Page 111 of Angel

SOPHIE

As I wait for Bethan, I pull the baseball cap low on my head and stare at the street outside. Normal life. How I envy them. My life was a normal one but I wanted more. I wonder when a person realizes they have it all and stop striving for more?

To most people I am already there. I do have it all. The money, fame, beautiful homes, social standing and the hottest man this side of hell.

My thoughts turn to Jason and a warm sensation spreads through me. It always does because I have fallen so deeply in love with him.

Yes, I do have it all but there is also the guilt. I took a man’s life in cold blood to save myself. His life in return for my future. Did he deserve that? Nobody deserves to die at another person’s hand. I am no better than my father’s killer because over the past couple of weeks I have come to terms with the fact that it was probably do or die in those circumstances.

How can I judge another man when I am guilty of the same crime? If anything, I understand him. I will walk away from my wish to see him suffer. I am suffering because of my decision and probably will be for the rest of my life.

“Sophie.”

Bethan rushes beside me, sliding into the booth facing the other diners, protecting me from curious glances, not that anyone had given me a second look in my disguise of a cap and glasses, oversized hoody and sweatpants. They would be disappointed that the star of the silver screen dresses like a hobo when she’s not on it.

“It’s carnage out there.”

She shifts the many shopping bags she has brought with her.

“Macey’s sale has been hit hard today. You know, I got some really cute little outfits for the twins and couldn’t resist adding a few for me too.”

I note her bright eyes and happiness and remind myself what that was like. I used to love the thrill of a bargain. I lost that adrenalin rush when money lost its value due to the amount I now have.

“How is the gorgeous billionaire who has taken you away from me?”

Bethan wastes no time in asking, her smile grateful as she reaches for the coffee I ordered for her.

“Amazing, hot and everything I ever wanted.”

“I’m so happy for you.”

“What about you?”

I’m curious because Bethan is a beautiful woman and yet pushes her love life to the back of the line as she cares for her twins.

“Still pushing the boss and his brother away.”

Her face falls.

“I’ve applied for a new job at Starbucks. It’s seriously creepy now.”

She looks so miserable my anger sharpens. “Come and work for me instead.”

This isn’t the first time I’ve asked her and once again she shakes her head.

“No, Sophie. It’s very kind of you but you are my best friend, not my employer. I like our friendship and if I worked for you, I would end up hating on you because I heard you’re a real bitch.”

She grins and I nod. “You better believe everything you read and hear. You know it’s all true.”

We giggle because the gossip written about me is wild sometimes. Bethan laps it up and tells me the funniest ones. I brush it all aside because it kind of goes with the territory.

“Did that guy ever call you?”

“What guy?”

I squirm a little and she leans forward. “What did you do, Sophie?”

“Um, I may have scrawled your number on a napkin last time we were here and given it to the hot guy by the door.”