AUTHOR'S NOTE: Revelations later in this section are not construed to
approve any such behavior or actions. IT IS ARTISTIC LICENSE ONLY. If you
are under age 15, please do not continue reading this.
CHAPTER 16
Sophie found Bosco, eating a burger and talking about a football game with several firefighters. Gracie, was being passed from fireman to fireman or paramedic, depending where one looked.
Bosco noticed her standing at the base of the stairs and waved her over. Arriving at his side, he wrapped an arm around her waist, drawing her closer and whispered, "Everything okay?"
She nodded once. She would deal with what she had heard later. There was a time and place for everything. This was not it. "Who have you pawned my daughter off on?"
"I didn't pawn her off on anyone. They kind of just took her," Bosco explained, watching as Kim took the baby from Doc and said something to Alex, who shook her head and stuck her hands in her pockets. He presumed she had turned down holding Gracie.
"Okay, Sophie," Kim said, approaching with Grace and Alex. "I want to know your secret for looking like that four months after having a baby."
"Nothing, just the usual, I guess." Sophie jumped as a siren from a passing police car went off and turned to watch it pass.
"-elly dancing," Bosco said.
Sophie's eyes widened and her complexion went from creamy porcelain to so red she was almost purple, as she looked at Bosco in horror. "Thank you for sharing that."
He looked at her, noticing her expression. "What?"
"That I can belly dance."
Bosco's expression was one of such incredible surprise that Alex and Kim were struggling to contain their laughter for Sophie's sake.
Recovering, Bosco asked, "You can?!"
"Isn't that what you were talking about?" Sophie could feel the blood draining from her face again and a sick feeling in her stomach.
"No. I said 'no jelly doughnuts'. How would I know you do that?"
"Do what?" a voice asked behind them.
"Belly dance," Bosco answered before Sophie could stop him, turning to see Ty Davis joining the group. "I thought you left."
"Forgot something," he said in answer, staring at Alex before turning to Sophie. "You can belly dance?"
Sophie didn't miss the look that passed between the firefighter/paramedic and the police officer; she had a pretty good idea of what he forgot. Embarrassed, Sophie rolled her eyes before answering, "Yes, now can we drop it?"
"No, I want to know more about this," Ty teased, seeing the opportunity to be the teasor instead of the teasee.
"He's not the only one," Bosco added, still in a state of surprise.
Realizing she was stuck, Sophie looked at Alex and Kim, who were no longer attempting to hide their grins. "I'm not going to get them to drop this, am I?"
They both burst out laughing, startling Gracie who promptly started whimpering. Sophie had to laugh at herself; the alternative was to disappear into thin air. Besides, she got herself into this mess to begin with.
"So, are you any good?" Ty persisted. He was just enjoying the chance to torment someone so thoroughly.
Unclipping the pacifier and holder from where Bosco had clipped it to his t- shirt for safekeeping, Sophie gave it to Gracie who quieted instantly, answering. "I don't know. It's not like I perform or anything."
Sophie realized too late the opening she had given and cringed.
"So, let's see," Ty suggested. "Hey, guys, Sophie's gonna - "
He broke off as Sophie, who was several inches shorter than him, elbowed him in the abdomen, effectively cutting off his suggestion. "No, Sophie's not gonna anything."
Sophie wondered if she'd ever been so embarrassed in her life. If there was one thing she never thought anyone would know about her, it would be this. For exercise, she had taken up the eastern dance several years ago after being diagnosed with a bulging disc in her neck and discovered she had enjoyed it immensely. She had always enjoyed dance but never taken formal lessons; she found belly dancing was more suited, first to the shape and movement of a woman and second, tended to target what she wanted to concentrate on as far as exercising went.
Since Bosco still appeared dumbfounded, Alex came to her rescue and wandered a few steps away. Ty soon followed.
Kim, still in possession of Grace, wandered off, leaving Bosco, who was still staring, alone with Sophie, who was slowly gaining her normal coloring.
