Sophie could not stop thinking about that kiss.
For the next few days, it played in her mind on repeat. The softness of Vanessa’s lips. The way her hand had rested on her waist. The warmth that had spread through her whole body. She would catch herself touching her own lips when she was alone, remembering the feeling.
She tried to act normal around her mother, but it was hard. Every time Clara mentioned Vanessa’s name, Sophie’s heart would skip.
On Wednesday evening, her mother came into the living room with a smile.
“Vanessa invited us for coffee tomorrow afternoon,” Clara said. “But I have an important meeting I can’t miss. Would you mind going alone, honey? She said she has some books she wants to give you anyway.”
Sophie’s stomach flipped. “Alone?”
“Yes. It’ll be fine. You two ge
