Until Then : Book 1 - Until Then Series

by Victoria Ashlee

  The cashier handed me the water, looking at me like I was the strangest person she had met all day. I gulped down the water like it was a chugging contest; trying to get my nerves in check.

  Keira was standing there staring at me, and then put both her hands on my shoulders, “You need to breathe.”

  “That’s what I told myself earlier.” I laughed awkwardly.

  She raised one eyebrow at me. “You’re talking to yourself now?”

  “It’s only weird if you respond to yourself. Right?”

  “Whatever helps you sleep at night,” She laughed, and pulled out a chair.

  After explaining the events of today, and what Cam said to me, Keira’s face was blank. It was as if she were processing what I told her.

  “This is what they do.” She sighed. “I’ve known Stefan for a few years now, and anytime something good comes into his life, they come and try to take it from him. It’s their way of trying to control him.”

  I smiled at the runner as they set down Keira’s muffin. “I’m something good?”

  “I think you underestimate yourself.” She broke the muffin in half. “He’s mesmerized by you.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Why do you think you get under his skin so much? He likes you; a lot. Just my perspective, he’s different when it comes to you.”

  “Then what am I supposed to do about his family?”

  “Well do you care about him?” She popped a piece of muffin into her mouth.

  “I think so?”

  “Soph, be honest with yourself.”

  “Are you asking do I get butterflies in my stomach every time he walks in the room, do I daydream of him pushing me up against a wall, having a hot make out sesh, or him presenting me with a shoe to turn my pumpkin life into a fairytale? Maybe. I don’t know.” I shrugged my shoulders, and looked away trying not to laugh.

  She smirked, “There’s the truth.”

  I rolled my eyes, “But what do I do?”

  “My advice, fight like hell.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Stefan

  Leo and I went to Joe’s after work. Tomorrow is the Halloween party that I begrudgingly was convinced to go to by the lovely Keira herself. We were sitting at the bar, my hands wrapped around my glass. Leo was ordering food from Joe. My mind was elsewhere.

  Leo looked over at me, “You seem stressed.”

  “I’m glad you’re observant.”

  He laughed, “What’s gotten into you the last two weeks?”

  “I’ve been avoiding her.”

  “Who?”

  “Sophia.”

  He smirked, “Why? I thought your date went well?”

  “She’s on my father’s radar now.” I took a sip of my drink, “My father and Thomas paid her a visit where she works.”

  “Oh shit. How would they know? Wait, I don’t know why I asked that. Your father is a psychopath.”

  I sighed, “She works with Cam. He told me that they’re interested in buying the business. She hasn’t even mentioned anything to me about it.”

  “Well, you just said you’ve been avoiding her.”

  “Because she’s on their radar. If I pursue her, they will destroy her. That’s how my fucking life works.”

  He ran his glass over his bottom lip, “Hmm. Do you think she’s worth it?”

  “I kissed her.” I ran my hand over my face. “Fuck, why did I kiss her? I can’t control myself around her. It was so hard to not take her up to my room.”

  He laughed, “She’s got you really fucked up, doesn’t she?”

  “I can’t even jack off without thinking of her. What does that tell you?”

  “She will be at the party tomorrow, right?”

  “Yep.”

  He took a sip of his drink, and then tilted his glass toward me, “Talk to her.”

  “No. She probably hates me now anyway. I basically ghosted her after our date.” My phone started vibrating. I picked it up, rolling my eyes at who was calling.

  “What?” Leo asked.

  “Jess won’t leave me alone about the stupid party. She wants our costumes to match.”

  He laughed, “She’s a head case. If it weren’t for your families, I’d tell you to tell her to fuck off.”

  I raised my glass, “If the world were only that easy.”

  Sophia

  Two weeks had passed since that awkward day with Stefan’s father and brother. I decided to not mention it to him, however I don’t know if it would even matter. He’s been distant ever since then. We haven’t been left alone, and he disappears every chance he gets. The most I've received from him is a half hearted smile. It was like his feelings toward me disappeared altogether.

