “Uh-huh.” She paused. “Or maybe he likes you.”

  “He does. He likes both of us. Obviously. Or he wouldn’t be hanging around us.”

  “So, what’s wrong with him, Sophie?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You sound like you could fall for this guy.”

  “In another universe maybe. But in this one, I’m with Darren.” Sophie searched the seating area, and noticed she was alone. She liked the momentary feeling of seclusion.

  “And why exactly is that again?”

  Geez, she sounds just like Ariel! “He’s a good boyfriend, Hyun. I don’t understand why you’re asking this.”

  “Because I’ve never heard you sound this giddy. Ever. And never about Darren. So I’m wondering why you wouldn’t jump at the chance to be with Mr. Right? Or Professor Right. So, what’s wrong with him?”

  “Well, okay. Since you’re obviously ignoring the fact that I did tell you I’m already with someone, I’ll give you what you’re looking for. First of all, he isn’t serious enough for me. He’s fun, yes, great for Disney. But every day? That would get old. And he’s a blogger, he doesn’t even have a real job.”

  “Blogging is a real job.”

  “You sound just like him.”

  “Because we’re right.”

  “And he’s the worst dressed man you’ve ever seen! The only thing he wears is Disney clothes! Hyun, who does that other than kids?”

  “I do. When I go to Disney. You sound like a bit of a snob. Since when have you ever cared what a man wears?”

  Sophie let out a huge sigh. Hyun’s right. I do sound very judgmental. And that’s not me.

  “Look, I don’t want to step where I’m not welcome, but I’ve been wondering for a while now if the reason you’re still with Darren is because of Natalie.”

  “Huh? What does she have to do with Darren?”

  “You losing your sister was the worst thing I’ve ever watched anyone endure. And it’s understandable that you may feel a sense of insecurity afterward. I’m just wondering if Darren is security. The safe choice.”

  “What? No! That’s crazy.”

  “Is it? Maybe you think you need that in your life right now.”

  Sophie couldn’t believe what she was hearing from her friend. Hyun knew her well, but it was a ridiculous accusation that she would only be with Darren out of security. Sophie’s voice rose when she said, “That is just not true, Hyun. I can’t believe you would even say something like that.” She searched around the eating area once again, just to make sure no one overheard her.

  “Okay, just one question. What does Ariel think of him?”

  And there it was. No way was she going to tell her friend that Ariel wants her to dump Darren for Ray. Hyun had already suggested that Ray might have feelings for her. Which, was impossible. They’d just met two days ago. He was just being nice to them. That was simply who he was. A nice guy. “She likes Ray.”

  “And?”

  “And what?” She tried to make her statement sound casual, but Sophie knew Hyun wasn’t buying it. Hyun knew her far too well.

  “You’ve said before that Darren’s not so great with kids. I bet Ariel likes this Ray a whole lot better. I take it Professor Disney’s name is Ray.”

  “Yes, it is. Ray Bueno. Nice name, huh?”

  “That’s it! Change the subject. That tells me that I’m correct. Ariel likes him far better than Darren. Am I right?”

  “Oh, look at the time. I think I need to get off here and finish my coffee before Ariel and Ray return from the ride. But just wondering, everything okay there? With you?”

  “Everything’s splendid. Parents are coming in tomorrow, so I took the day off. Anyway, if I don’t hear from you, have a Merry Christmas.”

  “You too.”

  “And let me know how you intend on leaving this amazing guy in a few days.”

  “Bye, Hyun.”

  Chapter 11

  After seeing Toy Story Land and the Indiana Jones stunt show, Ariel said, “I’m hungry. Can we get some ice cream?”

  “It is lunchtime,” Ray said. “How about some lunch? Or do you mean you want ice cream for lunch?
Which, I wouldn’t be opposed to.”

  Sophie shot him a look of disapproval. “I think we should eat some real food. After that donut for breakfast, I can use a hearty meal. Any suggestions, Professor Disney?”

  Ray mimicked Yoda’s voice while grinning at Ariel. “Hearty meal, you said. Then 50s Prime Time Café, I recommend.”

  “Agree, I do,” Ariel said in a better version of Yoda, and gave him a big cheesy grin.

  “Then to the restaurant, let’s go,” Sophie said with a straight face, in Master Yoda tone and inflection. Knowing she had just won the Yoda impersonation contest by far made her smile on the inside.

