Chapter 29 – We Belong
Monday, July 7, 2036
(Continued)
Ana
Kate didn't sound upset, but still – there was a sense of urgency in the tone of her voice over the phone. I knew that whatever she had to get off of her chest was important enough for me to move several meetings around on my calendar.
I'd just seen her last night at dinner and everything appeared to be fine with her. She and Elliot along with Sloan and her longtime boyfriend Jaxon joined us at the house with the recently betrothed Phoebe and Hanson, as well as Teddy, Ronan, Sophie, Taylor, and Gail.
Speaking of Gail, she's been relieved from working Saturdays and Sundays since the very beginning. But ever since Christian and I insisted on her and Taylor joining us for Sunday dinners with Ronan, she absolutely can't help herself. She's constantly itching to help out in the kitchen, no matter how much I scold her about it.
I meet Kate just past noon at our favorite sushi spot. She's already seated at a table by the window when I arrive.
"So what's going on?" I ask after the waiter takes my drink request along with our lunch order. We stick with our usual rolls.
Kate props her left hand on the table. It takes a moment, but then it dawns on me that she's sporting a brand new sweet shiny rock on her delicate hand. I gasp.
"Oh my God. Is that…is that what I think it is?" I stammer.
She smiles bigger than I've ever seen her smile, and nods. I spring out of my chair like a jack in a box and she stands so I can pull her into me. I'm squeezing her so tight, beyond overjoyed.
I wasn't expecting this. Not in a million years. I just knew that tying the knot again was the very last thing on Kate's mind after finally escaping that joke of a marriage to Tom. It just goes to show that when someone's your true soul mate, nothing can halt destiny.
It takes me a few beats, but I finally settle down enough to return to my seat.
"How did it happen? I want to know everything," I anxiously implore.
"After we left your place, he and I took a long walk along Elliott Bay. We were just talking, as we normally do – nothing deep. Suddenly out of nowhere, he gets down on one knee and proposes." Kate appears as if she's reliving the shock of the moment. "I froze."
"I'm sure you did," I chuckle. "You weren't expecting it."
"No – not at all," she beams fondly. "I thought that we were just fine right where we were. But the moment he asked me to marry him, all of these emotions just came flooding in. Then I knew. I knew I wanted exactly what he wanted. Oh – he did freak out a little at first."
I gape at her. "Really?"
"Yeah," she laughs. "I was stunned silent. I didn't speak for a good while after he popped the question. He later told me that I took so long to give him an answer, that he was expecting me to say no," she giggles.
I laugh. "But obviously you ended up putting him out of his misery."
"I did," she says proudly. "And let's just say that I'm only functioning on two hours of sleep right now."
"Kate," I admonish with narrow eyes. Still, I can't hide my excitement. This is so long overdue. Elliot and Kate should've married long before Christian and I. Until they broke up many years ago, they were a couple for much longer than we were.
"Hey – don't you dare give me that, Mrs. Grey, when you and Mr. Man are still constantly fucking like rabbits," she bites back.
I clear my throat and hang my head in slight embarrassment. She's right.
"So, now I have two weddings to look forward to," I muse with a broad smile on my face.
"Um…well," she hems and haws. "Elliot and I plan on eloping next month. In Vegas," she announces, awkwardly exposing her bottom row of teeth.
"What! No way," I immediately shut her down. "I won't have it. Your mother won't have it. Grace won't have it."
"Ana…"
"Hush. You and Elliot will have your wedding in our garden. That's final."
"We've both done this at least once before. We don't need the pomp and circumstance this time around. We're old," she laughs. "And besides, this is only for us and no one else. I just wanted to share the happy news with my best friend."
"And I appreciate that. However, you should not elope," I scold. "If you want to get married next month, fine. But do it in the presence of an intimate group of your closest family and friends. We've been waiting on this for so long. Let us share in your joy."
Kate sighs and shakes her head. "Fine. I'll ask Elliot."
"Regardless of what he says, you will have the wedding at our home. Don't you dare defy me, Ms. Kavanagh…soon-to-be Mrs. Grey."
My words echo back to me and I feel a chill. Finally, Kate Kavanagh is going to have the name that she was always meant to have. And this occasion is far too important for an un-intimate ceremony at some Chapel of the White Flower-Wearing Elvis shithole. No way, no how.
We talk a little bit about planning her wedding. She wants me to be her matron of honor, while Sloan serves as maid of honor. Kate tells me that her sweet mother is already on the job of crafting her a marvelous wedding dress. Mrs. Kavanagh is over the moon. She simply adores Elliot, and she already treats Sloan as if she's her own granddaughter. In her eyes, Sloan is no different than Ethan and Katie's children. Sloan has the benefit of living in the same state as Kate's parents, unlike Kate's brother and family who live in New York.
And although Sloan has been on speaking terms with her mother Lily, her heart truly belongs to Kate. Kate was there when Sloan was having a tough time with a group of mean girls back in high school. These girls had their heads so far up Phoebe's ass, but when my daughter wasn't looking, that same group treated her cousin like a second-class citizen. Sloan didn't think that she could talk to Phoebe about what was going on at the time. She also didn't want to shake things up. Instead, she bore all to Kate.
"They're jealous of you. They want to be you. You are beyond beautiful. You're a Grey, and you're best friends and cousins with the most popular girl in school. Fuck them. They don't deserve a second inside of your thoughts" – Kate once told Sloan.
It was solid advice. And Kate would continue to give her more gems like that whenever she needed to hear it. That is why Sloan Grey is the strong young woman that she is today. I'm so proud of her.
"Hey – I've been thinking about something since yesterday," Kate says as she tilts her head, looking very contemplative.
"About the wedding?"
"No. At least not mine. What's going on with Teddy and Sophie? They looked extremely chummy last night. If any stranger would've saw what I saw, they'd just assume that the two of them and Ronan were a family."
My lips flatten in a line and I shrug my shoulders in response.
"They need to quit playing around like Elliot and I did for many years. They absolutely belong together. I'm speaking from experience," she says firmly.
I shrug my shoulders again, not knowing what else to tell her, other than – "I agree, but Teddy is still trying to get over what Sophie did."
