Discovering Sophie

by Anderson, Cindy Roland

  She had already requested the time off for the end of the month and was just awaiting the contact information for the guide she hoped to hire.

  Sophie recalled the telephone conversation she’d had with her best friend, Camille Campbell, two weeks ago.

  “I have a brilliant idea!” Camille said, her voice bubbling with excitement. “I can’t believe I didn’t think of it earlier.”

  Sophie had just finished with a four hour surgery and she desperately hoped Camille’s idea involved chocolate. “What is it?”

  “Did I ever tell you about Jack Mathison?”

  “No,” Sophie said, pulling off her scrub cap. “Who is he?”

  Camille went on to explain that when she was in high school, her older brother Tyson had just graduated from college and had gone on a youth service mission trip with their church to Central America. He lived in Costa Rica for four months, and Jack Mathison, another volunteer, had been one of his roommates.

  “I had the wildest crush on the guy,” Camille said on a sigh. “He came home with Tyson and stayed with us for a week and then burst my seventeen-year-old fantasy bubble when he introduced me to his fiancée.”

  “Okay,” Sophie said, glancing at the clock. She had an hour break before she needed to get to her office to see patients. “But how does this all amount to a brilliant idea?”

  “I’m getting there. Anyway, the twins were taking a nap this morning, so I decided to watch TV while I folded laundry. The first channel I turned to was that movie Dragonfly with Kevin Costner. He plays the part of a doctor who goes into the Amazon jungle to the place where his wife died. I totally got sucked into it when all of the sudden it reminded me of Jack!”

  Sophie rubbed her eyes, wondering where Camille was going with this. “Jack looks like Kevin Costner?”

  “No. Jack was way better looking.”

  “Camille, you have totally lost me.”

  “That’s because you won’t let me finish.” Camille blew out a big breath. “Anyway, Tyson and Jack had lost contact with one another, but about eight years ago, Tyson had run into one of the other guys who had also gone on the mission trip. He told Tyson that Jack had never married and had permanently relocated to Costa Rica. The last he’d heard, Jack took medical outreach groups deep into the Costa Rica jungle so they can provide medical services for the natives in some of the remote villages.”

  A spark of interest ignited in Sophie as she finally got what Camille might be trying to say. If this Jack Mathison still did that, it would be the perfect setup. Sophie could search for her father while doing humanitarian work.

  “You could go look for your father while at the same time be doing your doctor stuff, and Jack can be your guide!” Camille said, confirming they were on the same page.

  Sophie sat down on a chair, her mind going a million miles an hour. The logistics of her traveling to Costa Rica seemed insurmountable, but the warmth inside her chest confirmed that this was exactly what she was supposed to do.

  “Sophie, you still there?” Camille asked.

  “Yes. It is a brilliant idea.”

  “I know, right!”

  Camille’s enthusiasm made Sophie smile. “Does your brother know how I can get a hold of Mr. Mathison?”

  “I’m not sure. Tyson and his wife just left for a Caribbean cruise. I’ve emailed him, but I have no idea when he’ll get the message, or what he can do until he comes back.”

  A chime alerted Sophie of an incoming text, bringing her back to the present. Peter was still engrossed in his conversation, and she hoped the text wasn’t the hospital calling her in for an emergency. He wouldn’t be very happy about turning around and taking her back right now.

  Reaching down to get her purse, she slipped her phone from the outside pocket. A tiny smile curved her lips when she read the message from Camille.

  Houston, we are go for launch. Call me ASAP.

  Before Sophie could reply, Camille sent her another text. This one made Sophie want to roll her eyes at her friend’s impertinence.

  FYI: JM is still single!

  Chapter Two

  A few weeks later, Camille invited Sophie inside her house, holding a finger to her lips to quiet her. “I just got the twins down for their nap.” She raised her eyebrows mischievously. “We have the whole house to ourselves, and a fresh pan of brownies.”