  I guess our date went worse than I thought? The sad part is, it was the best time I've had in a long time. Cam and I found out his family is buying the company we work for. I don’t know what that means for Stefan, but I decided not to mention anything to him. Cam doesn’t think it’s too big of a deal, and I...well, Stefan clearly isn’t talking to me right now. So, I guess it doesn’t matter when it comes to me.

  “Veggie sub on wheat!” the man behind the counter yells, waiving my sub in my face.

  I nodded, and smiled. “Thank you.”

  I walked outside to the table where Keira and Leo were waiting. The sun was hitting the trees from all the right angles, causing the leave’s shadows to dance on the ground.

  “What’s been going on with you and Stefan?” Keira asked as she took a bite of her salad.

  “Nothing.” I gave her a flat smile. “He won’t talk to me.”

  “Stefan is weird when it comes to relationships.” She nudged Leo, hinting for him to give me some sort of advice.

  He cleared his throat, and sat forward. “Oh um, yeah. You should maybe ask him?” He gave me an I don’t know what I'm actually saying to you right now expression. “Actually no. What am I even saying? He’s being a little bitch right now. He’s not a relationship guy. Jess has been his only relationship, and she fucked him up so much that he doesn’t know how to be normal.”

  I didn’t expect Leo’s words to tug on my heart as much as they did, but I felt my heart sink. It’s probably for the best, I didn’t come to the city for a guy; especially not a guy like Stefan. “I’m just going to move, and change my name.” I covered my face. “He hates me.” I laughed awkwardly.

  “Well don’t be that drastic.” He laughed, and took a sip out of his cup.

  Keira’s face dropped when I looked back at her. “What?” I asked.

  “Funny seeing you guys here.” Jess appeared next to me, causing me to jump to the side of my seat.

  “Why do you always show up out of nowhere? It’s really the most unpleasant surprise.” Keira put the top back on her salad.

  Jess rolled her eyes at Keira. “You guys talking about the Halloween party?”

  “Does it matter?” Leo asked.

  “Just wondering.” She half giggled. “Stefan went to pick up his costume. We’re matching of course.”

  “Come again?” Keira scrunched her eyebrows, eyeing Jess.

  “Duh silly, we do every year.” She smiled.

  “Duh silly you aren’t together anymore.” Keira mocked in a valley girl tone, cocking her head side to side.

  Jess looked at her phone, as a chime went off. “I don’t really pay attention to the details.”

  I gave her a look, “That’s not how that works.”

  “What? You thought your little date meant something?” Her mouth curved up into a side smile.

  “At least I'm not in denial.”

  “Aren’t you though?” She laughed. “See you guys tonight.” She glided off into the car waiting on the curb.

  “She doesn’t pay attention to the details of her brain.” Leo mumbled.

  Keira and I both burst into laughter.

  After lunch we went to look for last minute costumes, because apparently we all procrastinate. We scanned through at le
ast fifty different outfits, until Keira and Leo decided on pirates. I found a beautiful 20’s flapper dress that came with a sequined headband. It had the beaded tassels that bounced about when you moved.

  “I’m kind of nervous.” I said to Keira, as I wrapped a lock of my hair around my curling wand.

  “Don’t be, you’re going to look stunning tonight. If he doesn’t talk to you, then screw him. He doesn’t deserve you.”

  “Do you really think they’re back together?”

  “My best judgement would be no, but he’s a wild card. You never know with him.”

  Leo entered Keira’s room, holding his pirate hate. “You ladies ready yet? Sam is getting restless, and Cam just got here.”

  “Yeah, were about to come down, don’t be so pushy.” Keira smiled at him, as she pulled on her thigh high boots.

  “Has Stefan come home yet?” I asked him.

  “No not yet. He says he’s on his way, but he will probably just meet us there.”

  My shoulders slumped at his response. I felt pathetic for even slightly caring. They’ve all told me from the beginning what type of guy he is. I shouldn’t be surprised.