"I saw not one ounce of animosity on his face last night. All I saw was love." Kate's words cause me to flinch. "I saw a couple who should be together raising that beautiful little boy as one."
I shrug again for the umpteenth time. I feel helpless. "Again, I agree. But it's not my place to control the lives of my adult children."
"Maybe I should talk to Teddy. Or maybe Elliot should," she considers.
"No," I say, shaking my head. "The last time someone urged Teddy to marry someone, it didn't turn out so well."
Kate acquiesces. "Fine. But I hate sitting back and watching my nephew delay his destiny. Just looking at them, I see what they have together as clear as day. I saw the very same thing with you and Christian."
I narrow my eyes at her and she quickly corrects herself. "Not at first. I was blinded. I was stupid and jealous of losing my best friend," she admits. "But I couldn't deny what the two of you had. I saw the same thing in Phoebe and Hanson, and they're acting on it – just like you and Christian did. I just don't want Teddy and Sophie making the same mistakes that Elliot and I made. Why are they being so stubborn?"
"For the same reasons you and Elliot were," I smirk. "Look, I want nothing more than for my son to be happy. But I can't rush things. He has to find his own way. I'm not Christian," I remind her.
"And I am?" Kate frowns.
"Yes," I respond without hesitation, laughing.
"What?!" she says, affronted.
I narrow my eyes. "You and Grey are both pushy as hell. Don't deny it."
"I'm assertive," she sugarcoats.
"Pushy. When you and Christian don't get your way, you push and push and push."
"Lies," she spits back. "Look how long I waited until Tom divorced me. I didn't push him to do it."
"It's because Tom's a sociopath, and you can't push a sociopath against a wall. You had to use a foreign method on him," I counter. "Other than that, you are pushy. Don't deny it," I smirk.
Kate sighs and rolls her eyes. "Fine. Maybe a little bit," she acquiesces.
"No…a lotta bit," I correct her.
"I'm not that bad…as I used to be," she says, borderline embarrassed.
"True," I give her. "Same with Christian. He's much better."
"He's changed a great deal this past few years. I think almost losing you during the surgery played a big role in that. Then Teddy's failed engagement. And Ronan has completely turned his whole world upside down."
"Exactly," I smile in agreement.
"So look…since you're forcing us to have the wedding at your place, how about we set up Sophie to catch the bouquet?" Kate schemes.
I laugh. "Just because she catches the bouquet doesn't mean that she's going to marry Teddy."
"After she catches the bouquet, I will take her off to the side and whisper to her that if she doesn't marry Ted, she'll have twenty years of bad luck just like I did."
"Kate," I laugh.
"Never mind," she quickly cancels the idea. "She's already had a rough life. I'll just tell her that she needs to marry my nephew so that my great-nephew will have his father in the home, and they can live happily ever after."
I shake my head.
In all honesty, that is my hope, too. However, this is something that must happen organically. Teddy's and Sophie's healing and reconciliation can't be forced.
Thursday, July 10, 2036
Sophie
It's been weeks since Ted starting lingering around my apartment. And whenever I'm over at his place to either pick up Ronan or drop him off, he insists on me staying just a little while longer.
I don't know exactly where we stand, but there's one thing I do know for certain.
My heart is dead set on him.
I think back to a week ago. I couldn't make it out to the Greys' big Fourth of July bash because I had to work, but Phoebe called me that night to tell me that Hanson had proposed to her in front of the family on the boat. I was over the moon for her.
But I also longed that it were Ted proposing to me on that boat.
If he never ever forgives me and takes me back, then I deserve to be alone. I don't want anyone else but him. In the meantime, I continue to turn down dates from attractive men who pursue me at work. I can't envision myself being with anyone else but the father of my child.
He is the love of my life.
But at this rate, Ted and I only exist together for Ronan's benefit. Up to this point, it's been all about Ronan, which I'm totally fine with. However, I have no clue if Ted still has feelings for me like I have for him. It's disheartening.
Ronan has been enjoying home pre-schooling with Topher three days a week. My father is set to bring him home later today, which gives me time to just sit back and unwind alone on my sofa for a few hours. I'm starving, but I have no idea what I'm going to eat for lunch. I'll figure it out when I get to the apartment.
Just as I set to leave the hotel for the day, I catch Greg walking in.
"Hey…Sophie," he says, stopping me cold in my tracks.
Not now.
"Hey Greg."
"Hey," he says sweetly. "You're off work already?" he says with a lingering look of disappointment. I nod. "Have lunch with me."
Greg is a sweet guy who likes to come here to the Olympic for lunch every so often. He has dark brown hair and perfect white teeth. He must use those white strips every single day. Today, he's wearing a casual pastel plaid buttoned-up shirt with tan slack and shiny brown loafers. Greg is very handsome in a wholesome sort of way. He doesn't ooze sex appeal like Ted. His normal office attire is apparently a bit more on the business-casual side than what's expected from someone who works at Grey House. What Greg is wearing could only pass on a Friday at Ted's job.
Just the thought of Ted makes my heart flutter, but I push the thought aside.
"I was just leaving," I smile. "But thank you."
He smiles back. "I know you probably haven't eaten yet."
Greg has always been so very nice and sweet to me. He'd often say that if I weren't on the clock, he'd insist that I join him for lunch. I knew that would never happen. For one, I can't be seen at work fraternizing with the clientele. It's not a good look.
"No, I haven't. But I can't eat here," I sigh with a slight laugh.
"We don't have to," he counters. "There's an awesome French place just a five minute drive from here. You can even follow me in your car if you want."
I know the place. Le Pichet. And it is awesome.
I've been there a dozen times with Ted.
I smile. "But you were coming here to eat," I remind him.
"What can I say? I'm flexible," he smirks in response. "Look, I'm not taking no for an answer. It's only lunch."
Just lunch, huh? I'd be lying if I said that my stomach wasn't in the process of consuming its own lining at this very moment.
Damn Le Pichet and my annoying appetite.
I relent.
….
At the restaurant, Greg and I are ushered to a table that's a little too crowded for my liking. There are other parties already seated to the left and the right of it. I almost rather sit at the bar. I sense the hostess picking up on my reluctance.
