As Long as I Got You

ch.23

Soph woke up early that next Saturday morning, not for the best reason. She was trying to sneak a boy out of the apartment before her friends could notice. While planning his escape, the elevator dinged, announcing the arrival of a guest. A young brunette woman appeared, someone Soph found very familiar but couldn't place.

soph: Um, hello? Good morning. Are you here for, um, Bella or Lauren?" Soph asked, trying to mask her surprise
?: Yes, sorry, I'm here for Bella... Gosh, it's been a while since I've been here. Umm, we've met, actually, a while ago. I'm Samantha Humphrey,
the woman replied
soph: Right! I knew you looked familiar. You're her high school friend, right? It was you, Bella, and Serena...?

Soph asked, her memory clicking into place.

samantha: Yes, that would be me. I didn't mean to show up unannounced, but Bella owes me an interview for this article I'm writing. She hasn't answered her phone, so I thought I'd drop by," Samantha explained.
soph: Oh yeah, she's bad at that. She barely answers me

Soph said, feeling a little more at ease.

sam: Guess old habits never change for her do they *Samantha laughed*

Soph smiled, but her smile quickly faded as she remembered her "hookup" still lingering nearby, clearly within earshot. Samantha glanced over at him, and Soph felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. She quickly ushered him towards the elevator.

soph: That was just a friend. Don't tell Bella, please, but I'll wake her up right now

Soph said, trying to sound casual.

sam: Don't worry about it, girl. I get it. Thank you for doing that *smiling understandingly*
soph: Yeah, of course. Is she expecting you?" Soph asked, hoping to smooth things over.

sam: Well, kind of. She stood me up on Tuesday; I think she forgot
*Samantha said, looking a bit sheepish*
soph: Oh lord, Bella. honestly You have to tell her manager these things to put them in her schedule, or else she forget it *Soph advised*
sam: Got it. She's a businesswoman now *Samantha said with a hint of amusement*
soph: If you'd call it that *Soph chuckled, then turned to head upstairs*

Soph hurried up the stairs and down the hallway to the master bedroom. She knocked on the door and slightly creaked it open. Gracie and Bella were knocked out, asleep, the TV still on, and clothes still on both of them. Feeling like she wasn't intruding, Soph tiptoed to Bella's side. Gracie clung to Bella's body, looking adorable. They seemed to have kicked off the blankets, so Soph took a quick picture, knowing Bella would love it. Then she remembered why she was there and gently tapped Bella's shoulder.

soph: Hi, good morning. Sorry, Bella, but there's someone here for you downstairs. It's Samantha
*Soph whispered*

Bella stirred, groaning slightly
Bella: Good morning. Oh shit, Samantha—oh god, I'm a jerk, I forgot—
Sop: yeah I heard you forgot and stood her up for that interview. Nice one *Soph teased*
Bella: Shut up, Soph *Bella muttered, sitting up and rubbing her eyes*
soph: Okay, ouch! * said, feigning hurt*
Bella: no for real dumbass, Gracie's trying to sleep, so don't be so loud *Bella said, glancing at the sleeping girl beside her*
Soph: Awww, you're in your lover girl era. That's adorable *Soph whispered, unable to resist teasing a little more*

Bella rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. She gently disentangled herself from Gracie, careful not to wake her. Grabbing a hoodie and slipping it on, she followed Soph out of the room and down the stairs.