“My mother loved the bottle more than she loved me,” Sophia says. “So I don’t see why anyone else would bother to take the time.”
“Of course they would. You’re so lovable. And super funny and unique.” I touch her arm. “Slammer’s just not good enough for you. You need to find somebody who treats you well. I think you’re reaching below you, and that’s the problem.”
Sophia sniffles into her tissue as she drives. “You think so?”
“Absolutely.”
* * *
By the time we reach Big River Ranch, Sophia’s brought herself back into party mode. She’s certainly resilient.
She picks up speed rather than slowing down on the dirt road, and we careen over it toward the flickering lights in the woods ahead.
“Are you sure about this?” I ask her. “You may be too vulnerable tonight to look for a new man…”
“I’m fully recovered!” Sophia says with a laugh. “You just broke up with someone too, Lei! We’re two single ladies going to a party together. We’ve never both been single at the same time, and I feel great! Better than ever, and I’m so glad that asshole didn’t join us.”
“Please don’t tell Brayden about Phillip,” I remind her. “I need to do that myself.”
“Of course. I won’t say a word,” she promises as we see the clearing filled with trucks, people, and a big bonfire in the center. Sophia parks the car and hops out. “Come on, Lei. Come experience being single with me.”
I step out of the passenger side, glance around for about three seconds, and then slide my trembling body right back into the car. This is why I never went to another one of these freaking parties. They’re scary. I’d rather give a speech for Save the Soil any day then show up at one of these things. I’m happy it’s outside and not confined inside a house, but it’s still hitting too close to home.
From the safety of Sophia’s car, I watch her make her way to the bonfire. Her head’s on a swivel as she looks around, probably for her mystery man I involuntarily convinced her would be here. Someone approaches her. Oh God, it’s Brayden. They talk for a minute, and then she turns and points directly at her car. I duck down in the seat, hoping he didn’t see me and will just give up and go away. I peek through the window a few seconds later. He’s walking toward me. I try to think of a reason to tell him why I’m sitting by myself in the dark. When I can’t think of any good excuses, I step out of the passenger side to make it look like I’m not avoiding the party. But as soon as I hear the loud music, I disappear back inside the car.
About ten seconds later, Brayden knocks on the window.
I open the door reluctantly, and he scoots in next to me. I try to move over as far as I can, but we’re sharing a seat for one.
“Hey.” He shuts the door behind him and puts his arm around me.
“Hi, Brayden,” I say, trying to sound breezy. “How are you?”
He’s wearing jeans, cowboy boots, and a blue sweatshirt that matches his eyes. His jeans don’t have holes in them, which will probably keep him warmer than mine will.
“Good,” he says. “Is everything all right?”
I open my mouth to tell him about Phillip and me. “Slammer and Sophia broke up,” I say instead.
“Oh. I’m…sorry?”
I nod. “It’s really okay. It’s for the best.”
“I don’t know how well-matched they were,” he says. “Is that why she just told me she’s here to find her soul mate?”
I make a face. “That would be my fault. I was trying to be supportive and tell her she can find somebody better than Slammer. I didn’t mean at this party, but as usual, Sophia has her own timetable of a zero wait time.”
Brayden searches my expression. “So. You coming out?”
“I don’t know…” I start to say.
“Come on. I know why you’re scared. But I’ll be with you the entire time.” With his arm still wrapped around me, he opens the door and steps out, pulling me with him out of the car. My feet hit dirt, and I stand up. He keeps his arm firmly around me and we walk slowly in the direction of the bonfire.
“I’m pretty much dreading this,” I confess to him.
“I’ll be with you the whole time,” he vows.
I whip my gaze over to him. He’s looking at the party up ahead, but I can feel his focus on me nonetheless.