"Is this table okay?" she asks.
"It's great," Greg insists, although he checks on me to make sure. I ease up and nod. "Thank you," he says to her, and we squeeze into our table, with me taking the bench and him taking the chair.
"You've been here before?" he asks.
"Many times."
Although Le Pichet is famously known for their delicious French cuisine, the restaurant itself has more of an old small-town diner feel to it. A single cluster of conjoined benches takes up the entire wall on the longest side. The other side has a long bench as well, but it's cut short by the bar. The wall where we sit has several large rectangular mirrors hanging in landscape with French artwork sporadically scattered in the spaces above it.
From where I sit, I can see the bartender hustling and bustling behind the bar. Each small table, just like the one before me, is only big enough for two to dine on. On the other side of the table sits a single movable chair. The seating is arranged where there are two of these small tables joined together, leaving only a sliver of space separating each dining party. Therefore many times, strangers are forced to become fast friends by the end of the meal.
It's not the most intimate place to eat, but the food is freaking amazing. It's so worth the claustrophobic vibe.
Greg sighs. "I don't get to come here as much as I like. Besides, The Olympic is so conveniently located. And I get to see your face, which is always the highlight of my day."
I come close to blushing. "You're too much," I sigh.
"Not enough, apparently. You've been turning me down for months. Are you still seeing that guy?" he asks. I'm astounded by how forward he's being.
"It's complicated," I say. "He's my son's father."
His eyes round out. "Really?" I slowly nod in reply. "I didn't know your baby's father was still in the picture," he says.
"Yep," I answer succinctly.
He chuckles. "You don't seem too happy about that."
"Well like I said, it's complicated," I say with a smirk.
"Complicated for him or for you?"
I exhale with a laugh. "Now you're getting way too personal on our first lunch meeting."
"The first of many…I hope," he says, plopping out an ice cube from his glass of water and into his mouth.
I close my eyes and think hard about what I'm going to say next.
"What's the matter?" he says, semi-muffled by the cube.
"I don't want to lead you on," I admit.
"You're not," he insists. "I asked you out to lunch."
I sigh. "I know. But I'm not looking for anything right now."
Slowly, I can see my words sinking into him. He's still kind, but not as confident as he was before. "I figured as much. I just thought that we could be friends. I've been curious to get to know you beyond the quick hellos and small talk at your job. I was going to ask you how your son was doing. Then we would launch into a conversation about hobbies. You know…the standard thing when you're getting to know someone. No pressure – just two people enjoying pleasant company."
I ease up just a bit at his words, but I can't help but think about how Aiden and I started. He was just as persistent as Greg. And Aiden waited and waited and waited until I was vulnerable enough to finally let him in.
I refuse to let that happen again.
So I decide to put my overly cautious feelings aside just for the afternoon. I will do as Greg says – sit back and enjoy pleasant company. But when we're all done, I will make it clear that I don't desire to complicate my life any further than it already is. This will probably be our first and last meal together.
My heart belongs to Ted Grey and it always will – whether he wants possess it or not.
Ted
I'm having lunch at Le Pichet with Marisol.
"So you're finally going through with it, huh?" Marisol's expression looks both proud and sober at the same time.
"Whether you know it or not, I've been preparing you and Phoebe for my departure," I smile, taking in the last bite of sausage.
"I know, I know," she sighs sadly. "And I believe this is what you should be doing. It just sucks that I can't go with you."
Her words bring me much warmth. I wish I could take her with me too, but I need to lay down the foundation before I even think about hiring full-time staff. And GEH needs her, at least until after PTF is in full swing. Phoebe needs her.
"See where I am in four years. Until then, I need you to kick ass for me at Grey House," I smile at her.
"Dammit, Grey," she sighs. "This sucks. Well, not for you, but for me."
"But you love Phoebe," I remind her.
"I do," she agrees. "I'm just going to miss your crazy ass."
I laugh. "I won't be far away. We'll still do lunch. I won't be able to get through the week without your solid advice."
Just then, I hear a familiar laugh further down the other end to my right. I look down and my heart stops when I see the source.
Sophie.
She's here with some dude that I've never seen before. They are both smiling and laughing away. I feel like throwing up my entire lunch. I've brought her to Le Pichet so many times in the past, so I feel beyond slighted seeing her here with another guy.
What did you expect, Grey?
You've treated her like shit for months.
What was she supposed to do?
Still, it doesn't ease the nauseating feeling. Then the guy she's with leans into her from across the table and says something with a flirty grin that I'm fucking itching to slap off, and she's laughing again. I mean truly laughing.
She's finally moving on.
My heart lunges into my throat.
I pushed her away.
She had no other choice.
"Ted?"
I shift my head and see Marisol's face etched with concern. "Is everything all right?"
I try to shake the feeling and I nod. "It's fine," I say, forcing a smile.
She narrows her eyes. "I don't believe you." She leans forward from her bench and her gaze shifts from me to where I was just looking. "Do you know her?"
And I know I can't lie to her. "It's Ronan's mom."
Her face falls. "Oh. That's Sophie."
A few beats later, she squeezes in between the tables, reaching out to tap our waiter on the arm, and asks for the check.
Marisol knows how I feel about my son's mother. She understands that this moment is extremely hard for me to witness.
Tuesday, July 15, 2036
It's been nearly a week since I saw Sophie hanging out at the restaurant with that dude. I've seen her a few times since then, mostly during our Ronan-exchanges. I've even sat with her at Sunday dinner at my parents'.
I made an effort not to give anything away. I didn't even bother bringing up the fact that I saw her with another guy.
I decided that it doesn't matter. I just hope that she keeps me in the loop if things start to get serious between them. Part of me wishes that I'd taken a picture of the guy and performed a reverse lookup on the image. I need to keep tabs on anyone and everyone regardless of who they are if they are ever going to be anywhere near my son.
I'll cross that bridge whenever I get there. However, the fact remains that the thought of Sophie moving on doesn't sit well with me. I can't fight it; no matter how hard I try.
I am still deeply in love with her.
