“Yes. I think we are.” Sophie admitted. “Let’s go for it. What do we have to lose?”
“All of our money.”
“True. I guess if it doesn’t work out I’ll have to join you on stage for your comeback show.” Sophie laughed.
“I highly doubt Mr. Hot Ass will let you back into that place, let alone up on stage after last time.”
“I have no idea where that’s going. He could be long gone by that point.” Sophie said sadly.
“God-boy looks at you like you’re the key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe. I highly doubt he has plans to go anywhere.”
“I don’t feel like the key to his anything.” Sophie laughed Mel’s comment off.
“I’m serious.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Fine. What is your mom gonna say when you tell her that you’re going into business with the crazy stripper?”
“I was thinking I might not tell her.” Sophie laughed. “Seriously though, I think she’s warmed up to you. It has been a couple of years now. I mean, who doesn’t eventually fall for your delightful character?”
“True.”
***
The next day Sophie arrived at Margaret’s early. The morning was unusually warm for the early hour. The night air brought no relief and the day threatened to bring an unruly heat. Sophie was glad she'd decided to wear her pale green sundress. It was lightweight, making it perfect for hot days. She always received compliments whenever she wore it because it matched her eyes. She wanted Ashton to notice her, despite Lucinda’s arrival and what it potentially meant. As much as Sophie tried to push him from taking center stage in her mind, she couldn’t stop her heart from thumping to the beat of Ashton’s song. Sophie ran her fingers through her hair before she knocked on the door.
“Good morning, Miss Sophie,” Charlotte said brightly as she swung open the door. “How are you this morning?”
“Great. Yourself?” Sophie asked, stepping into the house and looking around.
Charlotte chuckled. “He’s not here, dear. He went back to his place, but I’m sure he’ll be back soon. That boy is such a doting grandson to Mrs. Margaret. Never too far away.”
“Oh. I wasn’t looking for him,” Sophie denied.
“Of course.” Charlotte smiled, seemingly unconvinced. “Margaret is in the sitting room having her tea.”
Margaret was dressed and ready to take on the day when she walked in. “Good morning. How was your weekend?”
“It was great. I didn’t know that Ashton had a place around here.” She found herself speaking before she could stop herself.
“I’m surprised he didn’t tell you. He found a place shortly after he moved back into town and had it renovated. It turned out beautifully.”
Sophie decided to change the subject. Margaret was far too perceptive and she didn’t want to expose her feelings for Ashton. She didn’t know what Margaret would think of her lusting after her grandson. She didn’t want to upset her. “I finished my mother’s dress yesterday. She’s coming up this week to try it on. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I’m very nervous.”
“I’m sure she’ll love it, I know what you’re capable of and I have no doubt that it’s a beautiful dress.” Margaret smiled, sipping on her tea. “I have some good news for you,” Margaret said mischievously. Sophie couldn’t help but smile at Margaret’s lively mood. “Sit and pour some tea.” Margaret waved her toward the other armchair adjacent to her own. Sophie sat down and let herself sink into the cushions.
“Okay, spill.” Sophie encouraged now that she was settled.
“Mr. Heshman, the gentleman who purchased your paintings at the auction, contacted me and requested to meet with you. He’s interested in showing some of your work in his gallery.”
“Really?” Sophie couldn’t help the ridiculous smile that consumed her face. “He wants to show my work?”
“Yes, dear.” Margaret chuckled with amusement. “I told him you would contact him today and set up the meeting.”
“That would be a dream!”
Sophie was barely able to hold the phone as she dialed Mr. Heshman later that morning. She was so nervous that she had to concentrate on keeping her voice steady and professional. He was a perfect gentleman on the other end of the line, going over details of what he had in mind. He was making changes at his gallery for a scheduled reopening. He wanted to present some new, fresh work and thought Sophie’s style was the perfect fit for what he was looking for. Mr. Heshman made an appointment with her to view her other work. When Sophie hung up her phone, she was overcome with excitement.
“Yay!” she said to herself in disbelief. It was every artist’s dream to be recognized and given the opportunity for exposure.
“Someone just got good news.” Ashton’s velvety voice startled her. She turned around to see him standing in the kitchen behind her. He wore a dress shirt and fitted blazer that was paired with jeans—a style that looked incredibly hot on him.
“Oh. I didn’t know you were here.” Sophie’s voice was slightly higher than she intended, making her want to cringe.
“What’s this?” He picked up a business card that Sophie had sat on top of her things. “Business consultant? Planning on conducting some business?”
Sophie grabbed the card from his hand and tucked it inside her bag. “Maybe. It’s someone Margaret suggested. I heard you have a new place nearby.” Sophie turned back to meet his gaze, changing the subject.
“Yep.”
“You didn’t tell me.” Sophie suddenly realized how little she knew about his life.
He shrugged his shoulders. “We were busy talking about other things and busy not talking.” He smiled but the feeling did not translate to his eyes.
“The man who bought my painting at the auction wants to display some of my work at his gallery,” Sophie blurted out. The news was too much to keep to herself and she wanted to share it with him.
“That’s great news.” Sophie watched the curve of his lips and found herself wanting to feel them upon her. Ashton stepped forward as if reading her thoughts.
“Don’t.” Sophie tried to pull back. He looked down at her with a pained expression, as if her rejection physically hurt him. “Yesterday when I saw you and Lucinda together it scared me and made me question what I’m doing.”
“No. Don’t question anything. There is nothing between me and Lucinda. I told you that none of that was real.” Ashton looked at her pleadingly.
“But it felt real to me,” Sophie whispered. Ashton’s hand caressed her cheek and his thumb gently traced her bottom lip.
“I’m sorry for any pain that I ever caused you,” he whispered.
They both turned abruptly as Charlotte hurried into the kitchen with a panicked expression. “Come quickly. It’s your grandmother.” Charlotte exchanged a worried look with Ashton before all three of them hurried toward the sitting room.
Margaret was leaning against the arm of the sofa when they walked in the room. Her normally flawless upswept hair was disheveled and she looked pale, accentuating the dark circles that had developed under her tired eyes. “I’ll be fine.” Margaret looked up at all their stricken faces. “I just slipped.” She waved her hand lazily, trying to brush off any concern.
“She collapsed when she tried to stand.” Charlotte told on her despite the look Margaret gave her. “I helped her get up.”
“Sophie, call her doctor and tell him that we’re on the way.” Ashton was immediately at Margaret’s side.
“Of course.” Sophie hesitantly backed away. Fear closed in on her; she was still clueless as to what was ailing Margaret.
“I told you I’m fine. I just need a moment to collect myself,” Margaret insisted.
“Stop being so stubborn,” Charlotte ordered Margaret. “We aren’t going to ignore this, Margaret.” It was then that Sophie knew how deep Margaret and Charlotte’s relationship ran. Charlotte’s concern was for that of a loved one, not just an employer. The years they had spent together formed a bond between the two women.
Dr. Reynolds’ receptionist informed Sophie that he would see her upon arrival without consulting the doctor first. Sophie was surprised by how accommodating the doctor was.
After her phone call, Sophie found Ashton helping Margaret in the passenger’s side of her car. “Dr. Reynolds will see her when she arrives at his office.”