He laughs, and I can't help but smile again. “No, nothing like that. For what it's worth, though, I am a fan. Hope that's not a deal-breaker.”
“Not at all. It's just that this is the first time I've had a one-on-one dinner with someone not in show business in … well, years.” I pause. “You're not one of those macho types whose dream it is to brag to everyone in his office that he scored with a celebrity, are you?”
His eyebrows raise, and for a few seconds, he looks annoyed. “Sophie … may I call you Sophie?”
“Go ahead.”
“Sophie, I can appreciate how awkward this situation is. I know we just met, and you have no reason to believe anything I say, but I'm just a normal guy. I'm not macho, I share an office with one person, a fat bald guy named Theodore who's in the running for the Most Boring Guy on the Planet Award, and while I admit having dinner with you is indeed a very special occasion, I'm not going to make it the focal point of my entire life.”
I take another sip of tea, leaning back. “You're sure? There's no betting going on?
He holds his hands up and smiles again. “I promise. I will, however, make one with you … if you're up for it.”
I find myself momentarily lost in his smile, and again, something about his face strikes me as familiar, but I can't for the life of me figure out why. “What kind of bet?”
Folding his hands in front of himself, he says evenly, “I'll bet you by the time we finish our meal, you'll agree to come back to my hotel with me. Loser pays for dinner.”
My eyes widen. I can't tell if this is bravado or if he's making a joke. “You're not serious.”
He doesn't even blink. “Yeah, I am.”
I try to keep my face implacable. “I like a guy with confidence, Kevin, but I'm not that easy, despite what you may think about actresses. And I've never gone back to someone's place after one date.”
He smirks. “Well, then, you've got nothing to worry about, do you?”
I nod. “Okay, you're on. Hope you've got some Benjamins in your wallet, Mr. Normal Guy, 'cause this place ain't cheap.”
He gingerly picks up his wine glass and drains the contents with a satisfied swig. “Do I look worried?”
Our food soon arrives, and it's amazing. Our server, Melina, is friendly and attentive but not nosy. Kevin, who seems to love being coy and mysterious, keeps the conversation casual, and we're only interrupted once, by that preteen girl who finds a way to wander over and ask for my autograph. I don't have a piece of paper handy, so I ask Melina to bring me something. She returns with a piece of paper from the office printer, and I love watching the gratitude materialize on the girl's face as I write her a lovely note thanking her for being my #1 fan.
“You really like doing that, huh?” Kevin asks after the girl leaves with her family.
“Signing autographs? Sometimes. What I really enjoy is talking to kids. I remember what it was like when I was that age, when I discovered my passion for acting.”
He takes a bite of his asparagus, and dabs his face with a napkin. “I loved you in Azimuth. You were a little over the top in All the Way, though.”
I try my best to look affronted. “Oh, so now you're a film critic?”
“Everyone who goes to the movies is a critic,” he says with a smug grin. “Don't worry, no one hits a home run every time. I actually thought you were brilliant in The President's Daughter.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. You gave so much depth to that character. Probably more than the script even called for. I'm so looking forward to The Institution.”
“Thank you.”
The server clears our empty plates and offers us something from the dessert cart. I'm stuffed, so I pass, but Kevin gallantly offers to share a crème brulee with me. “How'd you know I love crème brulee?” I ask.
“Everybody loves crème brulee,” he retorts, and I smile again. “And those that don't are not worth a second date.”
I chuckle. “Got that right.”
Within minutes, Melina returns with our dessert and two spoons. The burnt sugar is flaky and delicious, and the creamy custard beneath is airy and heavenly. The sweetness dances on my tongue. “Oh, wow, that is good.”
“It sure is,” he says, taking a spoonful of his own. “I may have to come back to this place the next time I'm in town.”
I glance at my watch, and realize ninety minutes has passed by rather quickly. He smiles again, and I realize to my astonishment this is the first blind date Marissa has ever set me up on that hasn't been a total train-wreck.
Sadly, all good things come to an end. I lean forward with a smug grin. “Well, Kevin, I must say, I've quite enjoyed our date. It's refreshing for a change to hang out with a guy who doesn't have an agenda.”
He nods in agreement. “I've had fun too. Of course, there is still the matter of our bet.”
“Yeah, about that. It would seem we've come to the end of our meal and, as charming and, I'll admit, handsome in that 'normal guy' kind of way that you are, and as much as I hate to admit that I probably wouldn't say 'no' if you were to ever ask me out again, there's nothing you've said or done tonight that would convince me to come back to your hotel with you.” I lean back, celebrating my victory. “Sorry to stick you with the check.”
He smirks, then shrugs his shoulders. “Oh, well, a guy can dream, can't he?” He makes a move to slide out of the booth. “I have to hit the men's room, and then I'll walk you to your car. How does that sound?”
“Sounds fine,” I say, and he walks toward the opposite corner of the restaurant, where the restrooms are.
Pulling my cell out of the clutch purse I brought with me, I send a text to the car service that I'm ready to be picked up. I no sooner hit Send when I notice something strange. On the corner of the table, tucked slightly behind the illuminated candle, is a folded piece of paper. Kevin must have left it behind.