  The five of us piled into the Uber, all while Sam and Cam kept taking shots from a flask. Cam offered me some, but I turned my nose up from the smell, and handed it back. When we arrived, we took the elevator quite a few floors up to a rooftop bar. It wasn’t quite on the roof, but just about. When we walked into the bar, it had the most beautiful view of the city. The room was dimly lit by the black trees placed around the room. Each branch was strung with lights. The walls were highlighted with purple lights for accent. It was almost posh, if you can even make a Halloween party posh.

  The room was filled with people in all kinds of costumes. I scanned the room, as Keira and I walked up to the bar. My eyes landed on Jess, who was dressed in a slutty nurse costume. I could almost see her butt. Classy. I heard Keira ordering us drinks, and I turned to face the bar. We were presented with two purple drinks that were smoking.

  “What’s this?” I asked the bartender.

  He smiled. “The Martini of Death. Don’t worry you’ll like it.”

  I raised my eyebrows, and laughed. “Thanks. I’ll let you know if I die.”

  “Uh Soph…” Keira bumped me. I looked over at her, and she was smiling. She nodded toward the front door.

  “What?” I took a sip, and turned to look. It was Stefan; it was as if he were in slow motion. I did a double take. He wasn’t matching Jess, it was me. He looked like he was from the 20’s; Gatsby style. The dark blue suit fit him like a glove. Shit, why does he have to be so beautiful? It really makes it hard getting over him. My eyes traveled to Jessica. She was plotting my death once again.

  “Did you tell him?” I turned back to Keira frantically.

  “He asked what we were wearing. I didn’t think...well I didn’t know that’s why he was asking.”

  “I’d say that makes a statement.” Leo walked up, holding a beer.

  “It’s just a coincidence.” I tried to brush it off.

  “Yeah, sure.” Keira laughed, and sipped her drink.

  Stefan was making his way in our direction. My gaze was holding strong as he approached, until the back of someone's head moved into my sight. Jessica.

  “I thought we discussed our costumes.” She wrapped her arms around his hips.

  He pushed her arms away gently. “You discussed it, I told you no.” He told her lowly. He moved around her making his way toward the bar. We made eye contact as he passed, and I was frozen for a minute, until Sam walked up throwing his arms around Stefan’s shoulders.

  “Ayyy Stefan! Lookin Sharp.” Sam yelled, taking a sip of his drink. “You need a drink. Let’s get you a drink. Bartender!”

  “I think I'll take this one. You seem as if you’ve had enough for both of us.” Stefan laughed, taking Sam’s glass.

  Jess followed Stefan and Sam toward the bar. She bumped my shoulder passing by.

  Keira held her cup in the air, “I can pour my drink on her for you, it’s only fair.” Keira held

  “It’s fine.” I pushed her cup down, laughing.

  Cam and I got lost in conversation sitting on a sofa inside. We were talking about drama at work. I noticed most of the party had moved outside to where the DJ was. I nursed my first drink for as long as I could. I looked down at the empty martini glass, and swirled the last bit around the bottom. I don’t know where Keira disappeared to, and Stefan has been outside most of the night. We still have yet to speak to each other.

  “I’m gonna go get another drink. Do you want one?” Cam asked, holding his hand out for my glass.

  “Sure.” I handed him my cup. “I’m going to go to the bathroom real quick.”

  “I’ll come find you.” He told me as he stood up, and walked toward the bar.

  I made my way down the hall that led to the bathrooms. Straight ahead I saw Stefan talking to a tall lanky blonde. She was leaning against the wall, and he was standing in front of her. I bit my bottom lip, and stopped. The bathroom was just past them. I hesitated, almost turning around to escape. Then I caught his attention. They both looked my way. Dammit. She turned back to him, giving him a hug. She smiled at me as she passed by. My heart began to beat faster, as he approached me.

  “You look beautiful tonight.” He smiled.

  “Hi...I mean wait, this isn’t how this is supposed to be.”

  He looked at me confused. “What?”

  “Who’s your friend?” My fingers started to fiddle with the beading on my dress.

  A smirk appeared on his face. “That’s Cam’s sister.”

  “Oh,” then it came to me. Cam did mention he had a sister. “Ohhhh…”

  “Do I hear a tad bit of jealousy?” He crossed his arms, and leaned his shoulder against the wall.

