Breakthrough

Three Words Eight Letters

When Blake and I pulled up to my parents' driveway there was hardly any cars. Had people forgotten about my mothers soirée? She would be oh so heartbroken. But, as Blake placed the car in park a man in a uniform asked,
"May I take your car sir?" Blake looked at me with confusion as I shrugged.
"You're here for Mrs. Jackson's party?"
"Yes, we are," I said to him.
"She hired us to valet cars to a nearby parking lot. I'll have your car as soon as you're ready to go," he ensured, waiting for Blake to hand him the keys.
"Ok," he said handing them over and walking over to me. As we approached the door he grabbed my hand and squeezed it a little.
"You ok?" He asked concerned.
"Yeah, I just-- why would she hire valet service?"
"That's what you're worried about?" He asked jokingly.
"I mean it's one the things I'm thinking about. There is like fifteen other things I'm also concerned about," I admitted fixing my dress.
"Should I knock?" He asked cautiously.
"No, it should be unlocked."
"Ok," he said grabbing ahold of the doorknob. "You ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be," I said to him smiling. As we walked in the door there were people everywhere. People, a lot that I've never seen before, waiters, a full bar in the kitchen, food, a canvas with my name on it that was displayed on the table. It was a lot.
"Well, where do we start?" Blake asked taking it all in.
"Back out the door," I said as I felt my head begin to thump.
"No, no, no. We're staying and were enjoying. This is all for you," he said grabbing me by the shoulders and turning me around.
"Yeah, and I want none of this."
"Well, you got it. Now, how about we find your parents first. I'd like to get that out of the way."
"Ok. We will find them first," I said linking my hand in his and going into the living room where everyone was congregated. As we walked I got many "congratulations," winks, side hugs and "OMG is that Blake Griffin?!"
"I'm sorry," I said to Blake as we finally made our way outside where is was less crowded.
"For what?"
"For that. I mean I kept stopping and talking and people were bothering you," I said looking at the ground.
"Sophie, it happens. And besides this is your party people are going to talk to you. That's what they're here for."
"I know. Do you want to get a drink?" I amused changing the subject as I got a glimpse at another bar that was set up on the patio.
"Yeah, sure," Blake said as we walked over to the bar.
"Daddy!" I said as I saw my father sitting at one of the bar stools.
"Hey kiddo! I was just wondering where you were," he said standing up giving me a big hug as Blake stood off to the side.
"Dad, I want you to meet Blake. Blake, this is my dad, Jay," I said grabbing Blake's hand and escorting him over to where my father was. Both of them shook hands and smiled.
"Nice to meet you Blake, big fan," my dad said smiling.
"Thank you sir. I appreciate it. You coming to the game Sunday?" Blake asked tucking his hand into his pocket.
"I'm afraid not. Got some business up in Seattle I have to attend to."
"Oh ok. Seattle. I really like it up there."
"You know, so do I it's just a nice change for LA. Not many people appreciate that," my dad said and he and Blake continued their conversation. I decided to go ahead and order myself a drink or two. As I approached the bar, a young woman who was bar tending came over to me and greeted me with a hello.
"Hi, can I first get a shot of tequila and then I'll get a rum and coke," I responded.
"Starting the night off right I see," the bartender said smiling.
"Unfortunately, it's my party so I need something to keep me sane," I admitted to her sitting on one of the stools.
"Ah, I see. Well it's a beautiful party. And the tent around the corner that's setup for dinner is absolutely beautiful," she said opening a can of coke.
"I haven't seen it yet. But, I'm sure it is. My mom wouldn't want anything less," I said as she handed me my shot that I downed quickly as my dad and Blake approached the bar laughing
"Alright Blake, we need to get together soon ok?" Sophie, have you seen your mother?" He asked looking around.
"Yes sir," Blake said sitting down smiling at him.
"Maybe she's in the tent making sure everything is set for dinner," I suggested.
"Possibly. Alright you two behave. Blake lemme know if you need anything buddy,"
"Yes sir!" He said again.
"Buddy? He's got a nickname for you already?" I asked sipping on my drink.
"What can I say? I'm well liked," he said putting his hand on his hip.
"Puhlease," I said sarcastically.
"Oh, come on that's not what you were thinking the other night especially when you were moaning my name," he whispered. Grazing the side of my ear with his mouth. Just as I was about to say some smartass comment my thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Sophie! Sophie! Sophie Elizabeth Jackson!" My mother yells frantically causing me to jump off the barstool quickly and more than likely flash my ass.
"What? What's going on?"
"Dinner is about to start! What have you been doing?" She says holding her hands up.
"Ok, I'm sorry," I say shrugging and then looking at Blake with wide eyes.
