Just Her Luck

Part II: 

“I thought you may have ditched me…” Sophie glanced down. A rare moment of vulnerability. But before Ryan could acknowledge it or even open her mouth to respond Sophie had pressed on. “Nay said she sent you out here for air.” 

“It’s…a lot in there.” She nodded towards the party and shrugged.

“Oh yeah.” She rubbed the back of her neck. “I’m so used to it. I guess I forget what it’s like not to have everyone up in my business 24/7.” 

“You don’t miss having any semblance of privacy?” 

“I have privacy.” It was said immediately and almost petulantly. While Ryan just tilted her head and raised an eyebrow. Full blown skepticism on her face. “I do!” 

“Mhm.” Ryan’s amusement seeped through the intonation. 

“This is private.” She gestures around still trying to prove her point. “No one is usually allowed back here. I’m not even sure how you persuaded Renee to let you.” 

“I asked politely.” Ryan deadpanned. 

“Hm…” She pretended to be deep in thought. “Something I would have never tried.” 

Ryan’s laugh cut through the otherwise silent night. The sound warmed Sophie immediately. A soft, cool breeze blew, sending chills up Ryan’s spine. “Cold?” Without waiting for a response, Sophie instinctively reached out, rubbing her hands up and down Ryan’s bare arms. 

“Thanks.” Ryan breathed into the chilling air. 

Sophie smiled and dropped her hands back to her sides. Why was she touching so much? She was never this much of a tactile person. Especially in public. With a practical stranger. “You want to go back inside and warm up?” She gestured awkwardly with her thumb. 

Ryan leaned back against the railing surrounding the large patio and tilted her head back. “In a minute.” 

Sophie watched her for a minute. Maybe it was two or five or ten. She really had no concept of time currently as she stared at the woman straining her neck in what seemed to be a pathetic attempt to see stars in a dark Gotham sky. She stared at her neck, exposed by her position. She stared at her dress. She stared at her… “My eyes are up here.” 

With a quick swallow and an embarrassed smile at being caught appreciating her assets, Sophie’s eyes met Ryan’s. Her eyes were as dark as the sky above them, but had a certain shine. A twinkle. A light in the darkness. She could get lost in those eyes. And she did. 

“When’s the last time you saw stars in Gotham?” Ryan broke the silence and Sophie’s trance. 

She blinked a few times to reorient herself. “Uh…in Gotham?” She really had to think. “I’m not sure. It’s been…awhile.” 

“There’s this spot…” Ryan’s gaze returned to the sky. “…down by the river. If you wait for a little to let your eyes adjust and squint, you can see them.” 

A soft smile graced Sophie’s lips of its own accord. 

“My mama and I used to go out there. All the time. We didn't know anything about stars. Or constellations.” She rambled on. “But we’d stay out there for hours. Just staring up and tracing abstract patterns and appreciating the silence. I guess that’s what made me ask Renee if I could come out here. Take a chance on seeing some rare Gotham stars.” She chuckled. “And not like stars like you.” She looked back at Sophie who had moved significantly closer. 

“Clearly not stars like me.” Sophie leaned in a little closer. “Because I wouldn’t have even thought to come out here if it wasn’t for you. And neither would any of those other people in that party.” 

“Sorry.” Ryan apologized quickly and pushed off the railing. “I didn’t mean to keep you from the party-“ 

“Ryan.” Sophie caught her gently by the wrist. “I’m glad you prompted me to step outside and look at the nonexistent stars.” She smiled and slowly pulled Ryan back toward the railing where she now leaned against it. 

Ryan sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes, but let Sophie pull her closer. “Okay, fine let’s go in then.” 

“No, wait.” Sophie gasped and paused dramatically as she looked up at the dark sky. “Is that? No, it can’t be.” 

“What?” Ryan’s head immediately tilted up in the direction that Sophie’s gaze was fixed in. 

“You don’t see that?” Sophie pointed up into the clouds while Ryan craned her neck in an almost desperate attempt to catch a glimpse of a star. 

“I don’t see shit. Just clouds.” She practically whined. 

“Maybe you’re not tall enough.” She said it so nonchalantly, it took Ryan a second for her brain to catch up with the words. 

“Funny.” Ryan deadpanned, pressing her lips in a thin line while Sophie widened her eyes innocently. 

