A FREE WOMAN

Sophie's POV

Sophie let out a loud groan which was overshadowed by the loud music. She stomped her way toward the bar, grabbed a small stool positioned there, and took her seat. Anyone watching her could see how angry she was.

She couldn't believe it. 

She didn't understand any of it. It wasn't that the sight of her next-door neighbor at a party irritated her or maybe it did. She only seemed to hate how he seemed to be in the same circle of friends as she. And not only did that irritate her, but she also hated the different women that crawled out of his room every morning. 

It said a lot about his character.

“Vodka,” she gritted at the bartender who flashed her a small smile in return.

“Sophie,” 

She heard her name being called but it didn't make her turn around toward Joyce. If anything, the way her name rolled out of Joyce's lips and the tone she was using only seemed to aggravate her. It was probably the only reason why after she had been served the drink, she took it down in one gulp.

“Sophie,” Joyce had finally gotten to where she was seated. Joyce's face was a mask of confusion. Her brown orbs demanded an explanation from her friend when she let her fingers glide under the skin of her jaw and turn her toward her.

“What the hell was that?” She demanded, eyes widening in confusion.

“What in the hell was what?” Sophie feigned confusion, shrugging two of her shoulders. Turning around toward the bartender who was still staring at her, she tapped the rim of her glass twice for a refill. He didn't hesitate before carrying out her orders.

“Don't pull that card on me. You know very much what I'm talking about.” She huffed and swatted her curly permed red hair over her shoulders. Due to the way things were rushed, she barely had the time to pull an appearance for the party. But even at that, everyone could still see how Chic Joyce was looking in jean mini skirts and cropped black sequined tops. Her feets occupied the modern fashion black boots that complemented her badass look.

“No, I don't. Why don't you tell me about it.” Sophie rolled her eyes, her shoulders dropping down in exhaustion. She was tired.

The past few hours had been tiresome for her and she didn't know how long she could go on pretending like she wasn't tired. But even with how tired she was, it wasn't in her character for her to ever admit that she was tired. 

She would never.

Her attitude toward dealing with her issues herself and owning up to responsibilities over the years had shaped her into the woman she was. She let out a small groan and grabbed her glass again as soon as it was replaced in front of her.

Like the flash of an eagle, Joyce grabbed the filled glass from her grip and took it away from her reach. The loud gasp that accompanied that action as well as how quickly Sophie seemed to snap her head around could make her neck have issues if she wasn't careful.

“Joyce, don't.” She wagged a finger at her best friend in warning, her green eyes blaring with feigned fury.

“Don't what? I saw you gulp down a glass now. Don't you think you want to slow down a little bit?” She asked before taking a sip from the glass. An action that made Sophie want to have her head.

“Nope,” she hissed. “Hand it over, Joyce. I'm warning you. Don't you dare take another s—” She was still talking when Joyce raised the glass and almost chugged down the entire thing.

Sophie gasped, annoyed.

“How dare you!” She eyed her best friend.

“You were saying?” Joyce grinned as she exhaled in relief. She placed the glass down before balancing herself on the stool properly. “Oh, come on. It's my business here because I'd have to deal with carrying your stubborn ass to the car.” She sulked.

“Bullshit.” Sophie countered with a glare. “You and I both know that I'm not a lightweight.” And with that, she turned toward the bartender and demanded another refill.

“Okay, jokes off. What's up with you and that sexy guy that looks like he just dropped off from heaven?” Joyce leaned in, excitement radiating off her attractive smile.

Sophie let out a groan at her words before a grimace crossed her face. She tried to think of her next-door neighbor as sexy but it only made her eyes burn.

“Eww,” she sneered. “Your taste in men needs to be upgraded, Babe. How can your eyes be open yet you will still be this blind?” She asked, sarcasm dripping off her voice.

“Really?” Joyce feigned nonchalance. “Come on, let's be honest. That guy I just saw is a living, breathing, walking temptation. Come on, didn't you see the abs? Everything is defined.” Joyce squealed.

Sophie shook her head with a smile. Even though she was amused, she tried not to chuckle at her best friend.

“You do know you have a boyfriend, right?” She reminded her.

“Of course,” the red-haired nodded.

“And he is around this area. How would he feel if he heard you describing another man as sexy?” Sophie nudged her.

“Don't do that to me. You know I'm allowed to admire. He is  not my husband yet.” She pouted for a second right before her face brightened up with a beautiful smile. “Alright, I get the point. Now, stop stalling and tell me about him. Was he one of your recent dates?” Joyce asked.

“I wish. Or not, he is not my type.” Her smile was bristled when she said the last line. “But he is my next-door neighbor. There, you have it.” She gestured before she turned away from Joyce's stunned look to take a sip of her refilled drink, letting the contents burn down her throat.

“Are you talking about the same guy that almost ripped off your blue dress? The one you spent millions on?” Joyce sounded incredulous.

“Yes, Joyce, yes.” She gritted out.

“Wow.” Joyce was still speechless. Sophie didn't let her say anymore as she downed the rest of her drink and slide off the stool. She grabbed Joyce's hands and began to pull her toward the dance floor.

She needed to get the exhaustion out of her system. She needed to put on her big girl pants and stop sulking. Yes, she had a terrible day and a terrible evening. She was not going to let anyone ruin her night though. Those were the thoughts she had in mind when she lost herself to the music and danced off with her best friend.

With parties, she could be free.