  Both Ray and Ariel’s heads snapped in her direction simultaneously with looks of utter shock; which pleased Sophie tremendously. She liked the fact that she surprised them with being more Disney than they ever expected, or at least more Star Wars than they were. She and Natalie had both loved the movies and had often spoken in Yoda voices. But she would keep that nugget of information to herself. She took Ariel’s hand and swung it back and forth, while heading in the direction of the 50’s Prime Time Café.

  WHILE WAITING IN THE restaurant line, a woman in her late-twenties, dressed in designer jeans, six-inch heels, bleach-blonde hair teased up to the sky, and a heavily made-up face turned around and smiled. She wore a silver necklace with a large cosmic eye charm that seemed to be staring straight at Sophie.

  Sophie couldn’t take her eyes off the woman’s necklace. It both creeped her out and fascinated her. She wondered what it was. But Sophie wasn’t like most Disney-goers, she didn’t just ask complete strangers questions on a regular basis.

  “It sees all,” the woman said in a sing-song voice. “All I need to do is consult with the eye, like this,” she flipped the charm to face her. “And I can see what it sees.”

  “Oh.” This woman has definitely stepped over the kooky line.

  The woman glanced down at the charm and then back up at Sophie. “Do you want to know what it says?”

  Sophie didn’t know what to say. Did she want to know what some crackpot stranger saw in an eerie cosmic eye charm? She didn’t think so. But maybe she did. She started to shake her head, but didn’t complete the headshake before the woman told her anyway.

  “You need to open up your life force. Your chi is blocked.” She glanced at Ariel and then Ray with a serious look. “You two need to help her. She’s caught in a stream of consciousness not of her own will.”

  Sophie was still in a daze from looking into the necklace’s haunting charm and could barely move when the woman spoke.

  A floppy-haired man with kind eyes said, “I’m sorry. Helga’s a palm and tarot card reader and see-er. She does this, randomly. She means no harm.”

  Ray said to Helga, “How do we help her?”

  He reached around Sophie’s back, and she snapped out of her charm stupor, thinking Ray was about to hug her, but instead, he tapped Ariel’s arm. “I’m good. I don’t need help. I’m doing perfectly fine. But thanks so much for your concern.” She pulled Ariel close to her and dared Ray to ask another question with her glare.

  Instead, he headed for the sign-in desk.

  Helga said, “I’m sorry. I can see you two are very much in love. So, just enjoy your meal.”

  Sophie said, “We’re not—”

  Helga turned around and whispered under her breath, but still loud enough for Sophie to hear, “Yes you are, but you may not know it. Yet.”

  Sophie was glad when Helga and her floppy-haired friend were escorted away to their table.

  Ariel tugged on the hem of Sophie’s dress for her aunt to squat down, and then whispered into her ear, “See, Aunt Sophie. Everyone knows you should be with Ray.”

  I’m glad Ray didn’t hear any of the conversation. As embarrassing as the entire incident had been, it would have been far worse for Ray to overhear some complete random oddball announce that I’m in love with him! It’s preposterous! I already have a boyfriend.

  When Ray’s name was called and they were taken to their table by Cousin Bill, as he called himself, he announced, “Now, cousins, make sure you eat all your food, because Mom will get mad if you don’t.”

  Ariel giggled. “I’ve been here before. I know you get in trouble if you hide your peas under your napkin.”

  Their server, dressed in a pink fifties-style diner dress with apron, introduced herself as Aunt June and brought menus for everyone. The first thing out of her mouth was to scold Ray, “Get your elbows off the table!”

  Ray laughed. “Sorry.”

  She eyed him sideways and with two fingers pointing from her eyes to his, said, “I’ve got my eye on you, mister.”

  Sophie leaned over to Ariel, who had placed her napkin on her lap. “You worried you’re next?”

  “No. I know better than to do that in here. I know all the rules. Eat your vegetables. No elbows.”

  When Aunt June returned, she had silverware and napkins and handed them to Ray. “Okay, mister, you get to set the table. And do it right or you’ll be sorry.”

