Truth or Dare

by Aimee McNeil

  “I know.” Sophie squeezed back tightly.

  “We are all colors of messed up, you know. I don’t know how to recognize a good man when I see them and you’re scared to let yourself fall in love, so you run away from it even when it comes in the hottest package known to man.”

  “But we’re going to make the best business partners,” Sophie encouraged.

  “Damn fucking right. Let’s kick it.” Mel jumped to her feet. “We have lots of shit to do before we can start selling our cookies.” She winked.

  ***

  Sophie felt drastically better when her mother arrived that afternoon. She knew there was no way she could hide it from her. The truth of her broken heart was written all over her.

  “Sophie, darling! This is the most beautiful dress.” Her mother’s face lit up as she looked down at the dress; the fit was almost perfect as her mother spun around in front of the full height mirror in Sophie’s apartment. Her mother ran her fingers over the material and her smile shone brighter than the sun. Sophie placed a couple of pins into the material for some minor adjustments but she was very pleased how well it fit. Tears started to fall from her mother’s shining eyes. “I love you so much. This is more than I ever imagined.” She gathered Sophie in her arms and squeezed tight. “Are you going to tell me why you’re so sad?” her mother whispered in Sophie’s ear as she kept her arms secure around her shoulders. She pulled back and looked into Sophie’s eyes that were also filled with tears.

  “Mom? How do you know that it is different with Peter than with all the others?” Sophie kept her hands busy fussing with her mother’s dress. When her question left her lips her mother reached for her hands.

  “There are no guarantees in life but I know that my heart wants to be with him even with the risk. He makes me happy and I want to spend whatever time that I can by his side. All I can do is hope that we will have the rest of our lives together.”

  “Don’t you think it would be easier not to risk it? Why would you want to give someone so much power over your life? What if your heart gets broken and you can’t put the pieces back together again?”

  Her mother tucked Sophie’s hair behind her ear before lifting Sophie’s chin to look into her eyes. “It doesn’t mean that you give someone power over you. It’s opening up your heart to someone and finding a connection. To find meaning in our lives that makes us happy and stronger. I like my life with love even if it meant I had to suffer many failed attempts. If you don’t take the risk because you’re scared of getting hurt, then you could miss out on something beautiful. Our hearts are strong, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. Don’t cheat yourself because you are afraid.”

  “What if I can never really forgive Ashton for what he and Lucinda did to me? What if I can’t get past it? Seeing him with Lucinda makes me feel like the vulnerable girl I was back in high school. I run as fast as I can in the opposite direction, literally. I’m just waiting for them to reveal this has been a joke the entire time but…when he looks at me I feel loved. He makes me feel alive.”

  “I wish I had the answer for you. I don’t like how he treated you. I hate that he made you suffer but if you love him you have to figure out if it’s worth the risk to make it work. Eventually you have to stop running and face it. You are no longer that little girl anymore. You are a strong, independent woman. Take control of your life.”

  “You’re right.” Sophie hugged her mother tightly; the comfort of her mother’s embrace was exactly what she needed. “I love you, Mom.”

  “I love you too, baby girl, more than you will ever know.” Her mother held her. “You are my favorite person in this whole world and I don’t like seeing you sad.”

  “I’m gonna be okay.” Sophie wiped her eyes. “I like this more mature version of you, Mom.”

  “It was about time, don’t you think? I only wish I could have made the debut years ago.” Her mother squeezed her hand. “It would have helped my mothering skills.”

  “I wouldn’t change a thing,” Sophie insisted. “Mel and I have some good news for you.”

  “It’s about time this sappy love fest was over,” Mel piped in. Sophie laughed because she noticed Mel’s watery eyes. “And don’t worry, she’s not gonna tell you that we’re lesbian lovers.” Mel smiled evilly.

  Sophie couldn’t help but laugh and her mother followed suit. Laughing felt good, she wanted to find her happiness again.

  Her mother listened excitedly as the two of them told her of their business plan and the immediate plans for the cookie café. Sophie’s mother’s reaction was encouraging as she asked questions. Sophie and Mel planned to spend the rest of the day finishing the business proposal for the investor and organize the renovations that had to take place. Dustin’s brother, Christian, was a contractor and agreed to take on the project. The plumbing did not need to be altered and only minor electrical was required to acquire proper outlets for their equipment.

