Chapter 995 - Sophias birthday (1/2)

~ Los Angeles, Cliffside villa ~

Wednesday, December 11

It's Sophia's birthday.

She woke up in the arms of her beloved Felix, and everything would be perfect if she didn't roll on the back in her sleep. Her back is killing her! The 7-month pregnancy belly is growing, and it's making her uncomfortable.

Luckily, Felix helped her lay on the side and he provided the best massage for pain relief there is.

As soon as the pain subsided, Sophia started squirming and being grabby, and they ended up making love.

Besides increasing her physical discomfort, the growing baby is the cause of Sophia's frequent restroom breaks… and also limitations in their lovemaking positions. Her most comfortable position as of lately is what she calls 'the sideways' : she is lying on her side, and the leg on the top is on Felix's shoulder while the other one is on the bed (or the floor, or the sofa… depending where 'the mood' strikes).

”Happy birthday, ma chéri…”, Felix murmured while holding panting Sophia in his arms.

”Mmm…”, she hummed in approval. ”Happy it is.”

After getting ready for the day, Sophia went to the home-office to work from there, and Felix went to the workshop. In last few weeks he is spending most of his awake-time in there.

When Sophia reached into the dining room for lunch, Sarah, Emma and Penny were setting up a giant 'Happy birthday' banner. Charlie was making sure that the banner is centered, from his wheelchair.

JoAnna and Jeff arrived shortly after, with Steve and Bridgette and they brought more guests.

”Happy Birthday!”, JoAnna exclaimed while gesturing toward the door from where Isabella and Leah emerged.

Sophia was very happy to see them. She misses Leah very much.

Isabella came to Los Angeles for few days to set up her new art gallery which will feature her works and it will have artwork of some other artists as well. She spoke with Penny online few times, and Isabella believes that Penny will do great as the curator of her gallery.

They already agreed that Isabella will pay Penny a base salary and benefits, and Penny will get a percentage of any sales the gallery makes.

Penny is excited. This is her next step toward independence: a job.

On Sunday, Emma accompanied Penny for her makeover. Charlie was there as well. They drove in his car to the styling salon and then they had a lunch in a restaurant.

Penny wondered if there is a need for her to be the third wheel, and wanted to avoid that lunch, but Emma insisted that it's not a problem. Penny is confident that she saw Charlie purse his lips in protest.

Penny's hair is now short. Pixie bob cut with dark red highlights on her dark brown hair against her fair complexion looks amazing. It's edgy and classy at the same time. Perfect.

Emma offered Penny to accompany her for the apartment-hunting, when Penny starts getting her salary. Sarah overheard them and told Penny that there is no rush.

”Feel free to stay here in order to save two-three months' worth of salary before heading out. You will need it.”, Sarah advised. ”The expenses are much more than just the rent and utility bills.”

Penny nodded in agreement. After all, she never lived on her own, and she will trust Sarah on this.

Emma is getting along great with Penny, and she is thinking that maybe two of them can be roommates, because she will move out of the Cliffside villa (eventually) as well. But it's too early to bring that up.

The lunch was a celebratory one. Matias (the cook) made sure to prepare Sophia's favorites.

Sophia's mood dropped when she realized that Felix is not present. She didn't need to check his location… the workshop!

Sophia usually does not mind, she is happy that her husband loves what he does to the point of losing any sense of time. But today is her birthday, damnit!

…

Sophia entered the workshop, ready to scold Felix right from the door, but her steps halted at the sight of the drones. Hundreds of them… everywhere.

”What is all this?”, Sophia asked Felix when she approached him, unable to hide her surprise.

”Drones.”, Felix stated the fact.

Sophia rolled her eyes telling him that she can see that. ”Why so many? Is Eve planning an invasion?”