Sophie smiled when he responded almost immediately.
Jack: What happened?
Sophie: Just because he’s hot, he thinks that every girl wants to do him, and he is a big fat jerk.
Jack: Do you want him?
Sophie: Not the point. The point is that he is an arrogant jerk ball.
Jack: Point taken but…
Sophie: But nothing…so when are we going to hang out or are we just going to have a textual relationship?
Jack: Haha. I like that. I’m away on business. This is all you have for now, but I do miss your beautiful face.
Sophie: Okay fine. Strictly textual for now.
Jack: Let’s devise a plan to get back at him for being a jerk ball, as you call it.
Sophie: Where have you been all my life? I think I just fell in love with you.
Jack: Gross…girl cooties.
Sophie: Best kind. Any ideas for revenge?
Jack: Sleep with him.
Sophie: Remember that comment I made about falling in love with you? I take it back! That is the most ridiculous plan ever.
Jack: Let him think you are into him. Sleep with him and then give him the cold shoulder. It will drive him crazy.
Sophie: Don’t like that plan. Something else.
Jack: Let me think…
Sophie: You do that. Gotta go to class. Talk later.
Chapter Seven
Sophie made her way through the rest of the day. Without Ashton’s disruptive presence she was able to regain her focus and turn her day around. The bus pulled up to her stop and she hopped off just as her phone began to ring.
“Hey Hon, I’m glad I caught you. Are you all done your classes for the day?”
“Yep, heading home to change before I head to my new job.”
“Peter already knew who Margaret Darcy was. She is a very reputable woman in the community and apparently very well-to-do,” her mother said dreamily on the phone. “She comes from old money and was quite the socialite in her day.”
“Yeah, I didn’t really get the axe-murderer vibe from her.” Sophie rolled her eyes.
“Better safe than sorry. I’ll let you go so you won’t be late,” her mother said excitedly. “But first, what do you think of a black and white wedding with touches of red? I was thinking your dress could be red and the rest of the bridesmaids could be black. How do you feel about that?”
“I think that sounds classy and elegant. It will be beautiful, Mom.”
“Good. Talk to you later. I love you.”
“Love you too, Mom. I’ll come out this weekend to help with some decisions.”
“Sounds wonderful!”
When Sophie’s mother had asked her to be her maid of honor, she was more than happy to accept the role. She wanted to be there for her mother on her special day.
Sophie noticed papers taped to her apartment door when she approached. The first was a notice from her landlord stating that he had hired an exterminator that found multiple infestations needing to be resolved immediately. The building would have to be evacuated for three days while the process was being conducted. The tenants were responsible for finding temporary living arrangements while the problem was being handled. Although she was happy the infestation would finally be dealt with, she was left with the dilemma of finding a place to stay temporarily that wouldn’t cost her more than she was willing to pay.
“Three days?” Sophie huffed. She couldn’t travel from her mother’s house to class for the rest of the week. The distance was too far for a daily commute, especially with the bus system. The next note she pulled off the door was from Mel, her messy handwriting stating that she was staying with her boyfriend for the next few days and not to hate her for not breaking up with him. She also mentioned that Sophie could stay with them if she needed a place. It was an offer Sophie was not going to accept. She did not want to show any support for Mel’s decision to forgive her loser boyfriend. “Aw, Mel. What am I going to do with you?” Sophie sighed.
Sophie immediately went to her landlord’s door and knocked as loud as she could. After a few minutes of incessant knocking, Mr. Cleary opened the door in his usual rough and unshaven appearance. “What now? I’m getting rid of the pests for you.”
“Yes, thank you for that, but I have nowhere to go. I can’t exactly afford to go to a hotel for three days. I don’t think you can legally just cast us out without any compensation for three days.”
Mr. Cleary closed the door in Sophie’s face. Sophie resumed banging on the door only to have him return shortly after thrusting a crumpled piece of paper in her face.
“What’s this?” Sophie asked, trying to smooth out the paper so it was legible.
“It’s a voucher for a motel. I know the guy who owns it. Problem solved,” he grumbled before turning back into his apartment and slamming the door behind him.
Sophie sighed, tucking the paper into her purse before returning to her apartment. She had never heard of Econo Rooms Motel before and hoped it wasn’t a bad sign. Sophie quickly made herself look as professional as she could with her limited wardrobe. She realized that she would have to make a point of making some clothes that would be appropriate for her new job.
***
When Margaret opened the door, Sophie was immediately reminded why she felt so good about working for her. Margaret’s warm energy surrounded her. “Come in, Sophie.” She smiled brightly, making her face crinkle with perfectly placed lines that complemented her still beautiful features.
“Hello, Margaret.” Sophie entered the grand foyer of Margaret’s home.
“My event planner, Karen White, is here to go over the final plans for a fundraiser I am hosting. I would love to get your input.” Margaret led her into a formal sitting room. A woman in her mid to late thirties stood before a large display of fabrics and pictures of table settings and floral arrangements.