"Don't stare at me," she commanded gently. The whole scene was her fault and she knew it. She hadn't bothered to ask Bosco what he'd said.
Bosco seemed to emerge from his daze. "Sorry for - You really do that?"
Sophie moved closer answering quietly, "Don't be and yes, I do. For exercise. Now, let's drop it, please?"
Bosco didn't have a chance to answer. Kim returned with Gracie, who was waving her tiny fists, kicking and, at the moment, screwing up face for a really good scream since she'd knocked out her pacifier.
"I think she needs mommy," Kim said, handing her to Sophie.
Glancing at his watch, Bosco answered, "No, she usually catnaps about this time."
Kim looked at Bosco with something akin to shock that he would know this information.
Bosco ignored her and went to fill a plate for Sophie, who still hadn't eaten anything. Sophie took a vacated chair, kicking off her sandals before folding her legs under her and rocking gently, holding Grace snug to her chest, one hand keeping the pacifier in her mouth. Within seconds, Grace was sleeping.
Having sent Ty on his way, Alex joined Sophie, watching her with the baby. "That was fast."
Sophie watched Gracie sucking wildly on her pacifier in her sleep. "She's a good baby. Doesn't cry a lot and she's pretty content most of the time. Would you mind holding her while I eat?"
Sophie didn't miss the initial spark of fear on her face and didn't give her a chance to refuse. She transferred Grace to Alex's arms. When Grace whimpered in her sleep and Alex tried to give her back, Sophie instructed, "Just hold her close."
Alex had never felt so incompetent in her life. "Sorry, I've just never -"
"You've never been around babies that much?" Sophie asked, surveying the amount of food that Bosco had provided and commented to him, "You realize I will never eat this much food, right?"
He just shrugged and walked off having overheard another discussion about a football team.
Turning back to Alex, Sophie repeated her question.
"No, I - " Alex broke off.
"You preferred cars to dolls?" Sophie finished for her.
"Something like that. You obviously didn't," Alex glanced at the sleeping baby in her arms. This was nice.
Sophie gave a short laugh. "No, definitely not. I'm the youngest of three daughters, no brothers."
"You're lucky. I'm the only girl, the rest are brothers."
"That must have been fun."
"Yeah." The tone with which she responded gave Sophie an idea of how 'fun' it was. Alex sat up straighter in her chair to allow Kim to pass between her and Sophie to the remaining empty chair.
Watching Sophie set aside her plate, which was only a third empty, Kim commented, "No wonder you're so thin, you don't eat anything."
Embarrassed, Sophie explained, "Actually, I eat all the time - just really small portions. And I'm not that thin; it's the dress. It's amazing what two yards of fabric, a needle and thread can do to a body."
"Are you saying you made that dress?" Kim asked, looking at the dress once again.
Sophie shrugged. "It's not a big deal."
"I can't even sew on a button," Alex remarked. "And you're telling me you made a whole dress?"
"Look, it's not a big deal. It's just something I do, like a hobby. And it's not that uncommon where I'm from," Why did people have to be so surprised when they discovered she was a seamstress?
"Is there anything you don't do?" Kim asked rhetorically.
"Soph," Bosco interrupted. 'we need to go in order to get to your place before Grace want to -uh-"
Sophie caught his meaning. Before she needed to nurse Grace and put her down for the night.
As she was fastening the straps on her sandals, Bosco retrieved Grace from Alex and secured her in the carrier. Sending Bosco ahead to get Grace fastened in the back of his car, Sophie turned to Kim, intending to thank her for the hospitality.
Instead, Kim spoke up before she could speak. "I hope we didn't say anything upstairs to upset you. Bosco's just so - well-different all of a sudden."
"I'm not the kind of woman he normally sees?" Sophie supplied. At their expression, she added, "I thought as much. Don't concern yourselves with it."