  “And your job at the restaurant? And with Mrs. Darcy?” Sophie’s mother asked.

  “I’ll give my notice at the restaurant once our financing is official and my job with Margaret is flexible.”

  “I am proud of you girls. This is exciting and you seem to have all your bases covered. I hope to be your first customer.”

  When Sophie’s mom left, her spirits were considerably lifted. It was nice to focus on something other than the upheaval within her heart.

  Sophie and Mel spent the rest of the afternoon making phone calls to confirm their numbers before sending their final business plan to John. When they were finished, Sophie called Margaret to get an update. Margaret was excited to announce that Ashton was on the way to take her home. Sophie made plans to meet her at her house. She was planning to stay with Margaret for a couple of days until she was healed, taking a couple days off work from the restaurant. Hearing Margaret speak Ashton’s name brought an ache to her chest. She hoped that she wouldn’t run into him because she knew how difficult it would be. She wasn’t ready yet.

  When Sophie arrived at Margaret’s house, she was surprised to hear so many voices coming from the sitting room. “Hello, Charlotte,” Sophie greeted as she set her bags down in the entrance way.

  “Ashton’s parents are in town visiting Margaret. They’re expecting you.” Charlotte gave her an encouraging wave toward the voices.

  “I don’t want to intrude. I’ll let them have their family time.”

  “Nonsense. They have been looking forward to meeting the girl that Margaret and their son are always fussing about.”

  “What?” Sophie suddenly felt terrified.

  “Go on. I’ll put your bags in your room,” Charlotte insisted.

  Sophie forced her legs to walk into the room. She was nervous to meet Ashton’s parents. Sophie suddenly wished she had worn something nicer than her favorite jeans and a pale green T-shirt, when her eyes settled on two finely dressed people. Sophie recognized them as Ashton’s parents immediately. Ashton had his father’s dominating presence with amazing bone structure, with his mother’s coloring and bright blue eyes. They turned to study Sophie as she entered. Sophie forced a pleasant smile on her face, ignoring the nerves clawing at her insides.

  “Hello, Sophie,” Margaret welcomed her. She was sitting on the sofa with a blanket over her legs, resting. Sophie was relieved to see her coloring had improved even more since yesterday. Both Ashton’s parents stood up as Sophie approached. Ashton’s father extended a hand as she neared. His features reminded her of Ashton.

  “Nice to meet you, Sophie. I’m Marcus and this is Bridgette. We have heard so much about you.”

  “Hopefully only the good things. It’s nice to meet you too. I have grown rather fond of Margaret and you have a wonderful son as well,” Sophie offered politely. They smiled welcomingly in return.

  “So you think I’m wonderful?” Ashton’s voice startled her as he approached her from behind.

  “Ashton? I didn’t know you were here.” Ashton’s smell enveloped her. He
leaned down and kissed his grandmother’s cheek before coming to stand next to his parents.

  “I can see why Ashton is so captivated by you. You are quite the vision,” Bridgette complimented.

  “Thank you, Bridgette. You are too kind.”

  Sophie looked up and caught Ashton’s eyes on her. She knew that the truth was he was the one that captivated her. Her resolve was crumbling.

  “Sorry to interrupt but I wanted to see if Sophie wanted this with her.” Charlotte entered the room carrying the wrapped canvas with her. “Or in her room with her bags?”

  “My room is fine. Thank you, Charlotte.”

  “Is that a painting? I have heard of your wonderful talent,” Bridgette asked, eyeing the large package.

  Sophie felt her face heat. She hadn’t intended to make a big deal about the painting she had made for Margaret. “Yes. It’s just something I did for Margaret. I was planning on giving it to her later,” Sophie tried to dismiss nonchalantly.

  “Did you paint me something?” Margaret beamed, making her appear youthful.

  “Yes. I wanted to thank you for all that you have done for me,” Sophie offered nervously.

  “You are so sweet.” Margaret reached for Sophie’s hand, giving her an affectionate squeeze.