  Slipping off her shoes, Sophie followed her friend into the kitchen. She loved Camille like a sister, even though they looked nothing alike and were polar opposite in coloring and build. Camille’s blue eyes, blonde hair and fair skin testified of her Swedish descent. Compared to Sophie’s five three petite stature, her friend towered over her by five inches. While she and Camille were both thirty-two, her friend had been married for eleven years and had four children: A fact that always set Sophie’s biological clock ticking very loudly.

  Inhaling the tantalizing aroma of warm brownies, Sophie slid onto one of the bar stools. She needed a friend’s advice, as well as the chocolate. “How did you know I needed this?”

  Camille grinned. “You sounded pretty stressed this morning.”

  “I am.” Sophie sighed dramatically, resting her elbow on the bar and cupping her chin with her palm. “I can’t believe I’m leaving at the end of the week. That gives me three days to finalize everything and pack.”

  Taking a spatula, Camille sliced the brownies into thick squares. “And only three days to get ready to meet Jack.” An impish smile wiggled her lips. “This morning I rummaged around in my box of things from high school and found a picture of him. Wanna see?”

  Sophie narrowed her eyes. Camille loved teasing her about how handsome Jack had been. “I really don’t care what he looks like,” Sophie said, reaching for a brownie.

  Laughing, Camille opened a drawer and pulled out a photograph. “Okay, but I just thought you might want to prepare yourself, you know, so you don’t fall for him or anything.”

  Her curiosity piqued, Sophie pretended not to be interested. “I already promised not to be taken in by his good looks.”

  Camille studied the picture. “Yep, he was definitely hot. Not as hot as my husband, but he’s a close second.” Her blue eyes twinkled as she looked at Sophie. “I wonder if he’s aged well?”

  When Sophie didn’t respond, Camille pulled the drawer back open and put the picture down inside. Sophie couldn’t stand it any longer. “Oh, just give me the picture already.”

  Grinning, Camille handed over the photograph. “He’s the one on the left.”

  Sophie studied the two younger men. Tyson looked almost exactly like he had when she’d met him for the first time this past summer. Jack’s face wasn’t very visible. He had his head turned to the side, pointing a finger to his flexed muscle bulging under the short sleeve of his tee. Sophie could see from his profile that Jack Mathison was a good-looking guy.

  She handed the picture back, feeling somewhat interested. “From what I can tell, he looks pretty average to me.”

  “You are such a liar. But if you need more proof, I’m sure Tyson has a better shot of him.”

  “No thanks.” Sophie lifted the brownie and took a small bite. “Besides, there’s nothing to worry about. I’m not looking for romance, and from what your brother said, I gather neither is Mr. Mathison.” She started to take another bite before she quickly added, “And I’m dating Peter.”

  Camille rolled her eyes, knowing the ambivalent feelings Sophie struggled with. “Speaking of Peter, how does he feel about all of this?”

  Lowering her head, Sophie mumbled an answer, “I haven’t told him yet.”

  Coming around the bar, Camille took a seat beside her. “I know you’re confused about how you feel right now…but, Sophie, don’t you think you should at least tell him you’re going out of town?”

  “Yes.” Sophie took a deep breath. “I’m making him dinner when he comes back from his business trip on Thursday. I’ll tell him then.”

  Camille clicked her tongue against her teet
h. “Girl, that’s the night before you leave.”

  “I know.” Sophie took another bite of her treat. It wasn’t very mature to have kept it from him, but she knew he would try to prevent her from leaving. “I have to do this by myself and I know Peter isn’t going to be happy about it.”

  “Good luck.” Camille patted her on the shoulder sympathetically. “And I suggest you make him his favorite meal. Methinks you’re gonna need it.”

  Sophie groaned and put her hands over her face. “Oh, what is wrong with me?”

  “Nothing. You’re not engaged to—” Camille pulled Sophie’s hands away from her face. “You’re not engaged, right?”

  Sophie thought about the diamond ring sitting in her jewelry box. Before leaving on his business trip, Peter had insisted on her taking the ring, asking her to hold on to it until she found out what happened to her father. Poor Peter believed that was the only thing holding her back and probably thought having the ring in her possession would sway her. She felt even worse for not being completely honest with him.