She started to walk off then suddenly turned, "By the way, I don't run into burning buildings and I pass out at the sight of blood."
It took them a moment to realize that Sophie had answered Kim's earlier question. Before they could respond, Sophie had chimed a ''Bye ya'll' to everyone and hurried to meet Bosco, who was patiently waiting at the open car door ready to assist her inside.
Neither one noticed the whole department watching them and wondering how she had managed to capture the attention of Officer Boscorelli of the 55th precinct.
CHAPTER 17
Sophie dropped the keys on the entry table and turned to take Gracie from Bosco.
"Why don't you take it easy? I'll change Gracie." He didn't give her a chance to answer and headed to Gracie's room. Sophie had been quiet on the ride back and he wondered what had caused it. Had someone said something to upset her?
Grace started fussing when he laid her on the changing table and Bosco turned his attention to entertaining her while getting her ready for bed. He was saying something about locking up all the bad guys for his little girl when he noticed Sophie in the doorway, watching him. He started to apologize. "I didn't mean to overstep - "
"It's fine, Bosco" Sophie picked up Grace and settled in the rocker to nurse.
"I'll wait in -" Bosco pointed at the door. "-the other room."
CHAPTER 18
Something was wrong, Bosco thought as he paced the living room. Sophie had her moments of silence but this was different. She seemed almost distracted.
What's she doin' with you?
Doherty's words once again came back to him. How many times had he asked himself that very question? Sophie had probably decided he was getting too attached to Grace - and that reference to her being his little girl. It had just been a slip of the tongue - nothing more. He knew Grace wasn't his. His need to protect her and Sophie stemmed from being a cop - that's all.
How stupid can you be? He asked himself.
Sophie appeared with a small laundry basket of Grace's clothing. Settling on the sofa, Sophie proceeded to folding and stacking the tiny clothes. She remained silent.
Bosco couldn't wait any longer. He could see she was struggling with something. Probably trying to dump him easy. He'd make it easy for her.
CHAPTER 19
"What are you doin' with me?"
Sophie stopped folding Gracie's clothes, her attention centered on him. "Excuse me?"
"I said, 'what are you doin' with me'? C'mon Soph, you are way outta my league. What are you doin' wastin' your time on me?"
Sophie was dazed. What brought this on? Had she done something? "Bosco, I don't understand what -"
"I mean you're a classy, moral, highly educated career woman. I'm just a cop who is anything but moral. You could have any rich, college guy you want. What are you doin' with me?" He stopped pacing and waited for her to answer. The best thing was to get whatever was bothering her out in the open and if that meant showing his insecurities then fine.
So that was it. Sophie calmly placed the folded clothes in the basket before speaking. "You've decided it's time for this to end?"
"What?"
She steeled herself. She was not going to cry. She had known it was going to come to this eventually. "Our friendship. You've decided you've had enough?"
"Soph - " He moved toward her.
"Please stop, Maurice. It will be easier this way. Thank you again for everything you've done for me and Grace. And -" She stopped, tears blurring her vision.
"Are you throwing me out?" He asked, slightly perplexed, especially hearing her use his given name.
A tear escaped, sliding down her cheek. She swiped at it. "Look, you don't have to make excuses to leave. Just know that I wish you well and I want you to be happy."
"And sending me away is going to make me happy?" He was still a little lost in the conversation.
"You want to go," she stated. "Don't you?"
Bosco finally understood. He knew he sounded harsh but he couldn't take the uncertainty any longer. No, he didn't want to go. He wanted to stay with this woman as long as she would have him. He had let Doherty's remark get to him and then foolishly asked Sophie the same thing. She's still waiting. Seeing the uncertainty lingering, he rushed to dispel it. Without preamble, he crossed the room to where she sat on the sofa and kissed her as he'd longed to do for months now.
CHAPTER 20
"Does that say I want to leave?" He asked, pulling back slightly.
Sophie was still trying to recover. She had never expected that kiss. He's still waiting for an answer. "I -I'm not sure."