  Sophie was glad she was not the butt of the jokes. As many times as she’d eaten at the 50’s Prime Time Café as a child, she always dreaded it. Because of her pale skin and easy-blush issue, everything seemed to embarrass her. But watching Ray take it on the chin was a joy. He was such a good sport. She laughed right along with everyone else.

  After finishing their entrees, Aunt June returned and picked up Ray’s fork. She stabbed the few remaining green beans, then brought the fork close to his mouth. He kept his mouth tightly shut. “I can’t. I can’t eat any more.”

  “You want dessert?” she barked.

  “There’s always room for dessert,” he said.

  “Then eat!”

  Ray relented and opened his mouth only wide enough for the bossy server to shove the fork in. But as soon as she walked away, he pulled it back out.

  Aunt June turned just in time to see what Ray had done and marched away. When she returned, she had a dessert plate of green beans topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry.

  Ray laughed so hard, he choked and gagged when he said, “Thanks.”

  Sophie and Ariel both laughed with him and then Sophie picked up a green bean with some whipped cream and ate it. “Surprisingly good!” The three of them devoured the plate, while Aunt June stood over them with her mouth hung open.

  OUTSIDE THE RESTAURANT, Ray’s phone rang. “Hello? Yes. Oh. Can you hang on a second?” He put his phone down. “It’s the concierge at the hotel. They can’t fix the pipes today. Something about a part being shipped in tomorrow. They have no rooms. Have to move me to another hotel for the night.”

  “Wow!” Sophie was shocked. How could they do that? He’ll have to pack up everything just for one night?

  “We have an extra bunk,” Ariel said. “You can just stay in our room.”

  Ray shook his head, “I couldn’t do that, Ariel.”

  Sophie thought aloud, “Why not?” Her own words surprised her. Never would she have dreamed of inviting a man she’d known less than forty-eight hours to sleep in her room with Ariel. Where is this coming from? I’ve never done anything so risky, irresponsible, or impulsive in my life. I’m the overprotective type, not the trust-everyone-person that Natalie had been. But Ray wasn’t just any man. He was kind and helpful to both of them. And she had a certain feeling about him, one she couldn’t quite define yet. She trusted him and was happy with her decision. And Ariel was right. They had an extra bed and it was only one night. And all the help Ray gave, she owed him a little help in return.

  “Really? Because I don’t mind moving—”

  “No. You’re staying with us. That’s it.” Sophie didn’t mean to sound as bossy as Aunt June, but wanted to impress upon him that there was no need to switch hotels for a single night.

  Ray told the concierge he would be staying in Sophie’s room for the night. When he hung up, he said, “They asked me to come pack my things so they can get around the bat
hroom without destroying my stuff. I’m going to go pack an overnight bag and I’ll meet you two back here.”

  “Don’t you need us to go with you to get into our room?”

  “Not a problem. I’ll leave the bag at the front desk and pick it up tonight on our way back. You two have fun, and I’ll be right back. Won’t take that long. Due to the inconvenience, they’re sending a Minnie Van to take me directly back to the hotel.”

  “Aw, I always wanted to ride in one,” Ariel said. “They’re so cute!”

  “You’re welcome to come along, but I think it would be more fun if you two stayed here and enjoyed the park,” Ray said.

  “You’re right, I wanna go sing with Elsa!” Ariel said.

  “Yes, that’s way more fun. See ya real soon.” Ray walked off while Ariel took Sophie’s hand and led her to the Frozen sing-along show.

  “You know your way around better than I do!” Sophie said.

  “Of course. I’ve been here a million times. I don’t need to look at a map, like you. I know all the parks.”

  I bet she doesn’t know there’s a new Christmas version of the Frozen sing-along. At that moment, rain poured with no warning. Guests ran to and fro, scrambling for cover. Sophie and Ariel dashed to the Frozen show and got in line. At least it’s under cover.

  While standing in line completely soaked, Sophie thought how appropriate it was. Being wet would make their wintry encounter even colder.

  Ariel asked, “Aunt Sophie, can I ask you something?”

  Sophie shut off her phone and slid it back into her bag. “Sure, honey, what’s up?”

  “Why aren’t you married?” Ariel looked up into her aunt’s eyes with child-like wonder, seeing as, she was a child.

  Kids. They don’t beat around the bush! “Well, for one thing, no one has ever asked me to marry them. And I’ve never found anyone I would want to ask.”

  “Why not?”