I Walked Away Seven Years Too Late But Right on Time novel Chapter 16

Gavin's friend was clearly a regular, and the bartender greeted him enthusiastically.

Sophie clinked glasses with them, taking in the neon lights and the vibrant crowd.

Whenever Luke had networking events, he frequently hit up VIP clubs and lounges after dinner.

Sophie had never understood why good business couldn't be conducted in a boardroom, why it always had to involve these dimly lit, suggestive venues.

Was it really that much fun?

Someone walked over and dragged Gavin's friend away to play pool.

Listening to their raucous laughter, Sophie shook her head with a quiet smile. She really was getting old; she couldn't see the appeal anymore.

"Not your scene? Want to get out of here?" Gavin asked.

"I think I drank a little too much at dinner. I have a headache."

Sophie felt terrible. She had agreed to come out, only to ruin the mood.

Sometime during the evening, a light drizzle had started, weaving a fine, chilly mist over the city.

The rain clung to her hair and face, bringing a sharp bite to the air. Sophie popped the collar of her trench coat.

"Wait right here. I'll go buy an umbrella," Gavin said, immediately sprinting toward a nearby convenience store.

Gavin came back with a single black umbrella.

Walking beneath it, Sophie suddenly remembered the night they had officially met—another rainy evening, sharing a single black umbrella.

It had been early spring then, and now it was already autumn.

She was staying at the hotel right on campus, so the walk was incredibly short.

Stopping at the entrance, she turned to him. "Thank you. I'm here."

As she took a step toward the doors, Gavin stepped closer and asked, "Are you leaving right after the tournament?"

Sophie paused, looking back at him. "Yes. I have to head out early to prep for the next city."

"Where to next?"

"Houston."

"I'll see if I can get approval for a business trip down to Houston while you're there."

Sophie offered a faint smile.

"I spend about two weeks in each city. After Houston, I go to Chicago, then Denver, and I won't be back in Seattle until the end of the year. Are you planning to follow me the whole way?"

"Can I?" Gavin shot back.

Sophie didn't know what to say. She couldn't understand why he was so relentless when they had barely spent any time together.

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