My mother’s voice snaps me from my thoughts. “Sophie, sweetie, it’s time to eat.” She smiles, all warmth and southern charm, but the sharp glint in her eye warns me not to make a scene.
At the table, Cole sits directly across from me. We say grace, something we never do unless there’s an audience. The hypocrisy is almost amusing. I fix my gaze on my plate, focusing on the rhythm of my fork scraping against the porcelain.
The food is good, I'll admit that. My mother can cook. Being a stay at home wife affords her plenty of time to perfect her craft. I shovel in bites of caesar salad, rib roast, and mashed potatoes, knowing that as long as my mouth is full, I won't be expected to speak.
“So, Cole, how’s college?” My mother’s voice practically drips with admiration.Insert eye roll here.“I hear you’re eyeing law school?”
“Yes, ma’am. Corporate law, like my father.” His smirk is effortless, his arrogance rolling off him in waves.Gag me.
“Oh, that's just wonderful! I wish Sophie would go to law school. She argues with me plenty enough, might as well get paid for it!” She laughs, delighted by her own joke.
I meet her gaze, unamused. “Sorry to disappoint.”
“I'm sure she'll do great things, won't you, babe?” Cole chimes in, and I want to throat punch him. What the fuck. His voice oozes condescension, and the nickname makes my stomach lurch. I knew this was a terrible idea. I should've feigned sickness.
He's so fucking smug.
My sister taps my foot with hers under the table in silent support. Making sure I know that she's got my back, even if she can’t voice it out loud. I love her for it. I take slow, measured breaths, trying to calm my fraying nerves. My stomach is a coiled knot of tension, ready to burst.
The conversation fades into background noise as Cole watches me, his eyes holding nothing within their blue depths. There is no regret, no remorse, just the same empty, calculating stare that used to make me second-guess myself and my own memories. I’ll never forget the feeling of doubting my own sanity, and I’ll never let another man make me feel the same way.
I excuse myself, weaving through the house until I reachthe upstairs bathroom. I need a moment to breathe. I shut the door behind myself and turn the lock, finally feeling somewhat safe with a solid barrier between him and I.
I look at myself in the mirror, my reflection staring back, my skin pale and face tense. God, I could use a joint. Just one hit to take the edge off. But that would only make things worse later. I wait, just a few minutes longer. A sharp inhale, a slow exhale. Before I know it, I’ve run out of time. I square my shoulders and open the door, only to find Cole standing there, blocking my path.
“What the hell, Cole? Move.” I scowl.
He doesn’t, of course. So predictable. His gaze drags over me lazily, lingering in a way that makes my skin crawl. I try to shoulder past him, but he throws his arms up, blocking my way out.
“I miss you, babe.” His voice is low, slick with false charm. “Been meaning to call, see how you're doing, but, you know, college… But I'm home for a week. Maybe we could spend some time together… like old times.” He winks, and the fucking audacity has me ready to scream, my blood boiling.
“Not interested.”
“Oh, don't be like that, baby.” He leans in, his breath hot against my skin. “I know I fucked up, but I was young and dumb. I'm grown now. And you…” His eyes rake over me again, a slow, deliberate once-over. “—you clearly have too.”
He's so fucking punchable.
“Cole, I'm not going to say it again. Fuckingmove.” My voice is sharp and unwavering as I try to feign bravery.
I shove past him, but he grabs my waist, yanking me back. His body presses against mine, and I feel it… the disgusting proof of his intentions. My stomach turns, nausea clawing its way up my throat. I want to cry. I want to scream. But would my parents even intervene? They’d likely laugh it off, chalk it up toboys being boys.
“Come on, we can have some fun. It won't take long.”
I wrench away from him, heart pounding, and bolt for the stairs.
Fuck. This.
My keys. I need my keys.
I snatch them from the entryway table and sprint to my car, slamming the door shut and locking it behind me in one frantic motion. My chest heaves, breath coming in sharp, ragged gasps. I feel sick, small, and so powerless. I'll deal with my parents later. I can't be in that house, with him, even a moment longer.
Cole is why I've sworn off relationships. He’s why I don’t trust sweet words and charming smiles. Because underneath charm and wit, there’s always darkness lurking. Just waiting for the chance to be unleashed.
I've had fun, casual hookups since we broke up. I've gone on dates. But I no longer believe in real love. And it'd take a hell of a man to convince me to take that chance again.
The vibration in my pocket nearly makes me jump out of my skin. My hands shake as I pull out my phone, relief filling my chest when I see Sal’s name glowing on the screen.
I swipe to answer and put it on speaker.
