James pulled to a stop in Sofia’s driveway and turned off the engine.“Hope you had a great time, Tye,” he smiled in the rearview mirror.“It was nice,” he nodded. “Although, I’m probably the only one who watched the movie, so…”James chuckled and reached to the back to ruffle his hair.“Why don’t you go ahead so I can talk with Mom.”“Sure, but don’t stay up too late, you two,” he said, getting out.Sofia smiled at him as she handed him the keys. “Yessir,” she said.Tyler smiled slightly and left for the house.Sofia sighed deeply and relaxed, turning her head to face James.“What’s up?”He smiled at her and moved some strands from her face. “Thank you.”“For?”“Standing up for me back there.”“It’s nothing,” she smiled weakly.She was still very much disturbed by the implications of her words. “You would do the same for me.”“Also, for what you said-”“-James,” Sofia cut in. “You know we’re not sure yet. I don’t want you to get your hopes up or anything.”“Hey, hey.” He took her han
“You what?!” “I kissed James. Now lower your voice, Tanya,” Sofia said, glancing about the room like they weren’t alone in the apartment. When she arrived, Alicia hadn’t left for the Taco Place, so she pleaded to take Tye along with her, Sofia agreed so they left her and Tanya at home. Tanya was well, stuffing her face with junk. She currently had a bucket of ice cream in between her sweatpants-clad legs, and socks, with an oversize hoodie, and disheveled hair. A stark contrast to the Tanya that Sofia used to live alongside—she barely ever had clothes on. “Give me the full details,” she said, pointing her spoon at Sofia. “How was it?” She asked, shoveling the ice cream. “Was it his idea? Or yours?” She asked, dumping the ice cream in her mouth. “Definitely his,” she said, but with her face stuffed with ice cream, it sounded like a toddler babbling. “Can the ice cream just wait, let’s talk like two adults,” Sofia said, slightly irritated. “Sorry, sorry,” Tanya said, covering her
“No,” Alicia replied firmly, downing their spirits. She was standing outside Paco’s Tacos—which had a fresh new look, with the girls from the apartment, and they had just presented their idea to get Ted and Tanya back together. “Didn’t last time teach you not to meddle?” Alicia asked scathingly. “I’m sorry, but I think you girls have done enough damage. Excuse me.” With that, she turned and went through the cafe’s swinging doors. “We tried,” Charlotte sighed. “Wait,” Trish replied, spotting Fred arriving with some bags. He turned into the alley leading to the Employees Only door, but the girls surrounded him before he made it to the steps. &
The cafe bells jingled as they walked through, and Tye looked up.“Mom,” he waved at her from his table.Alicia looked up to see Sofia with Tanya in tow. She finished waiting on the customer she was with and joined them at Tyler’s table.“Tanya’s out of her room. That’s new,” she smiled.“Not for long,” Tanya replied drily.Sofia scoffed. “Don’t mind her, Alicia. We talked, and Tanya’s leaving on a trip. By the way, I’m lovin’ the new look,” she added, glancing around as she walked to where Tye sat.
“What’s up, Rico?” Sofia asked, tipping the cab driver as they got out. “I’ve been looking at the BraveHeart script, and no offense, but I can see why it was canceled.” “Oh really,” Sofia said, as Tyler ran into James’ waiting arms in her driveway. “Have you looked at it?” “Nah,” Sofia breathed. “It’s been a really busy day.” “Just go over it tonight, and call me as soon as you do. We have a lot of work to do.” “Alright, boss,” she sighed and ended the call. “James,” she smiled tiredly and hugged him. “Who was that?” He asked as they separated. “Rico, something about work,” she said, digging through her bag for her keys. “Let’s go in,” she said, once she found them. “I’m tired,” “Allow me,” James said, taking the keys from her. Soon, all three were in. “Wash up first,” Sofia called after Tye as he darted out of sight. With that, she dropped onto the nearest sofa and yawned. “I’m sorry about earlier,” James said, sitting next to her. “Oh no, that was all me, James,” she
Sofia froze for a moment then. The voice was unmistakable, and it sent her thoughts racing across her mind. This was Ryan. How could she go with him? What if someone saw them? Not that she cared what other people thought so much, but what if James saw them together? But it was just a ride though. But this was Ryan. Could she even trust herself with him, even at this point? “-Sofia,” Ryan called, cutting into her thoughts. “It’s okay, you don’t have to accept. I understand.” However, she walked around the car and got in, on the passenger’s side, while swearing under her breath. “Wow, cursing in the presence of a man now, Sofia?” She flushed but didn’t respond as he pulled away and put the music on. “So,” Ryan nodded, glancing at her. “How’s everything?” “Fine,” she exhaled deeply. Why were her nerves working overtime, she wondered. “Congrats on your success with BraveHeart,” Ryan said, and she smiled. “Thank you.” “Anytime ba-” He paused, and they exchanged glances. He return
“Mom,” Tye said, walking down the steps into the sitting room. “Isn’t that the guy that fought with James outside?” Ryan exhaled through almost clenched teeth and glanced at Sofia, as he came down the stairs. “Not the best way I’ve been remembered, but yeah. How are you, champ?” Ryan asked, approaching. “I’m ok,” Tye replied as Ryan dropped his cup on the table, and walked over to adjust his collar. Then Ryan wiped Tye’s left cheek swiftly, cleaning a lipstick smudge, obviously left by Kim. “You don’t want mom to see that,” he whispered, and Tye smiled brightly. Sofia still stood there, petrified. How didn’t she hear them arrive? To make matters worse, now she’d heard James arrive, and with Tyler right there, she wasn’t sure how to react. Then James walked in. “Here we go,” Rico muttered. “Ryan.” James chuckled slightly. “Wasn’t expecting to find you here,” he added, walking into the sitting room. Ryan rose to full height, buttoning his jacket. “Relax, James,” Ryan said. “
For the next few weeks, work went on as planned on BraveHeart, and the episodes were released to growing audiences each time. The events of that evening were slowly forgotten, and everyone moved on. At the time, H.O.S. also continued its run, even in Amanda’s continued absence. One evening, as the soft glow of studio lights enveloped the lounge, Ryan found himself reclining on a plush sofa, sharing light banter with Rico and Jessi. The atmosphere was relaxed, the hum of casual conversation providing a brief respite from the hustle of the industry. As Ryan rose to fetch another glass of tequila, the door swung open, and in walked Sofia and James, their faces beaming with excitement. Sofia's infectious giggle filled the room as she linked her fingers with James'. "Guys, we have an announcement to make!" Sofia declared, her eyes sparkling. The trio in the room exchanged knowing glances, a silent understanding passing between them about the nature of the revelation. "I said yes!" Sofi