And now, after an intense week, Patience was treating her to a pedicure at Nailed It, their favorite nail salon spot. Her sister wouldn’t take no for an answer, which was par for the course for Patience.
She felt a little guilty being away from Lily, but doing something relaxing for herself would benefit her daughter. Or so everyone always told her. While she was away, G-pop was going to take Lily to a playdate and then out to lunch. She was planning to bring Lily to a toy shop this afternoon so she could pick a plush toy to stuff. Her little girl would be fine.
At the moment she and Patience were seated side by side at the nail salon, getting luxurious pedicures. She had to give it to Patience. She had suggested getting deluxe leg and foot massages, and all Sophia’s worries evaporated as her muscles were kneaded and manipulated.
“This was a brilliant idea,” Sophia said, closing her eyes as the nail tech continued her soothing treatment.
“So, what’s happening between you and Alaska’s Next Top Model?” Patience asked.
“Would you believe me if I said that I didn’t know?” Sophia answered.
“Not really. That night at Northern Exposure the two of you were vibing, and it was even more obvious during dinner at your house.”
“I don’t know how to pace this thing between us. Should I take things slowly? Back off because we’re working together? Kiss his face off the next time I see him?” She shrugged. “It’s been four years since I even looked at a guy. I didn’t think I’d want this… whatever this is brewing between us.”
“Donny sure did a number on you.” Patience frowned. “Remind me to kick him in the shins the next time I see him.”
“Please don’t. I already have enough to worry about with him. He might file charges against you,” she mumbled.
“What now?” Patience asked, clenching her teeth.
Sophia lowered her voice to a whisper. “I didn’t want to say it in front of Dad the other night, but he’s going after joint custody of Lily.” Just saying the words out loud made her body tremble. As ridiculous as his claim might be, all it took was one judge to side with him and uproot Lily’s life.
“Joint custody?” Patience asked in a raised tone. Sophia made a motion for her to lower her voice. She didn’t want her business spread all over the salon.
A few moments later they were moved to a more private station for drying their nails. Cups of tea were placed in front of them, adding another layer of comfort to the experience.
“You’ve got to be kidding me about Donny,” Patience continued, now that they were alone. “He doesn’t even see his daughter on a regular basis as it is.”
“I know,” she said, burying her face in her mug of tea. “All I can do is hope he gets tired of this ridiculous idea and drops it.”
“I can’t believe that I ever liked the guy,” Patience groused. “I thought he was a good dude until he started acting like a punk. I’m so sorry this is happening to you. You’re such a great mom to Lily. You don’t deserve this hassle. Especially from someone who’s been MIA for years.”
“Donny was a good guy, Patience, back when we met. I don’t even recognize who he’s become, but I just need to remind myself that Lily is what’s important.” Sophia hated that the man she had fallen in love with had transformed into someone she no longer recognized. He’d been selfish and verbally abusive. That’s what scared her about getting into another relationship. People changed right before your eyes into someone you no longer knew or loved.
“You’re important too. You need to remember that. You deserve good things,” Patience said, putting her arm around her.
“I lost so much confidence when he bailed on our relationship. I kept thinking it was my fault, that I did something to change the way he felt about me.”
“He didn’t deserve you, if you want to know how I truly feel. I know raising Lily on your own hasn’t been easy, but it’s a lot better than making a life with someone who wasn’t committed to the type of life you deserve.”
“That’s all true,” Sophia said, “but I just wish my experience with him hadn’t left me feeling so broken. I want to be in a relationship again, but I’m afraid of putting myself out there.”
“It’s hard to do that, especially when you’ve been put through the wringer. But if you don’t try, you’ll never know what’s possible. You might miss out on the greatest thing that ever comes your way.”
Sophia bit her lip. She knew she was being a bit of a mess, but Patience was her soft place to fall. She could tell her anything. Her insecurities. Her fears. The highs and the lows. Her sister always understood where she was coming from. She grounded her.
“You don’t have to figure out any of this today,” Patience reassured her. “Have you ever thought of simply having fun with Caleb?” She let out a mock cry of horror and slapped her hand over her mouth. “Or is that a dirty word?”
“It’s definitely something I haven’t had in a long time,” Sophia admitted. “But Caleb makes me want to be spontaneous. I haven’t wanted to walk on the wild side for a long time.”
“Oh, really? Tell me more.” Patience leaned over and put a hand to her ear.
“We kissed at work the other day,” she admitted. Just saying it out loud made her feel sheepish.
Patience let out a loud squeal. “Get out! I want details! The more, the better.”
“There’s not much to tell, but on a scale of one to ten it was off the charts. And we were alone in the photo studio, so we were a little bit discreet.”