  “Bring it here, Charlotte,” Bridgette requested.

  Sophie had to stay her fingers from twisting a hole in her shirt. Ashton looked slightly amused at her anxious behavior. Ashton leaned in next to her. “You look sexy as hell when you’re nervous.” His breath against her ear made her insides melt. She wanted to taste his lips. She was defenseless against his charms. I have to be strong! I can’t keep falling into this cycle that will have me running scared because I don’t know if Lucinda still has a claim on him. How could she protect her heart when it so willingly wanted to sacrifice itself up for slaughter, even with the memory of him and Lucinda so vivid in her mind from the coffee shop?

  “Can I open it?” Margaret asked, looking at the painting excitedly.

  “Oh…of course, it’s for you. You may open it whenever you like.” Sophie noted everyone’s eyes on her, especially the hot gaze of Ashton. Sophie held her breath as Margaret untied the sting, pulling back the paper to expose the picture that she created. Margaret’s hand immediately went to her mouth to stifle a gasp. For a moment Sophie’s heart felt like it stilled in her chest, unsure of what Margaret would say. Sophie watched as tears filled Margaret’s eyes.

  “It’s beautiful.” Margaret sobbed gently. “You have captured everything about him that I loved more than life.” Margaret ran her fingers over her late husband’s features so lovingly it almost pained Sophie to watch. The look in Margaret’s eyes spoke of the love she held for him. Sophie looked up and noticed Bridgette’s tears as well.

  Marcus gently touched Sophie’s shoulder. “Thank you.” The appreciation in his eyes was touching. She hadn’t realized how much the picture would affect those who knew the man in the painting.

  “Yes. Thank you for this. This is the closest I have felt to him since the day he left this world.” Margaret smiled through her tears.

  “I’m glad you like it.” Sophie’s heart swelled, these people loved him very much, and it was written on all of their faces.

  Ashton ran his fingers gently down the length of her back, giving Sophie shivers. She wasn’t sure why Ashton insisted on touching her. She had said her goodbye but she couldn’t bring herself to stop him. He stood too close, his addictive smell called to her. His face was so perfect it was impossible not to want to look at him, to want to touch him. If only he would give her some space to clear her head of his spell. Sophie answered Marcus and Bridgette’s questions, and let them know her paintings would be displayed in Mr. Heshman’s art gallery. “It is so good knowing that Margaret is being well cared for.” Bridgette touched Sophie’s forearm. “And I have never seen my son so taken with anyone like he is with you. We have been looking forward to meeting you.”

  Ashton cleared his throat as if warning his mother.

  “We will be back tomorrow, Mother.” Bridgette leaned down and kissed Margaret’s cheek. “Call if you need anything.”

  “Of course. Good night, love.” Margaret smiled.

  After Ashton’s parents left, Sophie made tea for Margaret and then helped her upstairs so she could ready herself for bed. Margaret grew tired and wished to retire early. Sophie helped Margaret into bed, giving her the pain medication she needed.

  “Ashton will not be able to let go, he’s too far gone. I can see it in his eyes when he looks at you.” Margaret looked up at Sophie thoughtfully. “My husband used to look at me like that.” Sophie wasn’t able to respond; she could only smile sadly. “He told me you don’t believe in falling in love.” Margaret took Sophie’s hand. “You should know that it believes in you.”

  Sophie sighed. “Goodnight, Margaret. I’ll keep my phone on all night. Just call me if you need anything.” Sophie slid the phone on Margaret’s nightstand closer to the bed so it could be reached easier.

  “Think about what I said.”

  “I will.”

  “Goodnight, Sophie.”

  Chapter

  Twenty-Seven

  After Sophie got ready for bed she grabbed her robe and quietly left her room to go downstairs to make more tea. The house was quiet. Charlotte had gone to sleep and Ashton had disappeared earlier in the evening, no word to his whereabouts. I hope Ashton went home.

  When Sophie entered the kitchen she was surprised to see Ashton sitting at the table with a bottle of whiskey in front of him. Crap! His hair looked as if he had repeatedly run his fingers through it and his eyes were noticeably bloodshot. He didn’t say a word as Sophie walked in, only leaned back in his chair. His blue eyes were dark and were trained on her as she grabbed a tea cup before sitting across from him.