  “No. You know I would never get engaged and not tell you.”

  “That’s what I thought.” Camille spun Sophie’s barstool around so they were facing each other. “Now, let’s talk about your trip. What’s going to happen when you show up and Jack finds out Dr. Kendrick is a woman?”

  Sophie bit her bottom lip. “I hope he’ll consider my situation and help me find my father.”

  Unable to look Camille in the eye, Sophie dropped her chin. It’s not like she had lied to Mr. Mathison. She just hadn’t made it clear she was a woman. Besides, according to Tyson, it wasn’t an enforced regulation but rather an off-hand comment Jack had made that he would never again take another woman into the jungle.

  Tyson hadn’t given her many details about Jack’s broken engagement, but explained it had left Jack a little bitter and untrusting of women. More recently, a woman Jack had met while guiding a team of doctors and nurses into the jungle had betrayed him. They had only gone out a few times, but Jack had caught her cheating with a married doctor. Then she had threatened to sue Jack for sexual harassment if he said anything to the doctor’s wife, who had usually accompanied her husband on other expeditions.

  Legally, Jack couldn’t expressly forbid women on his tours, but he could personally decline his services to anyone. Tyson had hinted that it might be a good idea for Sophie to not disclose her gender to Mr. Mathison until she was in Costa Rica. Once she was there, Tyson didn’t think Jack would refuse her.

  Sophie had agreed and justified her deception by telling herself her mission was to find her missing father. And of course she wasn’t romantically interested in Jack Mathison. Even after seeing his picture, Sophie knew she wouldn’t develop any kind of feelings for her guide. She already had her hands full with Peter and her father’s disappearance. So when Sophie had exchanged emails with the man, she had always signed them simply as Dr. S. Kendrick.

  “I’m sure it won’t be a big deal, Sophie.” Camille laughed. “In fact, after Tyson talked to Jack, he thinks you’ll be good for the guy and can help him overcome the low opinion he has of women right now.”

  “How can I help?” Sophie asked in bewilderment.

  “Well, according to Tyson, you’re one of the nicest people he has ever met.”

  “He just thinks that since I stitched the cut on his hand for free and gave him pain pills.”

  Camille smiled. “Tyson also said Jack isn’t involved with church anymore. He’s hoping you can light a fire in Jack’s faith.” One of her eyebrows rose. “Personally, I hope he lights a fire in you.”

  “Stop it. He’s going to be my guide. Nothing more.”

  “Oh, I wish I could go with you,” Camille said, letting out a squeal that sounded like some of the teenage girls in the youth group Sophie mentored each week when they were talking about boys. “Once you meet Jack, you have to promise to text or email me what happens.” Camille reached out and snagged a brownie for herself. “While I’m home chasing four kids under ten years old, you’ll be roughing it with some tortured hot guy in the Costa Rica jungle.”

  “Hopefully I’ll also find my father.”

  Camille’s enthusiasm tapered off and her eyes sobered. “I’m sorry, Sophie. I shouldn’t be making light of this trip. I pray you will find your dad alive and well.”

  “Me too,” Sophie whispered. “Me too.”

  * * *

  The timer on the oven buzzed and Sophie glanced nervously at the clock. Peter would arrive any minute now. Opening the oven door, she grabbed a couple of hot pads and pulled out the homemade chicken pot pie, placing it on top of the stove. It was his favorite meal, and she hoped it would help soften the news of her departure for Costa Rica tomorrow.

  Peter had been very busy the past couple of weeks, going on several business trips. Sophie probably could have found an opportunity to tell him during that time, but she honestly didn’t want to have to defend her reasons for going to Costa Rica and then have Peter use his attorney skills to try and talk her out of it. The trip had miraculously come together quickly and she couldn’t afford to lose the window of opportunity.

  She had also decided to give Peter back his ring. It wasn’t fair to make him believe she would accept his proposal anytime soon, not when she didn’t love him the way she wanted to. Besides, she couldn’t make such a serious decision until she had resolved her father’s whereabouts.