It's crazy…I know. She kept our son away from me for three, almost four years. But I am starting to understand why she did what she did. The talk with my father certainly helped. Monty's rare wise words helped. The growing closeness between Ronan and I is definitely helping me see how much his mother truly cares about him.
Part of me realizes that Sophie finally came clean because of how much she loves him – and because of how much she loved me. She could only play the game for so long. She could've left town, and I wouldn't have been the wiser.
But she didn't.
She stayed because she couldn't fight the truth.
She didn't want to.
Now, all I can envision is Sophie and I together as one and raising our son. Well, that was until I saw her having lunch with that guy last week.
Again, I can't blame her. I shut her off for months. She finally saw the writing on the wall. I mean look at her – she's hot as fuck. She's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. Who wouldn't want to take her out to lunch? Who wouldn't want to sweep her off her feet?
So instead of moping around and feeling sorry for myself, I've decided to fully immerse myself into launching my business when I'm not tied up doing anything GEH related.
Today, I'm meeting up with Mischa to bring her up to speed on what Mason and I have been working on. I set to meet her for coffee at the café close to Grey House.
Sophie's favorite café.
Up until this point, we've been doing most of our corresponding by email, phone, and text. I've stopped by her office downtown for a quick private meeting maybe once or twice.
When the time comes, Mischa and I convene out in public for a late afternoon coffee. We sit as soon as we have our drink orders in hand.
I'd be blind to say that Miss Dawes isn't attractive. In fact, she's a knockout. Today, she's keeping it casual in a black V-neck sleeveless black dress splattered with spring flowers. It's a much less intimidating look than her usual sexy, ball-busting skirt and dress suits.
Her hair is neatly parted down the center, which I'm forced to study whenever her head goes down to sip her latte. All of a sudden, she puts down her off-white porcelain mug and traces my left hand laying flat on the table. I flinch ever so slightly, just enough to not cause her too much alarm. But I do start to feel a little uncomfortable.
"What's your deal?" she asks with smirky pursed lips. "Why don't you ever wear your ring?"
I grin just a little. "I'm not married."
She apologizes immediately. "Forgive me for prying, but I assumed that you were married to your son's mother."
I shake my head, which slowly drops.
"I didn't mean to hit a sore spot. You still dig her? Your baby's mom?" she asks. I nod subtly.
"Look, can I be frank with you?" she starts. The tone of her voice tells me that she will be frank in spite of my answer – so I remain quiet, yet attentive.
"I was smitten ever since that first Monday I saw you interacting with your son and your little brother at Sahara."
I begin to clam up, unsure how to respond.
"I was checking you out for a ring back then. I was just hoping that maybe you were either divorced or on your way to Divorce Court," she chuckles. "Then I saw how chummy you were with the chef at Sahara, so I decided to make friends with him too…only to find out who you were. I wasn't expecting you to be a Grey," she smiles. "You could've been a Schmoe…hell, I wouldn't have cared. I like you."
The reality of the present awkward situation finally sets in. Now, I have to speak up.
"Look, Mischa," I start, with a bit of nerves setting in. "I'd like to apologize if I've mislead you in any our meetings. I was hoping to forge a business relationship with you."
"I know that," she responds, unflinching.
"Each time we met, I came prepared to eventually sell you on the idea of joining forces with me and Mason."
Soon, a look of disappointment sets in on her pretty face. "And that's all?"
I nod regretfully. "I'm sorry. Yes…I'm still in love with my son's mother, but it's complicated," I explain. "I'm in the process of healing. I just don't have room in my heart for anyone else right now."
"I get it," she says. "I knew you were interested in getting into business with me. I was just hoping for something else on top of that." Now, she's fighting a smile.
"You're very beautiful," I tell her flat out. "But this is just business. I'm sorry if I ever sent you the wrong message."
"No," she insists. "You didn't."
I take another sip of my coffee and find her studying me. I feel naked and uncomfortable.
"I can tell that you still love her very much," she observes. "And whatever she did, I hope that you can eventually forgive her and let her back into your heart. Life's too short to hold grudges."
Her statement takes me aback. She doesn't even know me, yet it's almost as if she does. I can't help but look down again, because she might take another gaze at my eyes and quickly expose something else.
Instead, she takes me out of my misery. She reaches out across the table and touches my hand again. This time, she's comforting and not forward at all. I look up at her and she's smiling.
"So, update me on this new business venture."
I feel a spark, which temporarily dissolves the previous emotions. I then launch into my full-on sales pitch, leaving out the pushy, douchy, smarmy sales guy act. Instead, I'm just a man who's confident in my own abilities, and armed with a solid vision.
The meeting goes better than I planned. I'm floating on a cloud after all's said and done. Mischa and I are set to meet with Mason next week. Finally, I'm truly ecstatic about my business. I finally feel like I have control over something.
At least until those old bitter feelings return with a vengeance and I imagine Sophie with that guy I saw her with last week.
….
As the weeks progress, Mischa and I become really good friends. And to my surprise, after all of the talk about the new business dies down, she's quick to ask me about how I'm doing these days. And normally I lob the usual 'I'm okay' response.
But one day she calls me out on it – and suddenly, I'm bearing all to her like I've never had with anyone.
Saturday, July 26, 2036
Sophie
For some reason, I've been feeling rather claustrophobic today at work. I was desperate to go outside and enjoy this last bit of non-Seattle-like weather before the permanent rain clouds settle in.
So after I eat my bagged dinner in the employee lounge, I decide to take a leisurely stroll downtown. I tug off my name badge and soon make way down 5th Avenue. It's a gorgeous Saturday evening, just after nine.
I reflect back on last night. Ronan, Ted, and I embarked on an extremely competitive game of Chutes and Ladders on the gaming consul. It's a game that my father and I used to play in board form on the dining room table when I was just a little girl. So this game holds a special place in my heart.
Later on, Ronan was quite exhausted so he passed out on the couch in between Ted and I. We watched him sleep, but pretty soon our eyes were locked in on each other.
We almost kissed.
Then he left.
Tonight, Ronan is staying over at his grandparents'. I'll see him tomorrow at dinner there. I couldn't help but hope that Ted would realize that I'd be home alone until then. But when he walked out after our close encounter, I knew that my terrible idea was simply wishful thinking.
