Chapter 11: James at Grant's hall
The weekend had quietly passed, and now it was a calm Monday afternoon.
Sophie was busy with her office work, enjoying the lingering effects of a good night's sleep.
She lay on her bed, headphones on, her laptop resting in front of her. Her feet were crossed at the ankles, finding comfort tucked behind her.
This was a rare moment of peace, a break from the usual busyness. After three weeks, Sophie finally let herself relax.
Regardless of the circumstances, Sophie remained steadfast in her office duties. The income from her job held immense significance for her, as her unwavering commitment to assisting those in need was her top priority.
The afternoon seemed to take a deep breath, and Sophie could almost feel the tranquility settling around her.
The phone rang, breaking the silence. Sophie paused her relaxation, took off her headphones, and picked up the call. It was James—a voice she knew well these days.
James: "Hey Sophie, what's up? I hope you're doing okay?"
Sophie: "Hey, I'm all right. Just caught up with office work."
James: "Are you free in the evening?"
Sophie: (pausing) "Um, okay. Is it something urgent?"
James: "Kind of. I'll tell you when we meet."
Sophie: "Alright, what time?"
James: "How about 7:30 PM at 'Tiago'?"
Sophie:"Done."
And with that, the call ended.
Sophie lay on her back, took a deep breath, and let her thoughts drift toward James.
She knew James would come up with ideas to find Gabriel, but was that truly what she wanted? If Gabriel were found, what would come next?
The answers remained elusive, like whispers carried away by the wind.
"This isn't the moment for overthinking," Sophie murmured to herself. "I need to focus and complete my work."
......
At 5 PM, Sophie wrapped up her work. The thought of going out felt like an unnecessary effort, so she made an unusual decision:
she would invite James over to her place.
Sophie rarely extended such invitations to friends, but lately, James had become more than just a friend. He felt like a comforting presence, a home she didn't know she needed.
With a sense of anticipation, Sophie sent a quick message inviting him to her house.
After a while, Sophie received a reply from James: "Are you sure about it, Sophie? I'm a bit hesitant... hope you understand."
Sophie retorted, her tone reassuring and typed : "Oh, come on! I'll make you feel at ease. Besides, there's nobody else at home, nothing to worry about."
James persisted: " 'Tiago cafe' is also a nice place. We can chill out there too."
But Sophie paid no heed to his suggestion. With a decisive keystroke, she typed: "7:30, my place. See you."
It was as if she were issuing a command, and James had little choice but to comply.
Sophie rose from her bed, her mind transitioning from thoughts of James to practical concerns.
She called in 'Brenda',
Brenda stepped into the room, her voice soft yet concerned. "What do you want!?
Brenda, a 5'5" tall African American young lady with curly hair.
Sophie: "Could you please help me in resetting my room?" her voice sounded soft and adorable.
Brenda's gaze swept across the room, assessing its pristine state. "Everything is perfect. What else should I reset?"
Sophie's patience waned. "I need everything to be absolutely perfect. My friend is coming over," she emphasized, her voice taking on an unexpectedly adorable tone.
Brenda's eyes widened in surprise. "Friend!?...Your friend!?" Her voice quivered with shock. "When did that happen?"
Sophie waved off the questions. "Oh, Brenda, no more inquiries. Just tidy up the room. And," she leaned in, "I want you to cook something special for dinner."
Brenda looked still bit surprised, and she shot Sophie a curious and puzzled glance.
While Sophie hurried off to the washroom.
...…..............
The doorbell chimed, and Sophie dashed to the entrance, her excitement palpable. It was as if she were a child anticipating a long-awaited playdate.
She swung open the door, revealing James standing there with a gentle smile. Yet, James looked a bit hesitant and awkward a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.
She pulled him inside, silently inviting him into her personal space.
Brenda also greeted him with a polite "Hello." But her eyes held curiosity—a silent question about this unexpected guest who had disrupted the usual calm of Sophie's home.
James was not able to notice the grandeur of the place around him, he just stood in the expansive hall of Sophie's house, appearing visibly nervous and uncertain.
Sophie led James to her room... gesturing for him to take a seat on her bed.
"Make yourself comfortable," she said, her voice warm and inviting.
The small talk began, and Sophie sensed James's unease.
It was a familiar pattern one that often emerged due to her parents'influential reputation. Whenever someone new stepped into their home, the weight of that legacy, casting an invisible barrier between Sophie and her guests.
After a while, Sophie leaned in and asked, her voice soft yet insistent, "So tell me, what was so important that you wanted to meet?"
James hesitated, his gaze shifting: "I've been thinking a lot about Gabriel," he finally admitted. "And I believe you need to meet him once."
Sophie's breath caught. She lowered her head, her expression shifting, a sudden sadness that seemed to envelop her. Gabriel—the name held memories, both tender and painful.
Whenever the topic arose, Sophie's heart weighed heavy, as if carrying a burden she couldn't quite share.
James gazed at Sophie, his expression a mix of curiosity and empathy. "What do you want, Sophie?" he inquired, his voice laced with concern.
Sophie's eyes widened, her mind racing. "Of course, I want to meet him," she replied, her voice tinged with excitement. "But how!!? I don't have his address, nor have I seen his face. I know nothing about him, so how will I ever find him?"
"We've been on that dating app for the past three years," Sophie continued, her fingers tapping nervously on the table. "I don't even have his number James, tell me, how do you propose to find him?"
The room seemed to hold its breath as James considered her question.
James further asked : "ok Let's do one thing, you tell me every single detail about Gabriel u remember." His voice carried the assurance of someone with a plan.
"When you guys were talking regularly for 3 years, there would be many things which he would have told you during your conversations, try to remember them". James further asked.
Her gaze distant as if she were exploring the depths of her own thoughts.
James watched her, sensing that within Sophie's silence lay a story waiting to unfold.
Time seemed to elongate, burdened by the unspoken words suspended in the air.
The door echoed with a soft knock. Sophie's eyes flickered, and she responded, "Come in." Brenda stood there, her presence commanding attention.
"Dad is waiting for you in the hall." Brenda announced.
Sophie's expression shifted—a mix of anticipation and curiosity. "Oh, Dad," she murmured, her voice tinged with happiness. "But this time, why?"
James shifted in his seat, unease settling in. He hadn't expected this situation.
"Thanks, Brenda,we'll be there shortly."
As Brenda exited the room, Sophie turned to James. "Let's go," she urged, her excitement contagious. "You'll meet my dad."
James hesitated, his discomfort palpable. "Can't we just avoid it?" he whispered.
Sophie laughed. "Oh, come on," she said, linking her arm through his. "You're my friend, and my father is pretty cool. You'll like him."
In that moment, they both forgot the intricate plans they'd woven around Gabriel.
Sophie was eager for James to meet her father.
But James?? He was utterly unprepared for what awaited them beyond that door.
They stepped into the hallway.
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Sensuous_ink1503 Dear readers, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I am participating in a competition with this story. If you liked the chapter, please show your support by voting, leaving a comment, and recommending it to your friends.
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