Between The Lines

thirty three

        I love you is a strong phrase. It could literally make or break someone. I wasn't exactly sure what to think of Noah and I's exchange, but i walked away feeling good inside, despite the news of Lucas's possible move to another country.

        The rest of my day was spent reading, red eyes and still wet cheeks, i went to lunch at the coffee shop. I ate alone, then went back to my office to finish off the day. Lucas didn't come in, I guess he thought to give me space. Grace didn't call.

        Noah walked me to my car, saying that he was excited for our trip to New York in about three days. He explained how we'd fly out Friday afternoon and spend the weekend until Monday so we could make it back to work on Tuesday. He said he payed for everything, which pissed me off.  We fought over why he paid for things and i said i could pay for my own stuff and how i don't want him spending that much money on me, but he said he was making it up to me. I guess after the whole Britt and Cynthia thing while i was in Portland had yet to be 'made up to me'.

        Buffy was sitting on the couch when i walked thru my front door. I pet him a few times before slipping of my heels. 

        A lot had happened these past few days and my head was spinning. I was getting really dizzy. 

        Then my phone vibrated.

        Peter Hartburg: Hey Soph! Just checking in! I am out and about in LA and was wondering if i could stop by!

        I smile a bit, Peter is a nice guy. I text him sure and my address, asking him to text me when he'd get here so i had a heads up. He replied with a half hour and that gave me the time to change into my non work clothing.

        A few minutes after i changed into my sweat pants and made some tea, there was a knock on my door.

        "Hey Pete!" I smiled, ushering him in.

        "Hey Soph!" He smiled, "How this place is lovely"

        "Thanks" I reply. 

        "And how might this be?" He asks, petting Buffy on the head.

        "That's Buffy"I say, "He's the man of the house"

        " I didn't know you liked cats" He says.

        "I love them" I say, "I love dogs to, but when i first moved here i saw this family giving out kittens so i took one. i wanted to make sure one of them got a good home, thus Buffy is here today"

        Buffy just looks at us, then jumps of the couch and into the bedroom. Salty much?

        "Would you like some tea? I just made some in the microwave"

        "Sure" He smiled, sitting on the couch. I come back with a blue mug of tea.

        "Here you are sir" I say.

        "Thank you, Milady" He says, i laugh and he sips the tea. "It's good"

        "Thanks" I say, "Well, i got it at Target, so thank Target"

        "I'll have to write them a letter" He laughs.

        "So have you heard from your mom?" I ask, "I haven't really heard from mine so i was wondering"

        "Yeah, this morning, actually" He says, "I guess your mom and my mom are going on a cruise together"

        "Oh that poor crew" i laugh.

        "I've met your mom a thousand times but i've never met your dad" He says. I frown and look down at the table.        

        " I haven't either" I say

        "Oh i'm so sorry Soph" He says, "I didn't mean to.."

        "Nah" I say, "Don't worry about it, i'm so used to it now"

        "So what happened?" He asks, "Only answer if you want, no pressure"

        "No it's alright" I say, "Well, my mom was a teen mom. When she was a senior, i guess she went to this other schools party and met this guy. They had been drinking and yeah. She never married though. She had boyfriends and stuff while i was growing up but she said she liked it better not having anyone in her life"

        "Understandable" He nods.

        "She drives me insane but my moms a strong woman" I say, "She really hates being tied down"

        "That's why you are so amazing" Peter compliments, "You get it from her"

        I shrug, "I guess so"

        "So do you ever wanna meet your dad?"

        "I dunno" I shurg, "I mean, i'm an adult now, and i'm so used to not having one. I don't really mind it"

        "Huh"

        "Anyway" I say, "I bet i can beat you at cards"

        "Game on, Travis"