Looking surreptitiously toward the restroom, I reach out my hand and pick up the paper. It's pretty thick, thicker than regular paper, cream-colored, with a few jagged tears on one end, like it had been torn from a pad or something.
I glance around again as I pull the paper toward me, and I gently unfold it.
My breath catches in my throat, and my eyes immediately start to water, as if my brain is unwilling to accept what I'm seeing.
On the page is a drawing, a very detailed pencil drawing of a little girl, perhaps ten years old. The girl is wearing a pair of unflattering wire-framed eyeglasses, has sparkly eyes and a wide, innocent smile.
The picture is of me.
My breath becomes ragged, and my hands, still clutching the drawing, start to tremble.
At that moment, Kevin returns to the table. He sits down, glances at the drawing in my hands, and smiles.
That smile.
No, it can't be.
I look at his face, and it instantly becomes clear. Twelve years ago, I knew that face. It was much smaller and younger back then, and was topped by a mop of spiky hair, but it's the same face.
“Oh my God …” I whisper.
The drawing drops from my hands onto the table. He reaches out with his hand and grasps mine, which are shaking almost uncontrollably now.
“Logan?” I breathe, not even sure he can hear me.
Our eyes meet, and he smiles again. “Hello, Sophie.”
Just then, Melina returns with a small folder that includes our dinner check. Oblivious to the incredible reunion that's just taken place in front of her, she says, “It's been a pleasure to serve you both this evening. Which one of you will be paying tonight?” She looks back and forth between us.
Logan squeezes my hand, and his smile grows even larger.
Smiling, I turn to face the server. “I got this.”
THE END
Though Sophie's Different is a work of fiction, the sad truth is that bullying remains a large problem in many schools around the country and around the world.
Why does bullying exist? Because, simply, s
ome people – from small children to grown-ups – feel that the best way to deal with their own insecurities and inadequacies is to tear others down. It could be for any reason: their physical characteristics, their clothes, their mannerisms, their social standing, their level of wealth, their family background, their sexual orientation, to name just a few. All it takes for a bully to select a potential victim is that they be “different” from them.
But guess what?
Everyone is different. Everyone.
Nobody deserves to be made to feel inferior because of who they are. EVER.
If you or someone you know is a victim of bullying, speak up. Tell a parent, a teacher, a counselor, a friend, any adult you trust. Only by letting others know about it can you help make sure that it stops. Remaining silent only lets the cycle of abuse and violence continue.
Here are some great anti-bullying resources:
National Bullying Prevention Center
PACER Center, Inc.
8161 Normandale Blvd.
Bloomington, MN 55437
888-248-0822
www.pacer.org/bullying
Stomp Out Bullying
877-NOBULLY (602-8559)
Project HEAR US
888-326-9229
Stopbullying.gov
www.championsagainstbullying.com
www.pacerskidsagainstbullying.org
Author's Note
If you enjoyed Sophie's Different, I invite you to please leave a review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. As a self-published author, I depend a great deal on reviews, and I would love to hear your opinion on my books! A review need not be long, even just a paragraph or a couple of sentences!
If you have any personal comments or would like to contact me directly, you may leave a message on any of the following social media sites. You may also contact me through Twitter (@Shrykespeare), or simply drop me an e-mail at nolinkurl{[email protected]}.
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I would love to invite you, if you haven't already done so, to purchase a paperback or e-book version for Kindle.
Here's a little bit about them:
Joshua's Island
I.A.N. AWARDS - BOOK OF THE YEAR
GOLD MEDAL WINNER – 2015 READER'S FAVORITE BOOK AWARDS (Young Adult/Social Issues category)
WINNER – STARGAZER LITERARY PRIZE
FINALIST – DANTE ROSETTI AWARD FOR YOUNG ADULT FICTION
Joshua is small for his age. He has been bullied relentlessly for years, and all of his friends have drifted away from him. Eve is a pretty girl who has just been recruited into the popular clique. The two couldn't be more different.
As they begin their final year of middle school, the unlikely pair find themselves partners in Science class. At first reluctant to work with him, Eve soon discovers hidden truths about not only Joshua but their school that turn her world upside-down.
The two form a relationship that will teach them both the true meaning of friendship, loyalty, and love… a relationship that will end up changing not only their lives, but the entire complexion of their school.
Ethan's Secret
Kelsey Callahan is smart, tough and fiercely loyal to her friends. She wants nothing more than to follow in her father's footsteps, and be a detective just like her hero, Sherlock Holmes.
A lover of mysteries, she finally gets the chance to solve something on her own when Ethan, a cute but mysterious loner appears in her class. Both fascinated and infatuated with him, Kelsey soon learns there are events at play in Ethan's life that are both tragic and dangerous. Events that, the deeper she digs, may end up threatening not only their relationship but their very lives.
I am also very proud to be a member of Young Adult Author Rendezvous (YAAR), and invite you to come check out some of the most incredible independent authors of Young Adult, Middle Grade and Kids' books anywhere. Check out our books, read our blog, leave a comment. You won't be sorry you did.
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Sophie's Different (James Madison Series Book 3) Page 31