Sophie – get ahold of yourself.
I'm walking and rehashing the embarrassing moment of coming so close to kissing him, only to get shut down.
Then this happens.
I have the uncanny ability to spot Ted Grey from any lineup – no matter what the lighting conditions are. I know every inch of that man's body. I can trace his outline from memory. I know his mannerisms. I know the unique way he walks.
So when I see what looks like Ted walking closely with some girl who I've never seen before, I don't even bat an eye. I know it's him. However, the reality of the day and the time dawns on me – It's Saturday. It's late. It's Date Night. The two of them are just laughing and carrying on, walking way too close together.
She's even prettier than Diana.
Impossible.
I feel like melting into a pile of goo and seeping the pavement as I step off to the side and discretely watch them like a hawk as they stroll past me. They are both dressed as if they just left a concert and are off to enjoy a late dinner together.
We used to do that.
When I get back to work, I am a complete mess. I lock myself in the back office and bawl my eyes out. Ted has officially moved on. And I know for a fact that he deserves to be happy for a change. He deserves someone who can do what I've been unable to do.
Like not keep four-year long secrets from him.
It's not until I hear the banging on the door that I realize I've been crying just a little too loudly.
"Sophie?"
It's Stacey. I'm relieved it's her, but still mortified. Instead of ignoring her, I get up and open the door, and she quickly shuts it behind us.
Right away she takes me into her arms to comfort me.
"Sweetie...what's wrong?"
"I just got back from a walk and I saw Ted with another girl."
"Oh, Sophie," she squeezes me even tighter.
"I know they were out on a date. They were dressed nice. Well…Ted always dresses nice," I ramble.
"But how do you know they were out on a date?"
I pull away from Stacey and look her square in the eye. "It's Saturday night. They were alone."
"You don't know that," she counters.
I gasp. "Yes, I do. They were walking together. Just him and her."
She quickly hugs me again and pulls away. "Maybe you should ask him. Things have been getting better between the two of you. You need to find out where you stand with him."
I shake my head. "Ted's dating life is none of my business."
"I beg to differ," she frowns. "You and he share a son. Whoever he dates has the potential of being around your son."
Stacey makes a good point. However, I think prying in on Ted's dating life is still a cop out. It's not my place to question him about any one he could potentially be seeing. I trust that if things get serious enough, I will eventually find out.
Still, the thought of that brings me nothing even close to comfort.
I'm feeling more anxious than I've ever felt before.
Ted
After a successful dinner meeting with two very promising investors, Mischa and I decide to walk down the street and grab a quick coffee and dessert over at Uptown Expresso Belltown – which thankfully doesn't close until late.
"Craig Brighton's itching to jump in," Mischa excites.
"I could tell," I ecstatically beam.
"You and Mason have a solid business plan. Anyone would be foolish not to jump on board. Hell, your dad will want in," she chuckles.
My smile fades and she catches wind of it.
"I'm serious," she firmly stresses. "You have an ironclad roadmap. It's the ultimate path to success. Just wait until you're working this full time. You'll be unstoppable. Your father will be proud."
I sigh. "I hope so."
No matter how much I talk about not caring what my father thinks, I actually do. He's the smartest man that I know. Who wouldn't want to earn the praises of someone who built a multi-billion dollar global empire at the bright young age of twenty-one?
"You will," she reassures. "Hey…so what do you have for me?"
I blink at her, not sure of what she's asking.
"The phone," she spells out.
"Oh," I exhale, smiling large. I pull my mobile from my pocket, wake it up, and search for what I need. When I find it, I hand it over to her.
She starts to gush. "Oh, my goodness."
"He's been working on that piece all week. He says it's not done."
"Jesus Christ, you truly have a child prodigy on your hands. I'd literally hang that one on my wall today."
I quickly slip my phone from her hands, which stuns her, but she smiles anyway.
"Nope. It's going up in my office at RTG, as soon as I get one," I boast.
"You and Sophie must be so proud," Mischa swoons.
I nod, unable to tuck away my goofy ass smile. Then I realize that I am smiling for two entirely different reasons – One, because I am indeed very proud of my son. And two, I absolutely adore my son's mother.
I don't think that she's been seeing the guy that I saw her having lunch with that one time. If Sophie's not working she's either spending time with Ronan, or she's with both Ronan and me – hanging around at her place or mine, or out enjoying a meal. And I've been thoroughly enjoying my time with the two of them.
But last night, things got a little too close for comfort with Sophie and I after Ronan had fallen asleep.
Although…if I were in the same frame of mind last night as I am in now, I definitely would have kissed her.
Sunday, July 27, 2036
Last month, Sophie gave me the key fob to her place for emergencies. She also has the code to my penthouse. So when she didn't answer the intercom when I buzzed her in the lobby, I simply let myself in.
When I open her door, I find Sophie sitting alone on the living room sofa looking exhausted, still in her PJs.
"Hey," I say, concerned. "What's up? I just rang the bell."
"Sorry. I didn't hear," she murmurs.
"Why aren't you dressed?" I say, scanning her from top to bottom.
"I texted you earlier," she utters lifelessly.
I wince and hurry to retrieve my phone from my pocket. I search the messages. Indeed, I missed hers. "Wow, I'm sorry. You're not well?"
She weakly shakes her head. "I already told your mom. I think it's a migraine. Ronan's dressed and in his room. You two go ahead and do dinner at your parents' without me."
I hear what she's saying, but something's not right.
"Do you need anything?" I ask.
"No," she breathes. "I'll be fine. I just need some rest."
"You sure?"
"Yes. Thank you."
Strange. I've known Sophie ever since I was born and I've never known her to have a migraine. Soon, Ronan comes barreling out of his room and I scoop him up for a hug and a kiss. Not too long after that, he hugs and kisses his mom and wishes her well.
"Thank you sweetheart," she answers, kissing him again on the cheek.
"Call me if you need anything. You hear me?" I order as I turn the doorknob with one hand while taking my son's hand in the other.
She answers with a sad smirk shortly before Ronan and I take off.
As my son and I venture out of the building and into the parking lot, I can't help but consider that Sophie could be faking ill in order to spend time with that guy she was with at Le Pichet.