"Would you like me to say more?"
The way he asked it left no doubt in Sophie's mind he wasn't implying they talk. "No. That is, I -well - I'm confused. Why did you say what you did?"
Now it was Bosco's turn to feel foolish. "I just let what Doherty said get to me. Forget I asked."
Sophie tugged him down next to her on the sofa. "No, I won't. Do you believe that you're not good enough for me?"
He remained silent a moment too long and refused to make eye contact with her.
"You do," Sophie breathed, softly answered her own question.
"Look, Soph, you have two college degrees, you always do the right thing, you go to church, you believe the best about everyone, you help with kids. You're a great mom," He stopped for a breath. "You're perfect."
Sophie sat for a moment digesting all he'd said. "You're wrong, Maurice. I'm not perfect; no one is. Education was only my means to an end; experience can serve the same purpose. I attend church because I love God and that's how I express it amongst other ways. No, I'm not perfect. Perfect people do not give birth like I did."
"But you didn't exactly plan that," he interrupted, assuming she had meant her marital status.
For the first time since he'd met her, Sophie's gaze strayed from his and she remained silent.
"Soph?" Bosco questioned, noting her guarded look.
"Yes, Gracie was planned," she whispered, standing to put some distance between them and moving to the look out the window. The time had come.
CHAPTER 21
She took a deep breath to steady her nerves and moved to the window to look out into the blackened sky. "I had just turned thirty. I realize that to a man, thirty isn't that old - to a woman, especially if she's single and has not even a possible proposal on the horizon, thirty is like nailing the last thought of hope for marriage and children in a box and burying it. At least in the Midwest it is." She took a deep breath before continuing. "So that night, I made the decision to have a child before I was too old to pick it up, husband or not. I announced my plans to my family, who disapproved, as I knew they would. My feelings were never considered; I was doing a wrong, physically and morally. I knew I wanted a child and nothing or any amount of time would change that," She paused, swiping at the tears streaming down her cheeks and continued, "Within a year, I had moved here, began work and started the process to conceive."
She could see his reflection in the window. Would he now leave? Was he equally repulsed by what she had done? If he chose to leave, she would let him, what else was she to do?
Bosco sat silently digesting all she'd said. He was determined to keep his temper in check and doing pretty good so far. So how many men did she sleep with before one finally took? He'd admit that she had the innocent thing down pretty good. Hold it Boscorelli, maybe it was just one man; she's not Nicole, he thought. Say something! "So? You're not the first unwed mother; it's pretty much accepted anymore. I'm sure Grace's father would have stuck around."
Sophia was slowly shaking her head in denial. He wasn't understanding but then she wasn't explaining very well either. This was going to be harder than she thought but he had a right to know. "Maurice, you don't understand. Yes, my marital status was a concern but it was more than that." She could see his reflection in the window; committing it to memory. "Maurice, there never was a man. At least one that I met."
Bosco was really confused now and more than a little concerned about her state of mind. "And Gracie's father -?"
" - is number 0243 at the NYC sperm bank," she finished softly for him.
CHAPTER 22
The silence was deafening. Sophie kept her back to Bosco. She couldn't watch him leave. She had taken a chance telling him about Grace but knew she had to be honest with him. He deserved that much.
Bosco wasn't sure what he was supposed to do. He remembered the time he was shot by the nutcase he took out a second story window. Sophie's announcement rated about that high on the shock meter. He had been prepared for married man, ex-boyfriend, even worse, but he had never, ever considered artificial insemination. He knew she wasn't making this up; her values wouldn't permit it. However, it explained a lot: the disassociation with family, the guard she put up when someone referred to Gracie's father.
"I'd better go."
Sophie nodded. She knew this would happen. "I would appreciate if you would keep everything to yourself. For Grace."
It wasn't a request. Even if it wasn't, Bosco would have purposely done anything to hurt Gracie. He had to get out of there. Now.
