Page 17 of The Longest Wait

With nothing nice to say, she kept her mouth shut and gavea small wave.

See, she played nice, so Dominic was required to watch SpiceWorld. She could do this. Alex, unperturbed by seeing her, had thenerve to sit next to her on the couch. He clearly didn’t have “SpiceUp Your Life” on the line.

Dominic yelled from the kitchen. “Alex brought wine. Youwant a glass?”

“Yes!” she shouted. “Fill it to the rim.”

Dominic chuckled and started to talk on his phone while hewas in there. Leaving Alex and Sofia alone, which was dangerous territory.

“Your welcome,” Alex said.

Sofia didn’t make eye contact and stayed focused on the game.“Don’t get ahead of yourself. I didn’t try the wine yet.”

“You’ll love it.”

Alex was so matter of fact, it annoyed her.

“Why would you bring wine to watch basketball?” she shotat him.

He kicked his feet up on the table in front of him. “Manyreasons: I enjoy wine and Dominic never has any in his house.Whenever I’m here, a woman normally shows up who appreciatesthe wine and doesn’t want beer or water as their only drink option.And specifically, for tonight, I had a day from hell and wantedsomething relaxing.”

“Everything okay?” Sofia hated the concern she had in her voice.

It wasn’t because she cared about Alex. It was because she wasa good person. If someone told you they had a bad day, you’rerequired to ask about it.

Obviously.

Dominic brought their glasses of wine out before Alex couldanswer. “Do you guys want to go out? Erica called me. Her andsome of her friends are having drinks in Center City. I think weshould go.”

Sofia took a gulp of her wine. Of course, it was delicious. Didshe want to trade this in for a night out?

“Not me,” Alex was quick to say. “I fly out tomorrow forassignment, and I have learned being hungover on a plane is awful.”

Where was he flying off to? Maybe it was the reason for his crapday, Sofia thought.

He continued, “And look at what Sofia is wearing. She isn’tgoing out either.”

She looked down, as if she forgot what she had on. True, shewasn’t ready for a public appearance. She had on sweatpants anda long-sleeved shirt. This wasn’t the attire for an uppity bar, whichwas sure to be where this random Erica was. Not that Alex neededto point out her laidback attire.

“She’s fine,” Dominic said. He treated her like one of the boys,so the relaxed outfit meant nothing to him. He seemed more interested in getting out of his apartment.

“While I don’t appreciate Alex’s colorful commentary on myclothes, and you know how much I despise having to agree withhim, but he’s right. I’m not going out.”

“Did you want me to lie to you and say you were ready towingman Dominic?” Alex countered.

Sofia huffed. “Actually, I would like you to leave my name outof your mouth.”

“I was pointing out that you aren’t dressed to go to the bar.”

“Which is none of your business. I can speak for myself.”

Alex took a slow swig of his wine. “No matter what I do, itsomehow pisses you off. I don’t know why I bother.”

“Me either,” she cracked back.

Dominic stood next to the television, glaring at them both. “I’m leaving to meet Erica. Make sure you lock the door behind you.”

“Who is Erica?” Sofia was impressed by his ever-growing listof women and she hasn’t heard this name before.