I fucking hope that she's not playing games and that she's truly not feeling well – although it is not my place to question who she is or isn't dating. However, I can't help but feel overprotective about any man that she could be potentially bringing around our son. That's all it is.
So I tell myself.
Saturday, August 2, 2036
Sophie
I know for a fact that Ronan's having more fun than I am right now.
While he's having the time of his life at his uncle's big fourth birthday bash along with his father, I'm stuck here at work. However, I'd be remiss if I don't admit that I was pleased to have an excuse to skip two visits in a row at the Greys' massive compound.
I've been trying my best to distance my emotions from Ted since seeing him enjoying the company of a very attractive girl last week. He's obviously moved on, while I'm still stuck in yesterday.
I blame myself. I was foolish to believe that Ted and I were slowly working towards a new start together. The fact remains that I did a terrible thing in keeping Ronan a secret from him for almost four years.
If this new girl truly makes him happy, then he absolutely deserves her.
The most painful part will be when I have to explain to Ronan that his father has a new girlfriend. What if they end up getting married? My stomach lurches at the thought. I can't even fathom it. But reality tells me that a beautiful, smart, powerful man such as Ted can't possibly stay single for long. He's beyond the perfect catch.
Drop dead gorgeous.
Brilliant.
Filthy rich.
But much more than that, he has a beautiful soul.
He loves hard.
And he's the perfect father to our son.
Ted Grey a girl's dream come true. Hell, he was mine for many years.
But I lost him on my own accord.
Dammit!
I could just bash my head against this solid front counter, repeatedly. And on top of everything else, I have to deal with this very large, annoying conference group today.
Who in the hell holds corporate events on a Saturday anyway?
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Welcomes
Dawes Introspective Technologies
Every screen in the lobby embraces one of the world's biggest technology firms. Each person coming through the doors donning a shimmering gown or a dapper tux is no doubt here for the party.
I idly wonder out of the many places for them hold this event, why here? Yes, the Olympic is a fantastic hotel. But they could've done this at the SAM. They could've done this any place else and not ruin my night.
They could've done this on my day off.
Yes, I'm still sulking over Ted. I don't know what's wrong with me, but I simply can't shake it. I'm miserable. Not too many people know how it feels to have the man of your dreams within your grasp, only to not be able to touch him.
And fuck me, he only continues to get hotter and hotter each and every time I see him. The way that he loves and cares for Ronan is the sexiest thing on the planet.
Sweet lord, help me.
"Sophie!"
I'm startled when the radio propped up on my desk in the back office statics, and then blares out my name. I grab it.
"I'm here."
"We need you in the Spanish Ballroom," Dan calls back.
Fuck. It's the Dawes party. "I'll be there in a moment."
I get there and Dawes' coordinator is decked out and barking out demands to Dan.
"Thank God you're here," she sighs.
"We have it all under control, Miss Bryant," I reassure her. "We have plenty of hors d'oeuvres on deck."
"We need another bar. The lines are already insane," she frazzles.
"On it," I assure her, picking up my radio to issue out the order.
"Thank you," she sighs in relief as she sets off to rejoin the party.
"God, she's such a spazz ball," Dan groans once she's far enough away from an earshot. I ignore him and make sure that all of our ducks are lined up with catering and the front office over the radio. The key is not to have Miss Bryant asking for another thing. They are paying us far too money to have any mistakes happen on our part.
After checking on the bartenders, the meat carvers, and several servers scattered throughout the ballroom, I gear to leave and return back to the front desk.
Then suddenly, something, or rather someone catches my eye.
My God…is that her? The girl across the room in the shimmering red gown looks very much like the girl that Ted was with that one night.
I freeze.
"Sophie?"
I hear my name, but I'm paralyzed like a fawn facing headlights. I suddenly feel a hand on my shoulder.
"Sophie…is everything okay?" Stacey asks at my side.
"That's her," I whisper, covertly gesturing my chin in the direction of the drop-dead gorgeous woman in the sparkling red dress. Stacey frowns, not catching on to what I'm saying. "The girl that Ted was with that night."
"That's her?" she gapes widely at the beautiful girl, making me feel like total shit.
Yes, that's her. She's insanely beautiful and wealthy looking, and probably doesn't come with any of the extra drama. You know…all of the things that Ted's probably looking for in a woman.
Stacey gives me a strong, protective look that tells me she's on a mission.
"I'll be right back."
I gasp. "No…" I plead, reaching out to grab her. But it's too late. She's already marching in the direction of the twenty-something year old Halle Berry-looking broad with the gorgeous long wavy dark hair.
In this moment, I want to sink into the marble floor of The Spanish Ballroom, never to be seen again.
I stand there, thoroughly embarrassed as I watch my best friend approach one of the guests of the party we are helping host. In a blink of an eye, I picture both Stacey and myself getting tossed out on our asses tomorrow for starting a fight with an employee or guest of Dawes. Hell, that woman could be anybody.
Dammit, Stacey!
The girl looks very attentive at my friend as I witness Stacey's hands animatedly going up, down, and to her sides as she talks her ear off. What in the hell is she saying?! They're talking for a long, long time, and I'm getting more and more nervous by the minute.
Pretty soon, I see the girl gasping and she starts to look all around. Suddenly, Stacey spins on her heel and points over to me through the crowd. The other girl's eyes follow. Once our eyes meet, she lights up like a Christmas tree. It's as if I'm Santa Claus.
Huh?!
The woman is waving madly at me. I'm super confused.
Now she's waving me over.
Oh no.
Hesitantly, I make my way through the throng of fancy guests, dreading the outcome once I make it over there to the two women currently staring me down.
"Sophie," Stacey starts the second I arrive. "This is Mischa Dawes, EVP of new technologies at Dawes Introspective Technologies. Also, she's the daughter of owner and founder, JB Dawes."
Wait a minute…she's a Dawes?!
She's a freaking blue blood, just like Ted!
The nausea within me expands.
"Mischa, this is Sophie Taylor. She's assistant manager here at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, mother of the sweetest little boy – Ronan Taylor Grey, and my very best friend," Stacey proudly introduces.
