Chapter 24
1422 Words
Steven felt anger boiling inside his body. Just what was this woman playing at? They had not seen each other in so many years, and suddenly, she was back and wanting to move into his house. “Did you say Natasha was there?”
Sophia looked up at the mention of Eric’s mother. She had never met the woman but had been present a time or two when Eric had spoken to her. She had asked him once if he had ever forgiven her for abandoning him and his father, and Eric had been quick to blame his father for her departure. From there, she had never asked anything else. She had actually been jealous of how close they had seemed during their conversations. Now, looking at Steven, she could see how angry he was.
“Do not let that woman in my house, Betty,” Steven gritted his teeth to stop shouting, his knuckles turning white at how tightly he held the phone.
“She has her bags and all, sir,” Betty supplied.
“You carry on with your work, and I will deal with her,” Steven replied before hanging up. “What is this woman up to?” He muttered to himself as he looked for the number that had called him recently.
“Is everything ok?” Sophia asked as she exited the car and stood next to Steven.
Steven looked at her with a tight smile, “It seems my ex-wife has decided to make my life a bit difficult.” She held his hand up when the call connected. “What the fuq are you doing at my house?”
“Is that really a way to speak to me, Steve?” Natasha’s voice came through calmly. “Now, be a darling and tell this old bat to let me in. I cannot be standing out here all this time.”
“No. That is my house, and I don’t want you there. You had better go back to where you have been all these years,” Steven replied, his voice hard.
“But really, Steven, be serious!” Natasha shot back. “Tell your maid to let me in, and once you get back, we can have a nice long chat like we used to.”
Steven laughed, “I think you might have me confused with one of your many men. You and I never used to have nice long chats. You would demand money from me; I would give it to you to keep you quiet, and that would be it. Look, you and I are divorced. We are nothing to each other. I would advise you to remove yourself from my premises before I call the police on you.”
Natasha laughed, “You wouldn’t do that to the mother of your only child! What kind of example would you be setting for him?”
“At least he will know I am consistent with my decisions,” Steven replied. “I am warning you, Natasha. You don’t want to mess with me after this long.” He disconnected the call before looking at Sophia apologetically. “One more call, and I will take you to eat.”
Sophia shook her head, “You could just take me home so you can deal with all that. Or better yet, I can just Uber it home.”
Steven held his finger up as he waited for the call to connect, “Not happening. Hey, Betty. Is she still there?”
“Yes sir,” Betty replied.
“Just leave her outside. Don’t open that door until I get there. If she tries anything, call the police. I am heading out for dinner.”
“Okay, sir,” Betty replied. “Enjoy your dinner.”
Steven grunted before he disconnected the call. “Get in, Sophia.”
“Are you sure? I feel sorry for Betty,” Sophia bit her lip.
Steven laughed, “Don’t let that sweet smile of hers fool you. She is one vicious woman when it comes to protecting her own.”
Sophia tilted her head to study him for a few seconds, “ok if you are sure.”
“I am,” Steven smiled. He chuckled when he heard her stomach rumble once again. “You need food, Sophia. Let’s go.” He watched her take her seat before closing the car door and rounding the car to his side. “Ready?”
Sophia nodded, “where are we going today?”
“Another surprise,” Steven winked at her before driving the car.
Sophia nodded and watched as the scene went by them. Steven maneuvered the car expertly through the late evening traffic, taking them out of the city. “I have never been past the city limits,” Sophia confessed as she watched the change of scenery.
“Really?” Steven sounded intrigued.
Sophia nodded her head, “Yep. I went to school here, finished, and started working here. There was never a time that I got this far.”
“Would you want to travel? Is that something you would like to do?”
Sophia shrugged, “I never thought much about it. I mean, I was always excited for my brothers when they had to go to other states and countries, but I never thought of doing that myself.”
“They never offered to take you with them when they traveled?”
Sophia shook her head, “Seth did once, but my mom told him I would be a destruction. That was the one and only time that was offered to me.”
Steven’s hands tightened on the wheel, turning his knuckles white. “Well, if ever you want to get away from the city, let me know. I have a cabin and a beach house.”
“Flaunting your wealth, are you, Mr. Fawler?” Sophia chuckled at him.
Steven shrugged and chuckled at her dig. He knew she was teasing him, “only if it impresses you.”
“Money isn’t everything. Thank you. I might take you up on that one day.” She gazed as they pulled into the entryway, where a valet was waiting for them. “Fancy. Am I dressed for this place, though?” She looked down at what she was wearing.
“Nothing to worry about,” Steven said, offering his key to the excited boy before rounding the car and holding the door open for her. Offering his hand, he guided her to the entrance.
As they approached, Sophia’s gaze took in the ambiance. The entrance was marked by tall, polished glass doors that opened with a hushed whisper, revealing an ambiance of refined luxury.
Just inside, a discreet reservation desk was adorned with gleaming marble, where a smartly dressed staff stood smiling.
As Steven spoke to the man, Sophia stole a glance at the inside, where other people were seated.
“Ready?” Steven asked, placing his hand on the small of her back to lead her in.
Sophia could only nod. The atmosphere was serene, with soft lighting casting a warm glow on the sleek surfaces, creating a sense of anticipation for the culinary journey that lies beyond.
The seating arrangement was carefully spaced to allow for a sense of privacy, with tables draped in crisp white linen and accented with sparkling crystal glassware.
“This is a nice place,” Sophia commented as she sat.
“And their meals are great,” Steven replied as he sat back and studied her. She looked around the room, seeing how her eyes took in the other people in the restaurant. It was an intimate restaurant, a place he used to escape when he didn’t want people’s attention. Everyone was busy with their own businesses.
It did not take long for the waiter to come. With her permission, Steven ordered her food for her.
Watching her eat, he could not help but smile at how animated she became about her enjoyment of food. He tried to be discrete about watching her, but he could not help himself. Their conversation was light and easy, sharing more about themselves. They were ready to head out when Sophia’s phone started ringing.
Searching for it, she smiled as she glanced at her phone. “Mia!”
Mia coughed a little, “Girl, where are you?”
Sophia frowned at her friend’s voice. “I was out for dinner. What is wrong?”
“Emily was here.”
- Writer
