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
Sofia just stood there, speechless and motionless. As for James, something flashed across his face. But it was Rico who spoke up first. “Hold on, what do you mean in a couple of days Ryan would no longer be with us?” He asked, stepping forward. Are you flying him abroad for treatment?” “Sadly, no. Like I said, his condition is terminal. I’m sorry that I have to be the one telling you this, but, Mr. Barnes is going to die.” “Ok, ok, let’s not get tensed up guys,” he said, pacing. He finally came to a stop in front of the doctor. “Ok, give me a number,” he said, clasping his fingers together and bringing them to his lips. “I mean, even a year is just a couple of days-” “-Ten,” she cut in. “Ten days.” “I’m sorry what?!” Sofia asked, moving for the first time since the doctor’s sudden announcement. “Try to calm down, miss.” Sofia sighed and covered her face with both hands. Then she swept her hands through her hair and nodded, sniffing. There were tears in her eyes. “A- and- do
“Ok, Harry is positioned at the door now. He’s going to lead the line while Jessi and I bring up the rear. Hold on to Tyler, Sofia, and don’t stop until you get in the SUV.” “But what if they decide to break in and enter after we’ve gone?” Sofia asked worriedly. “She’s right,” Jessi admitted. “We can’t all go now. So Tyler and I can stay behind until they’ve all cleared out and then we’d find our way down to Santa Fe.” “Sounds good,” Rico said and Sofia agreed. Then she knelt next to her son. “I know this all seems confusing to you, baby, but when this settles, you and I will have a long talk, and I’ll explain everything. Sound good?” Tye nodded and she kissed his forehead. “Be good,” she said and got up. “Thanks again, Jessi,” she said and they hugged. “Anytime babe,” Jessi replied as they separated, and Sofia left her keys with Jessi before leaving with Rico. The reporters swarmed around her, pushing their mics into her face. But Sofia kept her head low and followed her gu
“I could hear you guys arguing downstairs from here.”Sofia sighed softly and traced his face with her index finger.“I’m sorry you had to hear that love,” she said.“Now,” she added, slipping off her dainty sandals, and joining him in bed, she rested his head against her, and Tye hugged her.“Tonight’s bedtime story will be about Ryan Barnes and what happened between him and your mother,” she sighed.“Now where do I begin?”“At the very beginning?” Tye replied eagerly and Sofia chuckled.“Well, in the beginning, there was a big girl named Sofia, and she had this belief about love, which her Abuela had taught her: Sparks fly when you meet your one true love-”“-How?” Tye asked.This was the first of many interruptions Sofia would come to experience.“I don’t know,” Sofia exhaled uncomfortably. She was already getting scared that this would be a lot harder than it had seemed.“When your hands come in contact I guess-”“-Have you felt yours before? With Ryan Or James? Was it a-”“-Tye,
“Sofia,” Ryan said, pausing at the entrance to his sitting room.“I wasn’t expecting to find you here,” he added, approaching. According to schedule, he was supposed to be airbone right now, nearing the French Rivera for the Cannes film festival, tagged ‘This Is It,’ in his honor.She got up with a tired smile.“We never know what to expect with life,” she said and hugged him.Ryan hugged her as well, but he had this confused look on his face. Even more, after she held on.“I’m sorry,” Sofia finally said, stepping back from him.“I got carried away,” she added, unable to look him in the eye.“Hey, hey. It’s fine,” Ryan said, touching her jaw to turn her gaze to meet his.“It’s not. In five days-” she sighed, unable to complete the statement.“You’ll be fine, love,” he spoke gently.“I love you, Ryan.” The words tumbled from her lips.“Sofia-”“-No, I can’t do this anymore. I can’t lie to myself, James, or anyone else. I still look at you and wonder how I would feel in your arms. I sti