The Husband Beside Me(37)

Ted dropped off our bags and headed straight to the university. I was to meet Sofia out front, near the blue Welcome to Yale University sign. We drove until I saw the sign and my Sofia, who was speaking to a few other students.

“Do you want me to honk or get out and get her?” Ted asked as he looked in the rearview mirror.

“No. Just stop the car and wait.”

I wanted a few moments just to watch her shine, just as she ought to. She laughed openly as she spoke to her friends. I had never seen her do that before. Not my Sofia. My Sofia would have her head in a book and never once look out from under it. She waved goodbye and stood waiting. That’s when I opened the car door and stepped out.

“Addie!” She smiled and ran toward me. We hugged and kissed. I savored the moment of Sofia being safe in my arms.

“You’re frozen,” I huffed, bundling her up.

“It’s okay. I was excited so I came out a little early.” She smiled. “Are you hungry?” she asked me.

“A little.”

“Okay good. There’s this great pizza place down the street I wanted to take you.” She took my hand and began leading me away from the car.

“Mrs. Evans,” Ted cried out.

“It’s okay, Ted. I’ll be with my sister. If there’s anything, I’ll call you,” I said over my shoulder.

“Mr. Evans wants me to be near you at all times,” he insisted.

“Then park the car and walk behind us,” Sofia hissed at him. “He’s annoying,” she said, still holding onto my hand and dragging me away.

We finally made it to her favorite pizza place called BAR. She explained they had the best pizza in town. Apparently, she came here often to eat and to hang out with her friends. We sat in the Bru Room as she called it. I understood why the instant we walked in. In the back of the room, were two large brewing vats made of copper. She sat us down in one of the booths on the other side of the bar. Ted followed close behind us and sat at a single table.

“So what do you think?” she asked, looking around.

“I think it’s great!” I smiled.

“So what will you two ladies be having?” The waitress came over, wanting our drink order.

“She’ll have a half pint of Toasted Blondie,” Sofia said without hesitation.

“And you?” the waitress said to Sofia.

“An ice tea.”

“I’ll give you two a minute to look over the menu,” she said, leaving us.

“So what do you usually order?” I asked, looking at Sofia in her element.

“You’ll see.”

Sofia ordered for both of us. She knew what I liked and wanted me to try her new favorite, which was a white pie with mashed potatoes on top. She also order a traditional red pie with mozzarella and a salad for us to share.

“Who the hell is going to eat all that?” I asked her once she finished ordering.

“Us!”

“You’re impossible.” I shook my head, knowing my sister’s eyes were always bigger than her stomach.

“So how’s school?” I asked, taking a sip of my beer.

“Pretty good. I'm getting good grades,” she answered proudly.

“That’s great, Sofia. I'm really proud of you.”

“I'm thinking about going to medical school,” she said, taking my half pint glass into her hand and taking a sip.

“Really?” I said, kind of taken aback.

I knew she was considering, but I thought the moment she started classes, she might have chosen something else.

“Yeah, my grades are exactly where they need to be. So I'm thinking of continuing. If I can get a scholarship, that is,” she said softly.

“You just keep doing what you’re doing and don't worry about the money. We’ll figure it out,” I winked.

“I don't want Daimon paying for it,” she snapped.

“Daimon is your brother-in-law now. If he can help, then he will,” I said dismissively at her. I knew him enough to know the moment I said it to him, he’d ask me for something I would not want to give.

“Addie—”

“Look, let’s not get all fired up about something that’s three years away. I want to eat and hear about your life here in New Haven.”

I sat with my little sister listening to her adventure and how everything had changed for her. She explained how she wanted to see more of the world and was excited to be in school. She complained a lot that it wasn’t easy, but she loved the challenge.

“I'm glad it passed your expectation and I'm happy you want more out of life,” I said softly, finishing the last bite of pizza.

We sat for over three hours catching up. I hadn’t realized how much I missed her until we sat down to eat. My little Sofia, who slept beside me since she was four, was now her own woman, coming into her own. I could even see her wings as she began to spread them, wanting to soar high above all I had taught her.