"She's something else," Blake said as we walked toward the tent.
"I don't think she even noticed you. I mean you're almost seven feet tall for goodness sake," I said which made Blake let out a rich laugh.
"C'mon, let's go find our seats, I'm hungry," he said as he pulled my hand into his. As we made our way inside my mother instructed where everyone was to sit. There were tables with table numbers and elaborate flower arrangements that had hydrangeas, sunflowers, peonies, and tulips. Little gold paper lanterns hung from the ceiling as well as strings of lights. People were everywhere and had already taken their seats. Waiters went around with hors d'oeuvres, champagne, and asked what everyone wanted for their main course.
"Damn, you would think this would be a wedding," Blake said as under his breath.
"I know. It's terrible. I told her all I wanted was to go out for dinner."
"Looks like you got a lot more than that."
"Sophie, Sophie come," my mother ordered as she pointed to a table where there were only three chairs.
"Mom, before we eat I want you to meet--"
"Here, you, your father and I are sitting here. Here sit," she said cutting me off.
"Ok, well we need another chair for Blake," I said looking at her like she was stupid.
"Well honey, this table is really for family only," she said giving Blake a look.
"Well,we're going to have to make an exception," I replied to her.
"Sophie, there is a seat back there that no one has been assigned to that he can sit in," she said pointing to a table in the very back.
"Mom, it's my party and he's my boyfriend and my date. So unless you want me to make a scene in front of all your friends get me another chair," I said between my clenched teeth as my mother scurried off huffing her breath.
"I could go, I really don't want you to get in a tiff over me," Blake said.
"No, you're staying. She needs to get over it," I said sitting down. "Here sit, here," I said gesturing to the seat next to me. After we sat down my mom and dad never came and joined us which was fine. We ate and drank. Boy did I drink. Rum and coke, Jack and coke, mojitos, margaritas, you name it I drank it. Blake didn't drink much. He nursed a beer for about thirty minutes after dinner and then he was done. Soon everyone had said their goodbyes to me and left their gifts leaving only a handful of people sitting at their tables.
"You ready to go home?" Blake asked me grabbing my and that was intertwined with his and putting it to his lips.
"I'm ready to go to your home," I said pointing at his chest and putting my legs on his lap. He had soon happily rested his large hands on my bare legs.
"My house?"
"Yeah, I mean we banged at my place now we need to bang at yours. It's only fair," I said slurring as Blake leaned his head back laughing.
"I hope your mom and dad don't here that. But you are very tempting," he said trying to whisper in between his laughs.
"Who cares. It's not like they can stop me. Let's just go find them so we can leave,"
I say swinging my legs off of him, adjusting my dress and taking off my shoes that hurt like hell. Blake then insists on taking my shoes as we walk hand in hand inside the house and look for my parents. They were both escorting someone out and shutting the door before walking over to us.
"You kiddos heading out?" My dad asked.
"I think so," I say yawning.
"It was a great party. Thank you for having me," Blake said.
"If the people who received an actual invitation showed up, you know. No last minute guests and surprise boyfriends," my mother snapped.
"Kimberly!" My dad barked at her.
"Jay, stop it. She knows how I feel. Now, Sophie. I think you should maybe just stay here tonight. It's very late and you've had quite a bit to drink."
"No, I'm going home," I said sternly.
"You aren't driving like this," she said laughing.
"I didn't drive, Blake did. I'm fine. We're fine."
"Oh ok so everything is fine now I suppose?" She snapped again crossing her arms.
"Kimberly, let them go," my father insisted as my mother stormed out of the room.
"That's exactly what I'm talking about," is say pointing at her.
"Yes, I know," my father admits and Blake still stands there silently.
"Well, we're going to leave now ok Daddy?" I say leaning in for a hug.
"Alright sweetheart, let me know when you get home. Blake, good luck to you on Sunday. I'll be watching from Seattle," he said patting Blake on the back.
"Alright, maybe you and Sophie can catch the next home game together. I can get y'all some awesome seats."
"You know I might take you up on that. It's been years since Soph and I have gone to a game together," he said smiling at me.

After saying goodbye to my father Blake and I head out to his car after the valet guy pulls it around into the driveway.
"Well, I'm glad your dad likes me," Blake said to break the silence.
"Yeah, me too. I'm hoping for a different experience on Sunday," I say leaning back in my seat.
"Hey," he said putting his hand on top of mine causing me to look at him. "They're going to love you," he said trying to reassure me.
"How can you be so sure?" I ask him.
"Because, they love and support everything that I love. And I think I love you."