Sophie heard the door click before she let the tears fall freely.
TO BE CONTINUED -
CHAPTER 16
Sophie found Bosco, eating a burger and talking about a football game with several firefighters. Gracie, was being passed from fireman to fireman or paramedic, depending where one looked.
Bosco noticed her standing at the base of the stairs and waved her over. Arriving at his side, he wrapped an arm around her waist, drawing her closer and whispered, "Everything okay?"
She nodded once. She would deal with what she had heard later. There was a time and place for everything. This was not it. "Who have you pawned my daughter off on?"
"I didn't pawn her off on anyone. They kind of just took her," Bosco explained, watching as Kim took the baby from Doc and said something to Alex, who shook her head and stuck her hands in her pockets. He presumed she had turned down holding Gracie.
"Okay, Sophie," Kim said, approaching with Grace and Alex. "I want to know your secret for looking like that four months after having a baby."
"Nothing, just the usual, I guess." Sophie jumped as a siren from a passing police car went off and turned to watch it pass.
"-elly dancing," Bosco said.
Sophie's eyes widened and her complexion went from creamy porcelain to so red she was almost purple, as she looked at Bosco in horror. "Thank you for sharing that."
He looked at her, noticing her expression. "What?"
"That I can belly dance."
Bosco's expression was one of such incredible surprise that Alex and Kim were struggling to contain their laughter for Sophie's sake.
Recovering, Bosco asked, "You can?!"
"Isn't that what you were talking about?" Sophie could feel the blood draining from her face again and a sick feeling in her stomach.
"No. I said 'no jelly doughnuts'. How would I know you do that?"
"Do what?" a voice asked behind them.
"Belly dance," Bosco answered before Sophie could stop him, turning to see Ty Davis joining the group. "I thought you left."
"Forgot something," he said in answer, staring at Alex before turning to Sophie. "You can belly dance?"
Sophie didn't miss the look that passed between the firefighter/paramedic and the police officer; she had a pretty good idea of what he forgot. Embarrassed, Sophie rolled her eyes before answering, "Yes, now can we drop it?"
"No, I want to know more about this," Ty teased, seeing the opportunity to be the teasor instead of the teasee.
"He's not the only one," Bosco added, still in a state of surprise.
Realizing she was stuck, Sophie looked at Alex and Kim, who were no longer attempting to hide their grins. "I'm not going to get them to drop this, am I?"
They both burst out laughing, startling Gracie who promptly started whimpering. Sophie had to laugh at herself; the alternative was to disappear into thin air. Besides, she got herself into this mess to begin with.
"So, are you any good?" Ty persisted. He was just enjoying the chance to torment someone so thoroughly.
Unclipping the pacifier and holder from where Bosco had clipped it to his t- shirt for safekeeping, Sophie gave it to Gracie who quieted instantly, answering. "I don't know. It's not like I perform or anything."
Sophie realized too late the opening she had given and cringed.
"So, let's see," Ty suggested. "Hey, guys, Sophie's gonna - "
He broke off as Sophie, who was several inches shorter than him, elbowed him in the abdomen, effectively cutting off his suggestion. "No, Sophie's not gonna anything."
Sophie wondered if she'd ever been so embarrassed in her life. If there was one thing she never thought anyone would know about her, it would be this. For exercise, she had taken up the eastern dance several years ago after being diagnosed with a bulging disc in her neck and discovered she had enjoyed it immensely. She had always enjoyed dance but never taken formal lessons; she found belly dancing was more suited, first to the shape and movement of a woman and second, tended to target what she wanted to concentrate on as far as exercising went.
Since Bosco still appeared dumbfounded, Alex came to her rescue and wandered a few steps away. Ty soon followed.
Kim, still in possession of Grace, wandered off, leaving Bosco, who was still staring, alone with Sophie, who was slowly gaining her normal coloring.
