I Walked Away Seven Years Too Late But Right on Time novel Chapter 175

At the barbecue joint, Gwen Grayson spotted Gavin and Sophie walking in hand-in-hand and enthusiastically waved them over.

"What have you two been so busy with lately? Every time I call, you say you've got things to do. If you bailed on me again, I was ready to permanently block you both."

Gwen grumbled playfully, though her hands were busy pouring Sophie a glass of beer. When she got to Gavin, she tapped the glass of iced water on the table. "You stick to water."

Sophie and Gavin shared a bitter smile. Explaining the past few days would be a monumental task.

"What are you two grinning like idiots for? You've met the parents, so is the next step talking marriage? Come on, spill it. What kind of extravagant gift did your rich future mother-in-law give you?"

As Gwen spoke, her eyes shamelessly scanned Sophie's neck down to her wrists.

In her mind, a wealthy mother-in-law's gift had to be either a blinding diamond necklace or an heirloom bracelet—something flashy enough to blind the peasants. She was ready to feast her eyes.

Both Sophie and Gavin looked awkward. Sophie glanced at Gavin before murmuring, "There was a complication. We didn't do the formal introduction."

Seeing their expressions, Gwen realized she had stepped on a landmine. Though she was dying of curiosity to know what happened, she picked up a barbecue skewer and stuffed it into her mouth to shut herself up.

"Did you guys see the pandas when you went to Silverwood Sanctuary?" Sophie asked, smoothly changing the subject.

"Yeah, we saw them. They're unbelievably cute. I want to be a reincarnated panda in my next life. As long as you look adorable, you can just sit there chewing bamboo and get standing ovations from the tourists."

Gwen obligingly followed Sophie's lead. She deliberately exaggerated her story, adding dramatic flair to thaw out the icy awkwardness she had accidentally caused.

Halfway through the meal, Gavin stepped outside to take a phone call. Gwen leaned across the table, her eyes locked on Sophie. "Spill. What actually happened? Did Gavin's family give you a hard time?"

"It's too complicated to explain right now. I'll tell you everything later." Sophie sighed softly.

"Jason said Grandma Sarah has been frowning a lot lately. He asked her if something was wrong, but she wouldn't say. I figured it had something to do with you. Sophie, you're my girl. If you ever need help, don't hold back. I might not be as put together as you, but I can argue like nobody's business. If Gavin's parents are bullying you, I'll go cuss them out for you."

"It's not what you think... but thank you."

Sophie smiled, though her eyes were suspiciously bright under the restaurant's harsh lighting.

She wasn't intentionally hiding things from Gwen. It was just a long, exhausting story, and some parts weren't meant to be discussed in front of Gavin.

By the time Gavin returned to his seat, Sophie and Gwen had shifted their topic to Jason Jenkins' ex-wife.

"Tell me honestly, do I have the face of an evil stepmother? Jason's ex-wife actually thinks I'm going to abuse Mia."

Gwen finished her sentence, shot Gavin a pointed look, and added, "Every man handles his own family's mess."

Sophie knew Gwen was using the opportunity to send a warning shot at Gavin. But her situation with Gavin was infinitely messier than Gwen's issues with Jason.

She placed her hand in Gavin's and gave him a gentle smile.

When Sophie got up to use the restroom, Gwen leaned in close to Gavin. "Listen, don't say I didn't warn you. Sophie's ex hasn't given up. If your family is really blocking this, fix it fast. Wait too long, and you might find someone else sweeping her off her feet."

Gavin simply smiled and nodded quietly.

For the past few days, Sophie had been going straight to the hospital after work to visit Luke. Of course, it bothered him.

Luke had gotten hurt saving Sophie. It was impossible for her not to be deeply affected by it.

The last few times, because of Eleanor's hostility, he hadn't even gone up to the room, choosing to wait in the car instead.

The waiting was pure torture. He worried she would soften. He worried her heart would slowly tilt back toward Luke. But with Sophie already under so much stress, he couldn't bring himself to add his own petty insecurities to her burden. He could only stay silent, staying by her side and letting her do what she needed to do.