  Sophie wrapped her fingers around the whiskey bottle and pulled it toward her. She let the amber liquid fill her cup. The smell made her stomach turn but she wanted to do exactly what Ashton was doing and take the edge off her emotions.

  “Ask me truth,” Ashton broke the intense silence.

  “No. I don’t want to play.” Sophie tipped her cup up and swallowed the harsh liquid.

  “I do. Ask me why I was with Luce.” He grabbed the whiskey and filled his own glass.

  “I don’t want to know.” Sophie shook her head. She didn’t want to know anything that involved Lucinda.

  “Please.”

  Sophie slipped her robe off her shoulders and laid it over the back of her chair. She walked over to Ashton, who was watching her without a word. She slid her leg over him and straddled him in his chair. Looking into his eyes, she ran her fingers through his hair. He closed his eyes and a single tear slipped down his cheek. Sophie leaned in and kissed it away softly. He stayed still beneath her. Opening his eyes, he studied her through a haze of stormy blue.

  “I dare you to kiss me,” Sophie whispered. His eyes fell to her lips before he leaned in and took them. Ashton stood up abruptly, taking her with him. Pressing her body into his, he deepened their kiss. He started walking out of the kitchen with Sophie in his arms.

  “Where are you taking me?” Sophie whispered.

  “To my bed,” Ashton said with purpose.

  “Why do you always feel the need to carry me?”

  “Because I don’t want to let you go.”

  When Ashton laid her upon his bed she was surrounded by his scent like a warm blanket. Ashton slipped her night dress over her head, exposing her. His lips rained her with pleasure as he savored her.

  Leaning over her, Ashton looked at her with his mesmerizing blue eyes, searching for answers. Sophie ran her fingers over his cheek and touched his full lips. Her body responded to every touch he gave her. He was a musician and she was his instrument. His expert fingers played into her pleasure like a beautiful song. He took her with sad longing, like he knew that she would still not open her heart to him.

  Ashton held her clo
se as he entered her, his usual playful demeanor far from reach. They were both falling apart.

  Sophie lay against Ashton’s chest, her body satisfied beyond measure but her heart already mourning him. She’d only given in to her desires one last time. Ashton was quiet as he ran his fingers gently along her back. Sophie didn’t even realize she was crying until Ashton reached down and wiped the tear from her cheek with his thumb.

  “I was offered a job contract overseas for an undetermined amount of time,” Ashton said quietly.

  “What about your new place?” Sophie turned her body to look up at his face, running her hand along his body, memorizing the feel of him beneath her.

  He became quiet for a moment as he trailed his fingers along the curve of her shoulder. “Tell me to stay here with you and not take it.” Ashton reached up and ran his fingers through her hair.

  “I can’t do that,” Sophie whispered, another tear escaping her. She sat up and grabbed her night dress and slipped it over her head. Ashton raked his hands over his face and sighed.

  “Can’t or won’t?” He leaned up on his elbows.

  “Both.”

  “Sophie.” Ashton grabbed her wrist, stopping her from climbing off the bed. “I’m in love with you.”

  Sophie leaned in and kissed him, desperately savoring his taste with tears blurring her vision. When a sob escaped her lips, she pulled away and from his bed. “I can’t do this if Lucinda is a piece of the puzzle. Can you guarantee me that you will never see Lucinda again and that she doesn’t mean anything to you?”

  He didn’t respond immediately. Torment crossed his features. “Tell me you love me and we can figure everything else out. It’s not what you think it is with Lucinda. I just need you to trust me for a little while longer.”

  “I can’t.”

  “Love me or trust me?”

  “Both.”

  “Then I guess this is it.” His eyes dropped to his lap. Sophie needed to leave, the room suddenly felt suffocating. Walking across the hall, she closed and locked her door. She climbed into her bed and checked her phone to make sure Margaret didn’t need her before she pulled the covers over her head. She cried until her body gave way to exhaustion and she fell into a sleep consumed with dreams of Ashton.