"Don't stare at me," she commanded gently. The whole scene was her fault and she knew it. She hadn't bothered to ask Bosco what he'd said.
Bosco seemed to emerge from his daze. "Sorry for - You really do that?"
Sophie moved closer answering quietly, "Don't be and yes, I do. For exercise. Now, let's drop it, please?"
Bosco didn't have a chance to answer. Kim returned with Gracie, who was waving her tiny fists, kicking and, at the moment, screwing up face for a really good scream since she'd knocked out her pacifier.
"I think she needs mommy," Kim said, handing her to Sophie.
Glancing at his watch, Bosco answered, "No, she usually catnaps about this time."
Kim looked at Bosco with something akin to shock that he would know this information.
Bosco ignored her and went to fill a plate for Sophie, who still hadn't eaten anything. Sophie took a vacated chair, kicking off her sandals before folding her legs under her and rocking gently, holding Grace snug to her chest, one hand keeping the pacifier in her mouth. Within seconds, Grace was sleeping.
Having sent Ty on his way, Alex joined Sophie, watching her with the baby. "That was fast."
Sophie watched Gracie sucking wildly on her pacifier in her sleep. "She's a good baby. Doesn't cry a lot and she's pretty content most of the time. Would you mind holding her while I eat?"
Sophie didn't miss the initial spark of fear on her face and didn't give her a chance to refuse. She transferred Grace to Alex's arms. When Grace whimpered in her sleep and Alex tried to give her back, Sophie instructed, "Just hold her close."
Alex had never felt so incompetent in her life. "Sorry, I've just never -"
"You've never been around babies that much?" Sophie asked, surveying the amount of food that Bosco had provided and commented to him, "You realize I will never eat this much food, right?"
He just shrugged and walked off having overheard another discussion about a football team.
Turning back to Alex, Sophie repeated her question.
"No, I - " Alex broke off.
"You preferred cars to dolls?" Sophie finished for her.
"Something like that. You obviously didn't," Alex glanced at the sleeping baby in her arms. This was nice.
Sophie gave a short laugh. "No, definitely not. I'm the youngest of three daughters, no brothers."
"You're lucky. I'm the only girl, the rest are brothers."
"That must have been fun."
"Yeah." The tone with which she responded gave Sophie an idea of how 'fun' it was. Alex sat up straighter in her chair to allow Kim to pass between her and Sophie to the remaining empty chair.
Watching Sophie set aside her plate, which was only a third empty, Kim commented, "No wonder you're so thin, you don't eat anything."
Embarrassed, Sophie explained, "Actually, I eat all the time - just really small portions. And I'm not that thin; it's the dress. It's amazing what two yards of fabric, a needle and thread can do to a body."
"Are you saying you made that dress?" Kim asked, looking at the dress once again.
Sophie shrugged. "It's not a big deal."
"I can't even sew on a button," Alex remarked. "And you're telling me you made a whole dress?"
"Look, it's not a big deal. It's just something I do, like a hobby. And it's not that uncommon where I'm from," Why did people have to be so surprised when they discovered she was a seamstress?
"Is there anything you don't do?" Kim asked rhetorically.
"Soph," Bosco interrupted. 'we need to go in order to get to your place before Grace want to -uh-"
Sophie caught his meaning. Before she needed to nurse Grace and put her down for the night.
As she was fastening the straps on her sandals, Bosco retrieved Grace from Alex and secured her in the carrier. Sending Bosco ahead to get Grace fastened in the back of his car, Sophie turned to Kim, intending to thank her for the hospitality.
Instead, Kim spoke up before she could speak. "I hope we didn't say anything upstairs to upset you. Bosco's just so - well-different all of a sudden."
"I'm not the kind of woman he normally sees?" Sophie supplied. At their expression, she added, "I thought as much. Don't concern yourselves with it."
She started to walk off then suddenly turned, "By the way, I don't run into burning buildings and I pass out at the sight of blood."
