“Well, that’s a long explanation. Cliff notes version; I think she’s a jealous and possessive person. People aren’t objects to own but partners to treasure. Everything should be equal. But with them, it’s all about her. Unfortunately, the girl is like a damn boomerang. He pushes her away when she becomes too much, then she comes right back and worms her way under his skin again.”
I frowned, not liking that one bit. Alden, while he definitely looked like a playboy, was actually a genuinely caring person. I’d come to know him quite a bit these last couple of weeks and the thought that someone would take advantage of his kindness boiled my blood a little.
“And it bugs you he can’t see that?” I prodded gently, understanding a bit now why Darren would be so concerned.
“It does. He’s a good guy, but she’s familiar. I think it’s too hard for him to get away because it feels good to him to feel wanted.”
I nodded, feeling sad for Alden. I’d felt that before. Not quite like him with an on again off again relationship over the course of years, but with my own feeling of loneliness. I loved my job, but it isolated me from dating seriously. So for a while I went on many dates, trying to fill that void that a stable, lasting relationship would fill. It cooled the sting, but it didn’t close the wound. Misty filled that space for Alden. But what was the point if you weren’t fully happy? A phone call from your girlfriend shouldn’t make you frown.
“I don’t know if I have any right to say anything since I don’t know her or the full situation, but I think the only thing you can do is be there for your brother like you always are. If it’s like you say it is, it will end again, and he’ll need you to be there. He’ll be okay.”
I knew this because having them supporting me at my worst has made my world so much better.
Darren stared at me for a minute, like I was a puzzle he couldn’t figure out. Then, shockingly, leaned forward and pressed his lips to my forehead. He lingered there for a few seconds longer than I thought he would, before stepping back.
“Thank you, Sophia. I needed to hear that. And you have every right to say anything you want in this house. You live here as much as the rest of us do, so that gives you a say.”
I smiled, both from his thoughtful kiss and sweet words. It felt nice to be included.
Alden finally appeared and placed his phone on the counter. Darren and I waited expectantly.
“Misty’s coming for dinner,” he told us. “She said she wanted to meet Sophia.”
I looked at Darren, who seemed to be throwing a patronizing look at Alden, but quickly wiped it off his face when he noticed me staring at him. He must’ve replayed my words in his head, because then he nodded and said. “Well, good.”
It wasn’t much, but it was a start. Like the girl or not, she was dating his brother. It wasn’t his choice to decide how Alden handled his relationships, but it was on how he handled his relationship with Alden. Supporting him was the best way to do that.
I glanced back at Alden who looked genuinely confused by Darren’s response, so I interjected.
“I’ll be happy to meet her, Alden.” I pasted on my most sincere smile, showing him that it didn’t bother me one bit that she was coming over.
He reached up and squeezed my shoulder. “Thanks, Soph.” He let go and clapped his hands together. “Now, let’s finish this feast!”
His renewed happiness was infectious, clearing out the worry that had been plaguing the air.
I just hoped it went as smoothly as Alden hoped.
After Porter had come home and we’d all just settled down at the dining room table, a knock sounded at the front door, signaling Misty’s arrival. Alden excused himself to answer it. The tension that filled the room was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Darren stared hard at his plate of spaghetti and Porter’s eyes kept flicking from the doorway to me then to Darren nervously. It was enough that it put me on edge, and I didn’t even know this girl.
Was she really that awful?
Alden came back closely followed behind by a beautiful red-headed woman. It didn’t surprise me in the least that she looked like a model, decked out in a tight leather skirt, white tank top, and a black, quarter sleeved sweater that flowed behind her as she walked. Her red hair was curled to the nines and her makeup was without a doubt expertly done.
I suddenly felt extremely frumpy with my loose fitted shirt and yoga pants. I spent so much time laying around that it seemed useless to dress in any way other than for comfort. My hair was just thrown into two, messy pigtail braids and I hadn’t done my makeup since the day of the fire. In short, I felt like an ugly duckling next to her.
“Sophia, this is my girlfriend Misty. Misty, this is Sophia.”
I reached my hand out to her to shake. “Nice to meet you, Misty,” I told her cheerfully.
She peered down at my hand as if it would bite her before lightly grabbing it and giving it the quickest shake possible, snatching her hand back instantly.
“Pleasure,” she replied shortly, then took the seat at the table next to Alden, which was directly across from me.
I could see a bit more clearly why the guys weren’t a fan of hers, but I knew that she was putting on a territorial front, gauging my reaction to her. I wasn’t blind to the ways of women, specifically women who felt threatened by other women. It was expected after all the things I heard about her, but I still had every intention of showing her I was just a friend and planned to do what my father always told me. Kill her with kindness.
“I’m glad I’m finally getting to meet you,” I told her. “I love your outfit by the way. I miss skirts.”
She looked taken aback by my words, but replied politely, “Thank you. I would miss skirts too if I couldn’t wear them.”
