Chapter 23 — Brad will pay for this.

Sophia’s POV

“Oh please!” I snapped at Nicole before she could say another pathetic thing. I loved the way my voice cut through the room, like a mirror slapped across that smug little face.

“Anyway, if you care to know, I ended that yesterday. I do not date backup quarterbacks. Brad is the real deal and we both suit each other, you see.” I smiled, leaned forward, and let the words hang. The smile was meant to close the case: the story of us had already been written, in champagne and glossy photos I always imagined in my head and I needed everyone in this room to believe it because it would soon become a reality.

Brad’s mum clapped softly, the kind of delighted noise that sounds like money. “Emerald green would suit him,” she said cheerfully. My plan was working,at least she was buying my idea, hook, line and sinker.

“So,” I purred, turning my charm toward Brad's mum , “I told your mum that there’s a football banquet tonight and she agreed that I be your date.” I didn’t even say it lik