Page 9 of The Longest Wait

If she did that though, Alex would win.

In his typical fashion, he was testing her. This was all part ofthe cat and mouse game they played. He was challenging her. If shedidn’t take his offered seat, he would win the first round betweenthem.

If there was one thing Sofia was certain of, it was to never giveAlex the upper hand. He would only use it against her, as she haslearned. She would sit next to him, like it was the best decision shemade all day, which wasn’t saying much because she recently wokeup. Anyway, if she sat next to him, it would be easier to avoid eyecontact with him.

So really, this was a win for her.

At least, she told herself that was the case as she sat down. Ithelped boost her morale from seeing him in the first place.

“You look like shit,” Alex said loud enough for everyone to hear.

He was such an asshole.

Lucy gave a light laugh to lighten the mood. “She probablyproudly did a walk of shame.”

That hasn’t happened in some time, but it was easier to playoff as an excuse. Sofia used to love no-strings-attached sex, but ithasn’t happened in a while. Not since Alex moved into town. Hewas the constant rain on her parade.

Sofia lifted her chin. “I did have a late night.” She avoidedclearing up the one-night stand situation because they could thinkwhat they wanted. More so, Alex could come to whatever conclusion he wanted.

Alex grumbled something while their waiter handed hera mimosa. She tapped the glass while she chugged it, askingfor another.

“And why does it have to be a walk of shame when a womandoes it?” Sofia was a proud feminist, and the title of a walk ofshame was crap.

“Own it,” Dominic said.

Sofia winked at him. “You know I do.”

“Everyone knows you do. You live for random hook-ups.” Alexknocked back at her. “It’s your favorite topic of discussion.”

“How would you know what I talk about?” Sofia snapped.

Tess, always the sweetest, intervened. “There is something funto talk about that everyone will enjoy. What did everyone do thisweekend. Connor, you start.”

“Worked.”

“Same,” Lucy and Jack said at the same time.

Dominic sipped his beer. “You guys aren’t only married to eachother, but also married to work. That’s insane.”

Tess shot him a look, he shrugged and kept talking. “Notinsane that you’re married, but that you work so much. I, on theother hand, banged this woman—”

“You know what,” Tess interrupted him. She was a prude likethat. “I’m sure everyone would love a recap of your evening, but perhaps we can talk about the pictures from Lucy and Jack’s wedding.”

“Why would we need to talk about them if we were all at thewedding?” Sofia blurted out.

“And how did you even remember we got the pictures back?”Jack was amazed by this.

Tess smiled. “It was noted in my personal planner. Lucy mentioned she wasn’t sure which photo to select for the thank-youcards. I made a note to give suggestions on what pictures have beenmost successful, historically speaking.”

“There is history to sending a thank-you card?” Alexwas dumbfounded.

From there, Tess went into a long explanation of thank-youcards and proper etiquette. It was painful to listen to and relieffinally came when their food arrived.

Sofia stuffed a bite of waffle in her mouth. Everyone was havingtheir own conversations, so she said to Alex, “In the future, don’task Tess anything about weddings.”

“I had no idea there were actual unwritten rules about thankyou notes. Now I know.” He shook his head. “And you have syrupon your chin. It adds to the look you’re trying to pull off today.”

“Your burger looks undercooked,” she swiped back. “It wouldbe a shame if you got Salmonella.”