When they pulled into the driveway of his modern hillside home overlooking the bay, Victoria was out of her car before he’d even turned off the engine. Who was that woman? She demanded as James unbuckled a sleepy Emma. Just an old friend of Eliza’s, he said, avoiding her gaze.
Her college roommate. Victoria’s perfectly manicured nails tapped against her purse. And you just happened to run into her? Small world.
James lifted Emma into his arms, using his daughter as a shield against further interrogation. M needs her nap. We can talk later.
Inside, he tucked Emma into bed, grateful for the temporary reprieve from Victoria’s questions. But as he closed Emma’s bedroom door, the past came rushing back in fragmented memories. Ten years earlier, Berkeley campus.
James, this is my roommate, Sophia. Eliza’s eyes sparkled as she made the introduction. Sophia, this is James, the guy from my economics class I told you about.
Sophia extended her hand, a friendly smile lighting up her face. So you’re the one who keeps stealing my roommate to study. I was beginning to think you were imaginary.
James laughed immediately at ease. I promise I’m returning her with all the knowledge of supply and demand curves she could possibly want. Later that night, the three of them sat in the cramped dorm room, empty pizza boxes scattered around them, talking until sunrise about dreams and plans and the uncertain future.
I’m going to start my own tech company, James declared, the ambition in his voice making both girls laugh, not unkindly, but with the gentle scepticism of those who’d heard too many college dreams that never materialized. Well, I’m going to teach children with special needs, Sophia announced. My little brother had autism and his teachers changed his life.
And I, Eliza said dramatically, raising her soda can in a toast, I’m going to marry a millionaire and travel the world. She winked at James, who blushed to the roots of his hair. The memory dissolved as Victoria’s voice cut through his thoughts.
James, we need to talk. He sighed, turning to face his mother-in-law. At 62, Victoria Hamilton remained an imposing figure, tall, elegant, with Eliza’s blue eyes set in a face hardened by grief.
That woman looks exactly like Eliza, Victoria said bluntly. It’s disturbing. Her name is Sophia, James replied, heading toward the kitchen.
And yes, there’s a resemblance, but she’s not Eliza. Emma seems confused by it. Emma is four, James countered, pouring himself a much-needed cup of coffee.
She barely remembers what Eliza looked like except from photos. Victoria’s expression softened slightly. I worry about her.
About both of you. Before James could respond, his phone chimed with a text message from an unknown number. Hi, James, it’s Sophia from the restaurant.
I’m still in shock about Eliza. If you’d like to talk some time, I’m free on Tuesday evening. No pressure.
Victoria watched his face change as he read the message. Is that her? Yes, James admitted. She wants to meet, to talk about Eliza.
And you’re going to go, Victoria’s voice rose. I don’t know yet. But even as he said it, James knew he would.
Two days later, he found himself back at Bayside Bistro, this time without Emma. Sophia was waiting in a corner booth, off duty, and dressed in jeans and a simple blue sweater. Thanks for coming, she said as he slid into the seat across from her.
I’ve been thinking about Eliza non-stop since Sunday. Me too. Well, more than usual, I mean.
James attempted a smile. It’s been a rough eighteen months. How’s Emma doing? She has good days and bad days.
She’s resilient, but she misses her mum. They ordered drinks, and as the night progressed, the initial awkwardness melted away. Sophia told him about the years after college, her teaching career, her decision to pursue a master’s in child psychology, caring for her grandfather after a stroke forced him to move in with her.
And now I’m waiting tables to pay tuition, she concluded with a self-deprecating shrug. Not exactly the glamorous life. You’re doing important work, James said sincerely.
Eliza would have admired that. A comfortable silence fell between them. Finally, Sophia asked the question that hung in the air.