Read Loving Sofia for Free Online

one look to tell her I need some time alone.
     
    Mark
    The smell coming from the kitchen made my stomach growl with hunger.  I loved Sofia’s cooking and couldn’t wait to eat.  I walked in the kitchen and leaned over her shoulder pretending an interest on what she was cooking.  Her skin always looks so soft and I wondered what it would feel like under my lips.
    I could tell something was bothering her the minute she asked for a glass of wine.  In all the years I’ve known her and all the parties we went to, she’s never had a drink.  Not even a glass of wine.  Something was different about today, so I decided that maybe a glass was just what she needed.  I handed her the glass and she surprised us both by taking a big swig. It took half a glass, but eventually she relaxed some.
    During dinner she was not paying attention to what we were saying , and I would’ve given anything to find out what she was thinking.  After we ate, Jonathan and I decided to give her a break by cleaning the kitchen and put away the dishes.  Sofia excused herself and walked out of the room.  I knew better than to follow, but for some unknown reason I just couldn’t let it go.  I dried my hands and walked toward her room.  She didn’t hear me knock, so I leaned against the door and I could hear her soft sobs.  She was crying.  What the fuck was going on, and why couldn’t she talk to me about it?
    That’s how Mona found me, my ear pressed on the door.  “What are you doing here?” she whispered.  “Are you crazy?  She doesn’t want to talk to anyone , so you better go before she finds you snooping around.”
    “Did you try to talk to her?” I asked.  I wondered if maybe Mona knew something already and just didn’t want to share with me.
    “No idea, but I’ll find out.  Now scram and take Jonathan with you.” Mona gave me a quick hug and walked slowly into Sofia’s bedroom, closing the door behind her.  For a moment before the door closed, Sofia’s eyes met mine and I could all but taste her sadness.
    I found Jonathan waiting for me in the kitchen, keys in hand. “Everything ok?” he asked , his voice full of worry.
    “Everything i s fucking peachy.  She won’t talk to me, so I have no clue what the hell is going on.”
    “Let’s go get a beer.”  We walked out to my car for the short drive to Frank’s.  So much shit was going through my head.
    The bar was almost empty and we took a table in the corner.  Missy, Frank’s wife, already knew what we were going to order and before we even had a chance to sit, the beers arrived. 
    “Thanks Missy.  You’re a doll as always.  How are the kids?” Jonathan was so good at small talk , so I just grabbed my bottle and took a long swig.  I tuned them out as they went on about the kids, engagement, and work and shit.  What the hell was I doing here? I should be with Birdie trying to make her feel better.
    As soon as Missy was gone, Jon leaned back in his chair and gave me the “Let’s have it” look. “So dude when the fuck are you going to tell Birdie how you really feel about her?”  
    I was shocked as hell.  Was everyone aware of how I felt? Everyone but Sofia? 
    “I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.  Sofia is my friend and that’s where it ends.  I’m just worried about her . Something has obviously happened this week.  She’s been distracted ever since Mona’s party.”
    “Mark how long have we known each other?  Would you say eighteen years or so?  Remember in fifth grade when you fell in love with that Maria something ? What was her name?”
    “Kaminski.  Maria Kaminski was her name.  Shit , I forgot all about her.” I laugh remembering how stupid I used to act around her. 
    “That’s right. You were so in love with her and thought you were all cool with your little secret , but you didn’t fool me.  Just like you don’t fool me now, man. Look. You are my brother and I want you to be happy.  So I’m