Loving Sofia Read Free Page A

that would give you more than diamonds, if you would only let him.  God I swear you’re both either blind or just plain stupid.  Or maybe a mix of the two.”
    I look at my friend with a confused face.  What in the world is she talking about?  There’s no one here that’s even remotely interested in me.  I’m thinking it has to be the alcohol talking.
    “Speaking of which,” she continues and grabs my arm, “I think it’s time you saved Mark from the two leeches.”
    I look in the direction she points and see what she’s talking about.  Mark looks miserable . He’s trying to get away from the bar, while holding a tray filled with glasses.  Unfortunately, the two blondes have something else in mind.  It’s only fair that I save him since he’s done the same for me so many times.  I slip my feet back into the killing machines called shoes and make my way toward the bar. 
    “What’s taking you so long , baby?  We have to go since you paid the babysitter only for four hours,” I say sweetly. The look on the two hyenas’ faces is priceless.  I hear them mumble something as Mark and I make our way back to the table. 
    “Thanks for that; those two were relentless.”
    “Yeah and you poor thing didn’t know what to do about it, right?  I swear, sometimes I wonder if you really want to be rescued or just like all the drama.”
    We stay another hour or so , but once everyone starts singing karaoke I know it’s time to go. There’s nothing wrong with singing in a bar, but I should mention that Frank’s is not a karaoke bar.  We say our goodbyes, pile the gifts in the car, and hug everyone one last time. 
    “Make sure you call me when you get home so I know you’re safe,” Mona tells me before she gets in Jon’s car.  I promise I will and close the door for her.  I’m really happy she had a good time tonight , and I’m still smiling as I walk back to the Infinity. 
    Mark is leaning against the passenger door waiting for me , and I remember that he came with us; his car is still at my place.  We drive in silence and Mark looks like he’s about to fall asleep, his head leaning against the window.  I park the car and watch him for a second; he looks so peaceful and so beautiful.
    “Hey wake up.  We’re home.” He looks at me with sleepy eyes.  “Listen I think you should just crash on the sofa tonight,” I say and hope I don’t sound as nervous as I feel.
    “What? Nah, it’s ok.”
    “Don’t be silly.  It’s not like this is your first time sleeping over.” I take the key out of the ignition and step out.
    “I don’t know, Birdie.  You might take advantage of me,” he jokes.
    “Mark , baby, trust me.  The day I do, you’ll beg me for more.” Honestly I don’t know what made me say that.  I just pray he is drunk enough that he won’t remember any of it tomorrow. 
     
    MARK
    I know I was being an ass for pretending to be drunk but I really wasn’t ready to leave her.  Just having her next to me was enough.  Tonight when she rescued me from those two at the bar, I almost melted when she called me baby. I would’ve given anything for what she said to be true; to be married to her and have a little Sofia waiting for us at home with the babysitter. 
    We walk into her condo and I pretend to struggle to pull my jacket and shoes off.  I’m drunk after all, right?  As I lean into her, I can smell her shampoo and perfume. I want to crush my face into her hair. She helps me sit on one of the chairs and then walks away toward her room.  She returns with blankets and pillows and starts fixing the sofa for me. All I can do is stare at her.  She has no idea just how sexy she is right now in that little black dress, no shoes and the hair all tousled. 
    For a while I didn’t get how someone who looked like that had so little confidence.  I understood once I met her mom.  That woman has the power to make grown men cry, that’s how cold and scary she is. 
    “There you