  “No.” I crossed my arms mimicking him. “Why have you been avoiding me?”

  “Here’s your drink.” Cameron walked up behind me.

  “Hey man.” Stefan said to Cam, patting him on the back as he walked away.

  “What was that?” Cam’s confused face followed Stefan as he left us standing there.

  “Avoidance, that’s what that is.” I rolled my eyes, and we turned to walk back toward the party. “I forgot you had a sister.” I took my glass from him.

  “Yeah, she’s here. Did you meet her?”

  “Kind of.” I laughed.

  The party had started to slow down; Cam introduced me to his sister properly. She was in fact a sweet girl. I was only a tad bit jealous earlier. She was tall, blonde and beautiful. Jealousy is a horrible color on anyone, and I was kicking myself for even having the slightest hint of it. After all, Stefan continued to avoid me after barely speaking to me in the hall.

  “Keira, I think I want to head home.” I leaned over the sofa she was sitting on. Her legs were draped across Leo, who was chatting up one of their friends.

  She reached back, and wrapped her arms around my neck over her head. “Aw you’re a party pooper.”

  I laughed, and broke her grip around my neck. She held on to one of my hands. “This is my best friend!” She loudly proclaimed. “Wait, where’s Stefan?! Stefan!”

  “Keira, why are you yelling?” Stefan walked up, holding a water.

  She threw her hands in the air, “Stefan!” She giggled. “You need to take Sophia home.” She reached back patting my arm. “We all know that’s what you want to do anyway.” She giggled again.

  My face instantly turned bright red. He looked up at me, then broke eye contact, looking at Leo.

  “Alright Babe, time to slow down. We will go with you, Soph.” Leo patted her leg, and held his hand out to help her up.

  “But Baaaabe, I’m trying to play matchmaker.” She whined, wrapping her arms around him.

  “I’m sure they can figure that out on their own.” He guided her around the sofa.

  The three of us made it to the elevator, and I pressed the ground floor button. Keira w
as resting her head on Leo’s shoulder with her eyes closed. A hand caught the door just before it closed, and Sam stumbled in.

  “I’m coming with.” He pressed the ground floor button three times that was already lit up.

  “You good?” Leo asked him, and gave me a strange look.

  He leaned against the elevator wall, “Yeah, I'm purrrrfect.”

  Keira sat down on the curb while we waited on our car to show up. Leo kept trying to get her to drink some water that he got from the lobby. She refused, and hid her face in her knees. The car showed up just before Keira got sick all over the sidewalk. The driver had started to grow impatient, so I decided to get in to make him not leave. I slid into the back seat, and a whiskey stenched Sam slid in right after me.

  My eyes darted to the doors of the building, as Stefan came rushing out like a man with a purpose. He walked up to Leo, and looked down at Keira. They were saying something that I couldn’t make out to save my life. He looked over at Sam and I in the car, and his facial expression was unsettling. Jess walked up behind him, and kept pulling at his arm. I think she was trying to get him to go with her. He kept pulling his arm away, every few seconds glancing over at Sam and I.

  “Just drive. I’ll tip you good. They’ll get another.” Sam yelled at the driver.

  The driver sighed, and put his car in drive, as Sam slammed the door shut. Stefan’s face dropped when the car pulled away. I’ve never felt more uncomfortable in my life. Sam is nice and all, but he’s hammered, and were not exactly friends.

  Sam had trouble putting his key into the front door. I tried to help him, but he brushed me off. After about two minutes I heard the door unlock. Thank goodness. We walked inside, and Sam stumbled trying to take off his shoes. I walked past him, and made my way up to my room. I shut the door behind me, happy to finally be alone. The zipper on my dress got stuck halfway down, I tried to shimmy out of it, but it got stuck on my hips. My body spun around to the sound of my door swinging open, Sam stood there staring at me. I panicked, and grabbed a towel to cover up.

  “Sam, this isn’t your room.” I said firmly.

  “It’s not, is it?” He looked around, and then up at the ceiling. “I can just sleep here though.” He flopped down on my bed.