The Campus Mall

Chapter 8: 11:57 (At Night)

~Sophie's Perspective~

Sophie's heart raced during the car ride to the hotel. Drake placed his hand on Sophie's thigh and smiled. "Are you sure, Sophie?"

Sophie smiled and nodded. This was the love she always dreamed of. Long car rides at night. Loving stares. Knowing smiles. She knew this would be the night. Honestly, the car ride seemed too long. She was ready, and she knew Drake was too. The promo video proved that. 

Sophie brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear. "Drake?"

Drake catches a glimpse of her before turning his eyes back to the road. "Sophie I really mean it. If you're not ready, I'm not ready. Are you nervous?"

Sophie rolls her eyes. "Drake, I didn't say your name because I am conflicted. I know what I want. I've waited a long time for this. I was going to ask how much longer the drive would be."

He smiled and pat her thigh, in a kind of awkward but sweet way. "We're just about here." He turns into a busy parking lot of a fancy looking hotel. It looked expensive. He made her feel expensive, too. 

The valet came out and took Drake's keys to park the car. Drake opened the door for Sophie and escorted her inside. He checked in and fans stopped and stared at Drake. They had googly eyes. They were infatuated with him. But none of that mattered. Drake took Sophie's hand and led her to the elevator. She was the target of jealous stares, but she loved it. She smirked at them and waved as the elevator doors closed. 

~Angela's Perspective~

The silence was killing her. He stared at the rim of his glass, but Angela kept her gaze on Josh. "Did you ever miss me?" she asked. 

Josh glanced up at her and smirked, returning his gaze to his glass. "What do you want me to say, Angela? I'm married now. I have a child. It's different now."

"Is it really that different? You don't have feelings for me?"

He shook his head. "It's more complicated than that." He took another sip of his drink. 

"I think you like it complicated. That's why you're sitting here. Talking to me. Looking at me like that. Would you really be sitting there if you didn't want something more than my friendship?" 

Angela held her breath, waiting for his response, but none came. Her heart was beginning to sink as if it were made of lead, but she wouldn't give up on this. She loved him, and she knew he loved her too. 

Angela stood and sat next to Josh on his couch. "You can't ignore me. I know you still love me. I was too young then, but I'm here now." 

Josh sighed. "I didn't see you that way back then. You were upset and I wanted to help you, but it wasn't like that."

"But we texted after that. You didn't start to feel something?"

"Angela, you were young. I shouldn't have been talking to you. You know that." 

"Josh I love you. I want you to want me." Angela leaned in and kissed Josh. His breath smelled of liquor. She hated it, but she loved the feeling of his lips on hers. 

He pushed her away. "Angela, no. You know this isn't right."

"Is it?"

Josh looked at her. He could've been staring right through her. Then he leaned in and kissed her back. Angela's heart leaped and she was so happy. She wrapped her arms around his neck as the kiss intensified. He picked her up and carried her, bridal style, to his bedroom. He shut the door behind them. The clock ticked away. It was 11:57 at night. He laid her on the bed and turned out the light. 

~Sophie's Perspective~

They were on the seventh floor in a big suite. The room number was 735. He insert the room key into the reader and the door unlocked. He led her by the hand into the room and shut the door. Sophie stood on her toes and kissed him, and he kissed her back. He laid his phone on the nightstand and sat next to Sophie on the bed. The phone screen opened and flashed 11:57. "Are you sure you want to do this? You're just... so young."

Sophie smiled and kissed his cheek. "Yes I'm sure." 

Drake stood up and turned out the lights.