It took them a moment to realize that Sophie had answered Kim's earlier question. Before they could respond, Sophie had chimed a ''Bye ya'll' to everyone and hurried to meet Bosco, who was patiently waiting at the open car door ready to assist her inside.
Neither one noticed the whole department watching them and wondering how she had managed to capture the attention of Officer Boscorelli of the 55th precinct.
CHAPTER 17
Sophie dropped the keys on the entry table and turned to take Gracie from Bosco.
"Why don't you take it easy? I'll change Gracie." He didn't give her a chance to answer and headed to Gracie's room. Sophie had been quiet on the ride back and he wondered what had caused it. Had someone said something to upset her?
Grace started fussing when he laid her on the changing table and Bosco turned his attention to entertaining her while getting her ready for bed. He was saying something about locking up all the bad guys for his little girl when he noticed Sophie in the doorway, watching him. He started to apologize. "I didn't mean to overstep - "
"It's fine, Bosco" Sophie picked up Grace and settled in the rocker to nurse.
"I'll wait in -" Bosco pointed at the door. "-the other room."
CHAPTER 18
Something was wrong, Bosco thought as he paced the living room. Sophie had her moments of silence but this was different. She seemed almost distracted.
What's she doin' with you?
Doherty's words once again came back to him. How many times had he asked himself that very question? Sophie had probably decided he was getting too attached to Grace - and that reference to her being his little girl. It had just been a slip of the tongue - nothing more. He knew Grace wasn't his. His need to protect her and Sophie stemmed from being a cop - that's all.
How stupid can you be? He asked himself.
Sophie appeared with a small laundry basket of Grace's clothing. Settling on the sofa, Sophie proceeded to folding and stacking the tiny clothes. She remained silent.
Bosco couldn't wait any longer. He could see she was struggling with something. Probably trying to dump him easy. He'd make it easy for her.
CHAPTER 19
"What are you doin' with me?"
Sophie stopped folding Gracie's clothes, her attention centered on him. "Excuse me?"
"I said, 'what are you doin' with me'? C'mon Soph, you are way outta my league. What are you doin' wastin' your time on me?"
Sophie was dazed. What brought this on? Had she done something? "Bosco, I don't understand what -"
"I mean you're a classy, moral, highly educated career woman. I'm just a cop who is anything but moral. You could have any rich, college guy you want. What are you doin' with me?" He stopped pacing and waited for her to answer. The best thing was to get whatever was bothering her out in the open and if that meant showing his insecurities then fine.
So that was it. Sophie calmly placed the folded clothes in the basket before speaking. "You've decided it's time for this to end?"
"What?"
She steeled herself. She was not going to cry. She had known it was going to come to this eventually. "Our friendship. You've decided you've had enough?"
"Soph - " He moved toward her.
"Please stop, Maurice. It will be easier this way. Thank you again for everything you've done for me and Grace. And -" She stopped, tears blurring her vision.
"Are you throwing me out?" He asked, slightly perplexed, especially hearing her use his given name.
A tear escaped, sliding down her cheek. She swiped at it. "Look, you don't have to make excuses to leave. Just know that I wish you well and I want you to be happy."
"And sending me away is going to make me happy?" He was still a little lost in the conversation.
"You want to go," she stated. "Don't you?"
Bosco finally understood. He knew he sounded harsh but he couldn't take the uncertainty any longer. No, he didn't want to go. He wanted to stay with this woman as long as she would have him. He had let Doherty's remark get to him and then foolishly asked Sophie the same thing. She's still waiting. Seeing the uncertainty lingering, he rushed to dispel it. Without preamble, he crossed the room to where she sat on the sofa and kissed her as he'd longed to do for months now.
CHAPTER 20
"Does that say I want to leave?" He asked, pulling back slightly.
Sophie was still trying to recover. She had never expected that kiss. He's still waiting for an answer. "I -I'm not sure."
"Would you like me to say more?"
