She let out a small breath.
“Those three months were just a small part of my life.”
Emma gave her a look that clearly said she didn’t believe that.
Sophia lightly smacked Emma’s arm. “Can you stop talking about him? I want to hear about you.”
She nudged her with her shoulder. “I was gone for two years. Didn’t you miss me? Why are you obsessing over him?”
Emma blinked at her before scoffing dramatically. She bumped her shoulder back against Sophia’s.
“Of course I missed you,” she said dramatically, but her eyes were soft. “You’re literally the most important person in my life after my family. How the hell could I not miss you?”
Sophia laughed softly, leaning into her warmth.
They talked for hours after that—about Emma’s work, new gossip, small life changes, random memories from school, the ordinary rhythm of life that had continued while Sophia had been away.
Almost like the past had never happened.
Two hours later, Sophia stood up, grabbing her bag. “Gotta get to work now. I will see you at night.”
Emma stared at her in disbelief.
“You just got back today,” she said, crossing her arms. “You literally landed a few hours ago. And you’re already going to work? You’re unbelievable.”
Sophia gave her an apologetic smile.
Minutes later, Sophia stepped out of the house with Emma practically glued to her arm.
Emma looped both hands around Sophia’s elbow as they walked down the driveway. “I’m dropping you off,” she declared. “Where’s the auction?”
“Near Circle Avenue,” Sophia replied, shielding her eyes with her hand as she looked down the street. “You can leave after dropping me off.”
Emma placed a hand over her heart. “Unbelievable. You disappear for two years and this is the treatment I get?”
She sniffed theatrically.
“Whatever. I’ll leave the car for you. Take it home after the auction. I’ll go shopping.”
She was about to continue complaining when Sophia suddenly froze mid-step.
Her eyes widened.
Parked along the curb was a red Corvette, gleaming under the sunlight.
“Oh my God…” Sophia breathed.
She pulled her arm from Emma’s grip and hurried toward the car.
“The Corvette is here today? I thought Elias was keeping it. Did he give it to you?” she asked, circling the car, her fingers lightly brushing over the smooth red surface.
Emma smirked, tossing the keys into the air and catching them.
“This is still my most favorite car,” Sophia stopped near the hood and actually hugged it. “I’ve missed you,” she murmured to the vehicle like it was an old lover.
Emma laughed. “It’s Elias’s favorite too. Otherwise, I would’ve given it to you long ago. But since it’s a special day…” She dangled the keys in front of Sophia’s face. “I borrowed it for you.”
Then her expression shifted — playful and alive.