I ignore my friend's kind words as I try to hold back on freaking out as best I can. Shit, I don't even know the protocol when one is introduced to the probable girlfriend of the love of your life, but I extend her my hand anyhow. But instead of simply taking my hand to shake it, the girl uses it to tug me into her, and she hugs me as if she's known me for many years.
"Goodness…I'm so happy to meet you!"
Huh?!
"It's like I already know her," Mischa laughs giddily to Stacey as soon as she releases me.
Stacey slyly excuses herself and then flashes me a devious smirk on her way out.
Why is she leaving?! I feel panic rushing through my veins.
What did they talk about? What have I just walked into?
Bitch, I will pay you back in spades – I say to Stacey with only my sharp eyes. She brushes me off.
"Oh my God – Sophie! You are even more beautiful than I imagined!" Mischa raves, hugging me again. I am speechless. "Ted talks about you all the time!"
Wha…?
"And Ronan is so adorable! I see both you and Ted in him."
My heart stops beating in that moment.
"Wait…you've met my son?" I say way too affronted.
"Oh, it's not what you think," she quickly amends. "Ted has lunch every Monday at Club Sahara with Ronan and Topher. That's where I saw Ronan. Nowhere else. Well, other than the pictures he shares with me."
So Ted's been sharing pictures of our son…with her?
This is getting more and more disheartening by the second.
"Look, let me start over. Ted and I are only working on a project together. Our dealings are strictly professional. That's all I can say about it at the moment."
My eyes narrow equally in confusion, trying very hard to process this new information.
"Are you helping him out with 2040 PTF?" I ask.
She smirks awkwardly and then shakes her head just a little bit. "It's not GEH related. Look, I urge you to talk to Ted and he'll fill you in. But right now I'm not at liberty to say exactly what it is. I just want to tell you how glad I am to finally be able to put a face to a name that I've already heard so much about," she beams.
So she thinks that I should just walk up to Ted and ask him what he's been working on outside of GEH alongside her? I don't think she has any idea about our current dynamic. I have no authority to question Ted about anything right now. He's still upset with me for keeping Ronan's paternity a secret from him.
"I hope I'm not overstepping my bounds," Mischa says, picking up on my reluctance. "I don't know exactly what happened between you and Ted. He's never told me anything about it."
"Mischa!" someone calls out.
As she nods at and hugs several passing guests – vowing to catch up with them later, I can't help but be astounded by her frankness. I'm also surprised that Ted hasn't shared with her how we broke up since they are so…chummy.
"Like I said, I don't know what happened," she picks back up after her last interruption. "But what I do know is that Ted is still very much in love with you."
All the air leaves my body.
Ted is still in love with me?
She continues to speak, but it's as if she's not addressing me.
It's as if she's speaking to someone else who looks like me.
"And I'll be honest with you – I was hoping for something more between us before he told me all about you. But once I made my intentions known, Ted immediately nipped things in the bud," she chuckles.
She made a pass at him?
I'm gaping at her, but she's still smiling away at me like a fool as if her words were idle. "Yep, he turned me down flat. He told me that he wasn't over you."
My God – is this really real?
Does Ted still love me?
"And for what it's worth, I told him that I'm rooting for the two of you. But who am I to you but a stranger? My support means little or nothing," she laughs. "Regardless, I hope that the two of you work whatever it is out and pull through. I'm a huge proponent of soul mates finding and keeping each other. And if you ever need me to talk some sense into that stubborn boy's thick skull, you just say the word," she winks.
I'm honored by her kindness, but I quickly cringe at the thought of this girl who I literally just met five minutes ago speaking to Ted on my behalf.
"No, you don't have to do that," I attest.
"Look, I know I'm supposed to be hobnobbing with DIT employees and guests. My dad will be making his grand appearance soon. But I'd rather be off talking with you about how to get your guy back."
"I appreciate your kindness," I say, refusing her offer as nicely as I can. "But I'm still on the clock, and you have a party that needs you."
"And you are the perfect sweetheart," Mischa dotes. "I don't know what in the world you could've done to make him clamp down like this, but it doesn't matter. If he loves you, which is very obvious to me that he does, he'll eventually forgive you. Just don't give up on him. And when all's said and done, I'll be expecting my wedding invitation in the mail," she gleams.
I respond back to her with a disingenuous smile and leave the ballroom not too long afterwards.
Don't count on that ever happening, new girl.
I think I actually like this Mischa Dawes chick. And if I were being totally honest with myself, I wouldn't mind Ted falling for someone like her. She seems genuine and not fake like the last one he was engaged to. More than likely, Mischa's not trying to score in business because she's already holding her own at her father's massive enterprise. She doesn't need the Grey name to get ahead – the Dawes name pulls just as much weight, if not more.
Who's to say that Ted won't later change his mind and consider giving her a chance?
But as I think about all of the good, positive things about Mischa, I can't help but feel something else deep down in my bones. I can't picture Ted Grey with anyone else.
I don't want him with anyone else.
Sunday, August 3, 2036
Ted and Ronan stop by the apartment to pick me up so we can all head over to Mr. Grey and Ana's for dinner. I almost wish that there were another migraine I could pull off. I'm not ready to face Ted after what happened last night at work.
I came face to face with one of the most gorgeous women I've ever seen – the same who walked side-by-side, instep with Ted that one fateful Saturday night. Her mouth said that nothing's going on, and that Ted's really in love with me. However, my mind wont let me believe it.
She told me to bring up the side project that she's been working on with him, but I refuse. It's taken Ted and I many months to even get to this point. I don't want to do anything to ruin it.
Ronan needs his mommy and daddy on one page, regardless if we're a couple or not.
I'm in the kitchen finishing my tea when Ted asks Ronan if he could have a few moments alone with "Mommy". I am taken by surprise as our little guy happily zooms off into his bedroom. Ronan isn't your average kid. He looks forward to his refuge of art supplies in his room. Other kids consider being summoned to their room as a punishment.
I guess Ted and I will have to be more creative if or when it ever comes time to ground our son.
"So," Ted starts, now sitting across from me at the dinette table with a glass of water. "I was wondering. Does it take much more effort to run a hotel resort?"
