NovelBarSophia wasn't exactly thrilled about riding in Brandon's car.
They'd let loose way too much during that day and a half, and now being in a confined space with him was a bit too awkward for
comfort.
"Mr. Dempsey, how about | hitch a ride with you?" Sophia caught Don just as he was about to get in his car, "It's the perfect chance
to chat about the design proposal for the property project. We've gotta nail it down by tomorrow."
"Don's first reaction was to glance over at Brandon.
Brandon, who had just yanked open his driver's side door, seemed neither surprised nor upset by Sophia's request. He didn't put
up any objections.
Without a word, he bent down, slid into the driver's seat, buckled up, and smoothly hit the unlock button for the passenger door.
The passenger door popped open.
Kent couldn't quite read whether that was a cue for him to get in or for Sophia. He also couldn't make heads or tails of what the
deal was between Brandon and Sophia right now. The tension seemed to have fizzled out, leaving behind an eerie calm.
He and Don exchanged "what the heck" looks. How could locking a guy and a girl in a room for a day and a half end up making
them more distant?
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtDon responded with a similarly clueless gaze.
Kent might not have been able to see through the situation, but he knew how to read Brandon's mood. The old Brandon was
distant around Sophia, but there was always a bit of a spark there. Today, Brandon was as chill as a cucumber, not a hint of
irritation in sight.
Kent figured since Brandon wasn't peeved, it wouldn't hurt to let Sophia take the passenger seat in his ride.
So Kent gave Sophia a smile and said, "Ms. Yearwood, work can wait, right? Mr. Dempsey's gonna drive on the freeway. You can't
expect him to multitask."
Don chimed in too, "Yeah, driving's no joke. You can't be distracted. We'll talk shop later, no rush."
They didn't spell it out, but their "no way, Jose" was pretty clear.
Sophia just smiled and nodded, "Alright." She turned and headed towards Brandon's car, taking the passenger seat. The car slowly
made a U-turn and drove off.
"You haven't had much rest these past couple of days. I'll drop you off at home, and you can take a leave today," Brandon said
calmly as they pulled away.
"Okay."
Sophia replied softly, feeling a twinge of embarrassment as she thought back to their wild romp.
She kept her hands neatly folded on her lap, her gaze fixed on the scenery whizzing by the window, trying not to dwell on the past.
Brandon stole a glance at her. Her profile in the morning light was serene and gentle, her complexion clear and calm, no different
from the past two years.
It was as if she was wearing a mask of tranquility. He couldn't help but remember how she had been during those days, as lively
and genuine as she'd been at seventeen.
Her calmness was also guarding the stormy promises of yesterday. All the craziness was left behind in that tempestuous day.
Once they stepped out of that room, it was as if nothing had ever happened. Sophia was great at "put on your clothes and pretend
nothing happened."
The rest of the ride was silent. Sophia was still a bit tense; the awkwardness of being close and then having to share a car was
palpable. Brandon's silence helped her to relax a bit.
The hour-long car ride flew by. Soon, they arrived at Sophia's residential complex.
Seeing the familiar surroundings, Sophia turned to Brandon and said, "Just dropoff at the entrance. | need to pick up a
package."
Brandon nodded and pulled the car up to the entrance of her complex. Sophia said her goodbyes and got out.
"Get srest when you're back," he told her through the car window.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmSophia nodded, "You too, take care of yourself."
After parting ways, she walked into the complex. Brandon watched her disappear at the entrance before restarting the engine.
On the way back, he'd pass the mall where he last took Theresa to play the claw machine. As he drove by, he instinctively glanced
at the mall.
Theresa was at the playground set up at the entrance, about to slide down the slide. She looked up, spotted Brandon in the car,
and excitedly waved, "HandsUnkie!"
Brandon gave her a surprised look and instinctively eased his foot onto the brake. Theresa slid down the slide, scrambled to her
feet, and stumbled excitedly towards Brandon's car.
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