The way he asked it left no doubt in Sophie's mind he wasn't implying they talk. "No. That is, I -well - I'm confused. Why did you say what you did?"
Now it was Bosco's turn to feel foolish. "I just let what Doherty said get to me. Forget I asked."
Sophie tugged him down next to her on the sofa. "No, I won't. Do you believe that you're not good enough for me?"
He remained silent a moment too long and refused to make eye contact with her.
"You do," Sophie breathed, softly answered her own question.
"Look, Soph, you have two college degrees, you always do the right thing, you go to church, you believe the best about everyone, you help with kids. You're a great mom," He stopped for a breath. "You're perfect."
Sophie sat for a moment digesting all he'd said. "You're wrong, Maurice. I'm not perfect; no one is. Education was only my means to an end; experience can serve the same purpose. I attend church because I love God and that's how I express it amongst other ways. No, I'm not perfect. Perfect people do not give birth like I did."
"But you didn't exactly plan that," he interrupted, assuming she had meant her marital status.
For the first time since he'd met her, Sophie's gaze strayed from his and she remained silent.
"Soph?" Bosco questioned, noting her guarded look.
"Yes, Gracie was planned," she whispered, standing to put some distance between them and moving to the look out the window. The time had come.
CHAPTER 21
She took a deep breath to steady her nerves and moved to the window to look out into the blackened sky. "I had just turned thirty. I realize that to a man, thirty isn't that old - to a woman, especially if she's single and has not even a possible proposal on the horizon, thirty is like nailing the last thought of hope for marriage and children in a box and burying it. At least in the Midwest it is." She took a deep breath before continuing. "So that night, I made the decision to have a child before I was too old to pick it up, husband or not. I announced my plans to my family, who disapproved, as I knew they would. My feelings were never considered; I was doing a wrong, physically and morally. I knew I wanted a child and nothing or any amount of time would change that," She paused, swiping at the tears streaming down her cheeks and continued, "Within a year, I had moved here, began work and started the process to conceive."
She could see his reflection in the window. Would he now leave? Was he equally repulsed by what she had done? If he chose to leave, she would let him, what else was she to do?
Bosco sat silently digesting all she'd said. He was determined to keep his temper in check and doing pretty good so far. So how many men did she sleep with before one finally took? He'd admit that she had the innocent thing down pretty good. Hold it Boscorelli, maybe it was just one man; she's not Nicole, he thought. Say something! "So? You're not the first unwed mother; it's pretty much accepted anymore. I'm sure Grace's father would have stuck around."
Sophia was slowly shaking her head in denial. He wasn't understanding but then she wasn't explaining very well either. This was going to be harder than she thought but he had a right to know. "Maurice, you don't understand. Yes, my marital status was a concern but it was more than that." She could see his reflection in the window; committing it to memory. "Maurice, there never was a man. At least one that I met."
Bosco was really confused now and more than a little concerned about her state of mind. "And Gracie's father -?"
" - is number 0243 at the NYC sperm bank," she finished softly for him.
CHAPTER 22
The silence was deafening. Sophie kept her back to Bosco. She couldn't watch him leave. She had taken a chance telling him about Grace but knew she had to be honest with him. He deserved that much.
Bosco wasn't sure what he was supposed to do. He remembered the time he was shot by the nutcase he took out a second story window. Sophie's announcement rated about that high on the shock meter. He had been prepared for married man, ex-boyfriend, even worse, but he had never, ever considered artificial insemination. He knew she wasn't making this up; her values wouldn't permit it. However, it explained a lot: the disassociation with family, the guard she put up when someone referred to Gracie's father.
"I'd better go."
Sophie nodded. She knew this would happen. "I would appreciate if you would keep everything to yourself. For Grace."
It wasn't a request. Even if it wasn't, Bosco would have purposely done anything to hurt Gracie. He had to get out of there. Now.
Sophie heard the door click before she let the tears fall freely.
TO BE CONTINUED -