I flinch at his question. "Well…I figure it'd work just the same as your standard luxury hotel. Running a resort is just like running events, but you're doing it more frequently."
"Okay," he nods contemplatively. "So…if you were to build a hotel resort, where would you put one?"
My eyes strain at his vagueness, but I try my best to answer his query. "Well, I'd consider somewhere in a resort town – either sunny all year round, or snowing. Someplace where families and couples will want to go. Of course you want white sand beaches in the warmer climates, or enticing ski slopes in the colder ones."
"I got it," he nods, considering my feedback.
"Let me cut to the chase," he says. "I'm interested in launching a chain of state of the art, technologically advanced luxury resorts all across the globe. I'm thinking of starting in Florida, Hawaii, the Caymans, and Tahiti. Mischa Dawes who's an executive over at Dawes Introspective Technologies is on board to help me make this a reality."
I gape at him.
I didn't even have to ask. He just comes out and tells me exactly what he's been working on with her.
"Wait," I sigh. I instantly regret it, but it's too late to pull back. He'll insist on me finishing my thought. "I met her last night. Her company had a gala at my job."
He smiles, and I could just dissolve right here and now. "She told me that she met you last night. She was pretty excited."
"Well, I don't know if I was as excited to meet her," I say frankly. His eyes zoom in on mine. "I saw the two of you walking together on 5th Avenue the Saturday night before last. I thought you were out on a date."
His sparkling blue eyes extinguish as he looks at me with heavy concern.
"Why did you think that?"
I wordlessly hunch my shoulders.
"We'd just had dinner with a group of potential investors. Afterwards, she and I left to discuss what took place as well as plan for next steps. Do you remember Mason Lund?"
"The son of your mom's good friend? He lives in Chicago, right?"
Ted nods. "Yes. He and I joined forces and formed a start-up investment firm – RTG & Associates. I named it after Ronan."
I gasp. "What? You did?"
He nods, but he looks wistful. "You mentioned seeing me with Mischa that night, thinking that it was a date. I saw you having lunch with some guy at Le Pichet. Was that a date?"
Oh no.
He was there when I was having lunch that one time with Greg.
"No. He was a guest who insisted on taking me out to lunch right when I was leaving," I tell him. "It was the first and last time. I explained to him that my heart doesn't belong to anyone."
Ted winces as if he's just been pricked.
Tell him, Sophie.
"I still haven't gotten it back from you," I say under my breath, but he hears me loud and clear.
Soon, he's standing and rounding the tiny table to my side, but I quickly join him up on my feet. Once we're toe to toe, he stares deep into my eyes as he takes my face into both of his hands. I feel chills coursing up and down my spine.
Jesus, he's so close.
"I was a prick to you," he declares.
"Stop it," I push back. "I deserved it. All of it."
"No, you didn't," he says, grazing my chin with the pad of his thumb. His actions are a direct line to my groin, but I try my best to stay focused.
"I did. I betrayed you. I didn't trust you enough to tell you the truth. I was afraid, and what I did was both stupid and dangerous. I could've lost our son for good."
"But you didn't. You fought for him. And you fought for me."
His words stun me beyond measure.
"I'm beginning to understand all that you were facing. You knew how hotheaded I was. You knew I would've told both my dad and your dad to go fuck themselves." I laugh reflexively. He then says, "It's true. You were only looking out for me. Look – I can be mad at how you went about things all I want, but I know that it wasn't in your heart to crush me. I know you did what you did because you loved me."
Sweet lord…he knows.
He understands.
"Yes…but I didn't take into account what I was doing to our son. If I did, I wouldn't have let it go on for so long."
His face hovers closer to mine.
"I know, Angel, I know," he utters sweetly against my cheek before kissing it.
My heart flutters. It's the first time in many months that he's called me that.
"I love you, even though I'm still a little hurt whenever I dwell on the past," he says with a sexy, gravely voice. My head goes down and I'm feeling so undeserving of his love and affection, but then he lifts my chin and pulls my eyes back up to his.
"I love our son. I love you. I want the three of us to finally be a family," he pleads.
I nearly hear a choir singing loudly in my head. I gasp.
"I want that too, Teddy. I love you, too," I say breathlessly. His lips tenderly eclipse mine and then slowly move away after the too brief encounter.
"Like I was saying before you rudely interrupted me," he teases with the sexiest smirk. "I want to launch a chain of luxury resorts. And I want you to run them."
I gape at him. "You want me to what?"
"You heard me. I want you to run my new chain of luxury resorts. Sophie, you were born to do this."
"Wa…wait," I stutter. "So what will you do?"
"I'm the investor. I come up with the big money ideas and simply cut the check. I'm not going to be involved in the day-to-day happenings. I'll be too busy thinking about the next big idea and investing and launching that. But the resorts will be near and dear to me because my girl will be running them."
I'm flattered but flabbergasted.
I'm still his girl?
"You're insane…you know that?" I giggle.
His lips purse, camouflaging his grin. "You know what?" he says. "I really don't want to go over to my parents' tonight. I spent all day with them yesterday at Topher's party."
"Can we ditch them?" I smirk.
He laughs. "I really want to," he kisses me once more. "But they will have a conniption if they don't see their grandson at dinner." He kisses me yet again.
"But they just saw him yesterday." He kisses my now pouty lips.
"I know. But either way, we can't stay here, or I'll keep kissing you like this while our son's here in the other room," he says, stealing yet another smooch in spite of his words. "Mm – oh how I've missed these lips," he hums against my mouth.
And I've missed yours.
As his arm slowly snakes around the small of my back, my feet feel as though they are no longer touching the ground. I am suspended in midair. This has to be a dream.
I pinch myself – and to my delight, I don't wake up.
This is really happening.
Throwing all caution to the wind, I lurch my face forward toward his and kiss him very hard like I've been yearning to do for many weeks.
A/N: Up Next – Just like old times, Ted and Sophie keep their reemerging romance a secret from everyone else. Finally, Ted tells his father that he's moving on from GEH.
Chapter 30 is where we'll bring this story to a close. This has been a wonderful ride. I thank you for being on board with me.
I'm excited for our next adventure. ;) – ST2
