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Drew

Ihavenoidea what’s going on with Sophie. I’m trying to focus on finishing Penny’s bedtime story and enjoying a few minutes with her, but my thoughts keep drifting back to the look in Sophie’s eyes.

I’ve seen her when she’s sad, but this was different. Since I’ve known her, she’s never looked at me like that before. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she looked hurt. I don’t like it. All I want to do is run to her, pull her into my arms, and kiss the anguish off of her stunning face. But that can wait a few minutes while I put Penny to bed.

I finish the bedtime story, having no clue what I just read as I couldn’t focus my thoughts. Tucking the blankets around her, I lean in and kiss her on her cute little forehead.

She grins up at me. “I love you, Daddy.”

My heart instantly feels a little lighter. “I love you too, Pen.”

I give her one more kiss, then turn her light off and softly close her bedroom door. I walk to my bedroom and open the door. I always keep it closed so Penny doesn’t jump on my bed when I’m gone. I don’t turn the bedroom light on, but walk straight to the bathroom, strip down, and throw my scrubs into the hamper. I take my time in the shower, letting my muscles relax after spending hours performing surgery.

After my shower I’m feeling a little more relaxed. I throw on some black sweatpants and a plain white t-shirt.

When I step out of the bathroom, my bedroom is still completely dark. Except for a small green light that’s blinking in the corner. It draws my eye instantly. I frown as I walk across the room and flick my bedroom light on. The green light is coming from my printer. That’s strange. I can’t even remember the last time I used that old thing.

Then I see it. The key.

Sophie must’ve made a copy of Penny’s shot records after not getting a response from me.

The blood rushes from my face. I feel cold all over, like I’m going to either pass out or throw up. Then I remember the look on Sophie’s face as she walked past me this evening.

“Oh no. No, no, no.”

I drag both hands through my wet hair. My phone is in the bathroom, so I turn and walk back over to grab it and check the time. It’s been at least half an hour since Sophie went downstairs. Hopefully Samantha’s asleep by now.

My stomach roils as I walk down the hallway and then down the basement steps. I don’t even bother knocking on the door. My body is on autopilot, I can barely think.

Sophie is sitting on her couch, hands in her lap. She doesn’t even look up at me as I enter the room. She has changed into light-pink pajama shorts and a black tank top.

I drop down onto the couch next to her and stretch my arms out to reach for her hands, but she pulls away from me.

“Soph—”

She holds a hand up to stop me. “I saw Penny’s birth certificate… I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude. I was trying to help.”

“It’s okay, I know you were being helpful.”

“Can you explain her birth certificate to me? I don’t understand.”

“Well, I- I- I want to tell you everything, Soph. I just need more time. I need to talk to Emily first.”

She finally meets my gaze, her eyes are glossy with unshed tears. “Have you been lying to me this entire time?” A tear slips down her cheek.

“Sophie, you have to understand. I promised my sister I wouldn’t say anything. I was trying to give her time to get used to the idea of you and I being together.”

“So is Emily Penny’s mom? I just want you to tell me the truth.” Her lips are set in a straight line and her eyebrows pinch together. “I’ve been completely honest with you from the start. About me and Sam, about grieving the loss of him… everything.” Her voice cracks on her last word. “But you didn’t trust me enough to be honest with me. And that really hurts.”

This is an unfamiliar expression from Sophie. I can’t tell if it’s anger, disappointment, or maybe sadness. It might even be all three.

She stands from the couch and paces back and forth in the small living room. I rise from the couch and reach for her, but she pulls away again.

“Sophie, I’m so sorry. I’ll tell you the whole story, I promise. I just have to talk to my sister first. I want to do right by you, but I also have to consider Emily’s feelings.”

“Drew, I was just starting to heal. To feel happy again. To feel like myself. I can’t do this.” She looks down at her feet, her head shaking back and forth.

I grab her shoulder and urge her to look at me. Her face tips up and my heart wrenches at the sight of tears steadily streaming down her face. I hate being the cause of those tears.