Page 105 of Beautifully Broken
Through His Eyes
Chapter 1
Staring down from the deck onto the vast backyard, I take in the calm before the storm.
My mother’s favorite vendors to use for her company, Your Dream Event, are finishing their set up in our backyard for her annual summer barbeque. It’s a yearly event where they’re invited to showcase what they bring to the table, while past clients talk up her business to pretty much anyone invited, hoping they will work with her in the future.
While I enjoy attending, being second in command at the company and living where the party is means I have to play hostess too. Sometimes it can be a lot when one just wants a moment of peace.
A flash of light hits my face, taking me out of my thoughts and has me glancing around. Finding the source, the smile on my face grows.Trevor.He’s an on-staff photographer and over the years, we’ve quickly become friends.
My mother detests him because of his tattoos. I think they are beautiful pieces of art. My favorite of his tattoos is the Cardinal for his loved ones that are no longer here.
Trevor lowers his camera, so it hangs off the strap around his neck and nods towards the stairs leading off of the deck. My heart flutters and I give him a soft smile as I motion my hand to meet me there.
He stops a step below me and his six-foot frame still towers over me. The way he smiles at me has a million butterflies taking off in my stomach and I swear it’s a smile just for me. His tattoos are on full display in his short-sleeve shirt and I know my mom is going to be pissed he didn’t cover most of his arms. His dirty blonde hair and clear blue eyes shine in the sun. “Hey Soph. Ready for today?”
“Oh yeah,” I say sarcastically and give him a thumbs up. “I’m just hoping it goes by fast.”
Trevor nods. “I’m sure it’ll be over before you know it.”
“Sophia! I need your help!” my mother shouts, interrupting us from across the backyard.
I give Trevor a weak smile. “Duty calls. I’ll talk to you in a bit.”
He reaches up and gives my arm a light squeeze. “You got this.”
Cheryl Watson always dresses to the nines for every occasion. Today she’s wearing a lightweight pink maxi dress and silver sandals. We share the same chocolate colored eyes. And while our hair has the same tone, mine is short, and hers is long. I’m slightly taller than her, but we can share clothes. There’s no doubt that we’re mother and daughter.
Stopping next to her, I give her a tight smile. “What can I help you with, Mom?”
Her nose scrunches, eyes narrowing at something behind me before straightening her spine and giving me a fake smile. “Guests are going to arrive in a few minutes. I thought it’d be nice if we walked around greeting everyone together.”
I nod in agreement. “That’s a great idea.”
She places her arm around my shoulders, guiding me toward where guests will arrive. I know this is a part of the job, but it’s my least favorite part to do. But here I am, plastering on a smile since it’s easier than arguing with my mom, especially where people could hear.
Mom doesn’t let me leave her side for the first hour. Only after I told her I was parched did she allow me to get a drink.
Needing a break from the crowd, I head inside, grab a bottle of water and head back out to the deck. I lean against the railing and take in the scene below me.
“Your mom knows how to throw a barbecue.”
I startle at the unexpected visitor, but smile when I notice it’s Trevor. “That she does.”
He bumps my shoulder with his. “How are you holding up?”
I tilt my head with a grin. “I’m hanging in there. How about you?”
“So far, so good. Your mom has only stopped me twice so far to look over the pictures,” he says with a chuckle. “Let me get back to it before she catches me slacking off.” He winks and walks off down the stairs.
It’s not lost on me that Trevor’s mere presence has the ability to calm my nerves and center my head.
I just don’t know what it means.
After finishing my bottle of water, I follow Trevor’s lead and get back down to the party before mom comes looking for me. I mingle with folks I haven’t spoken with yet, making my way around the entire backyard.
Needing a brief break, I head towards the shady corner of the yard, but stop as I hear my mother’s voice. Turning towards where her voice carries from, I hide behind a tree, watching as she speaks with Trevor.