  The doorbell chimed, and Sophie’s stomach twisted with apprehension. She drew in a deep breath and crossed the living room floor. Praying Peter would understand, she opened the door. He looked impeccable, wearing a pair of tan chinos and a fitted polo. He held out a dozen red, long-stem roses.

  “Oh,” she said, accepting the flowers. “They’re lovely. Thank you so much.”

  “You’re welcome.” He leaned in and gave her a soft kiss. “Mmm, you’re wearing the strawberry stuff, right?”

  On occasion, Peter would try to guess what lip gloss flavor she had on, but he had never once gotten it right. “It’s actually watermelon,” Sophie said, unable to look him in the eye. She held up the roses and took a step back. “Let me get a vase for these.”

  She went into the kitchen to look for a vase. There were quite a few to choose from since Peter frequently gifted her with flowers.

  “Boy, something sure smells good,” Peter said, coming in behind her.

  “I made chicken pot pie.” She filled the vase with water and arranged the flowers in it.

  After she placed the roses in the center of the dining room table, Peter pulled her in for a hug. “Thank you for making me dinner.” Then he kissed her again.

  Sophie tried to lose herself in the kiss, but all she could think about was getting dinner on the table and giving him her news. No matter how hard she tried, she didn’t feel that stop-your-heart-can’t-breathe kind of love.

  She had planned on telling him after dinner, but the way Peter gazed at her, she had to tell him now. Sophie didn’t like hurting people. As a doctor, she’d tapped into her natural tendency to nurture and heal. Hurting him was the last thing she wanted to do. Yet, continuing to date him, knowing how she felt for him, was anything but nurturing.

  Anxiety looped a knot in her stomach as they sat down at the table. “Before we eat… there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

  His eyes dipped down as he reached for her left hand, running his thumb over her bare finger. “What is it?” he asked, bringing his gaze back to hers.

  “I need to find out what happened to my father. I can’t sit around any longer, hoping to hear something.”

  His eyebrows drew together with concern. “What do you have in mind?”

  “I want to visit the village he was last living in.”

  “Wow.” He let go of her hand and sat back. “Sophie, I don’t think that would be wise. It would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. I told you I would find a private investigator.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket. “I’m
sorry I didn’t get right on it, but I’ll text my assistant to start looking for someone right now.”

  His objection was something she had expected, but whether or not Peter agreed with her, she was going to Costa Rica. She also knew it was the right thing to do.

  “I can’t wait that long. I know I should’ve talked with you earlier, and I’m sorry that I didn’t, but I’ve already made arrangements, and I’m leaving…” She paused. “I’m leaving in the morning.”

  Shock registered on his face. His eyes flashed with anger as he abruptly scraped his chair back and stood up. “You’re leaving tomorrow and this is the first time you’ve bothered to mention it?”

  While his anger was understandable, it still made her feel defensive. Rising from her seat, she moved behind the chair and gripped the top of it. “I said I’m sorry, Peter, but I don’t need your permission to go.”

  He pressed his mouth into a tight line and took a couple of deep breaths. “I know you don’t need my permission.” His voice was clipped, as if he could barely contain his ire. “I do, however, think you could’ve been more considerate of my feelings and talked it over with me.”

  She winced, knowing he had a point. “I’m sorry. I agree that I should’ve talked to you.”

  “Yes, and if you had, I could’ve told how futile your trip will be.”

  Ah. There was the Peter she knew and tried to love.

  “And that’s exactly why I didn’t tell you. I don’t need to hear how hopeless you think it might be. It’s not your father who’s missing.” Her bottom lip quivered and tears stung her eyes. “Mine is, and he’s all the family I’ve got. I’m all alone.”

  Peter’s jaw tightened. “You’re not alone. You have me.”

  “But I don’t have my dad.” A lone tear rolled down her cheek. She and her father had been at odds as far back as she could remember. They had clashed over everything from what language she was learning in school to what kind of doctor she had wanted to become. Still, despite their differences, she loved him.