“I’m serious, Ryan.” She looked back up at the sky and pointed. “They’re right there. You must not be tall enough.” 

Just as Ryan went to look back into the starless sky, she felt her feet leave the ground with strong arms around her waist. “Ahhh! Sophie!” 

Sophie cackled loudly. Ryan could feel her body shake with laughter as her heels touched back on the concrete. “What? I was trying to help you see better…” She’d set her back down but Ryan was still in her arms and practically scowled at her. Her heart threatened to race right out of her chest. The space between them was small. All she’d have to do was…

She found herself leaning in and noticed Ryan’s expression softening. She took in the scent of her perfume and something that was just Ryan. A whisper of breath, the tightening hold. Sophie didn’t care what anyone said about Gotham. Clouds or no clouds, she was currently seeing stars. The slightest brush of lips and- 

“Moore! Sometimes I’m your assistant, most of the time I’m your publicist, and occasionally I’d even consider you a friend, but I am not your loyal watchdog. I can’t hold off the press forever.” Renee’s voice cut through the darkness, making them both jump. 

Sophie groaned in annoyed frustration. At the interruption or just because it was Renee, Ryan didn’t know. She took a slow, steadying breath and fixed her features to something more neutral than the holy-shit-I-almost-kinda-sorta-barely-kissed-Sophie-fucking-Moore look she was sure she sported. 

“Moore, in one minute, I’ll tip off the paparazzi myself!” 

After a resigned sigh, Sophie turned back to Ryan. She opened her mouth and snapped it shut quickly. Seeming to struggle for words, Ryan decided to help. “Let’s go inside before she makes good on that threat.” She looped her arm in the crook of Sophie’s elbow and guided a seemingly reluctant Sophie back inside to the party. She’s a celebrity. Gossip happened. She was used to it. But Ryan wasn’t and she promised she wouldn’t put her date into any more unwelcomed situations involving the press. 

They walked back toward Renee in silence. Arms tangled. Soft smiles hidden by the darkness until they reached the party, still in full swing. Another few hours and Ryan was exhausted and despite enjoying herself and staying much later than she had planned, she was well and truly ready for bed. 

Surprisingly, when she let Sophie know, her date had agreed that she was beyond ready to leave as well. 

“Jordan can take you home.”

Renee appeared out of seemingly nowhere just then. “Moore you’re in the opposite direction. Don’t worry. I’ll get her home safely.” Sophie gave her a skeptical look. 

 “What? I’m happily married.” She winked at her client who responded with an eye roll. 

“Aw you’re leaving already?” Deja slurred as she slung her arm over Sophie’s shoulder and Riley mimicked the position on Ryan. 

“My phone died.” Riley was slurring as well. “Can I use yours really quick, Ryan? Please.” She practically gave her the puppy dog eyes and Sophie eyed both of her friends suspiciously. They were both more than capable of holding their liquor and despite it being 3 AM, this was too early for them to be stumbling, mumbling and fumbling around like college freshmen. 

“Sure.” Ryan handed her phone over and waited while Deja was rambling about some actor or someone who had worn something so ridiculously scandalous that she’d needed to get the details on where she could buy something similar. Sophie’s eyes were getting the workout of a lifetime tonight. Ryan simply watched their exchange with a smile. They really did remind her of her and her own friends. 

“Let’s take a selfie!” Deja grabbed Sophie’s phone from her purse and tapped the password. 

“Uhm what’s wrong with your phone?” There was no way Deja’s phone was dead. She kept a portable charger in her bag at all times. She was even skeptical that Riley’s was dead. 

“I left it at the table.” She didn’t bother to meet Sophie’s gaze as she found the app she was looking for and held up her phone to smile. The four of them squished into the camera frame and smiled. A few, probably awful, pictures were taken before hugs and cheek kisses were passed between the friends and they even hugged Ryan before disappearing into the still crowded party. 

“Jordan’s almost here.” She checked her sister’s ETA. “I had a pin dropped by Renee’s car. So, we can head out together.” 

Renee eyed Sophie, but Sophie’s attention was firmly on Ryan who smiled and fell into step beside her. Renee trailed behind them, making sure they made a smooth getaway. Sophie usually tended to stay with her friends until dawn, but Renee was not going to complain about leaving early. 

Jordan had pulled up just after they’d reached Renee’s car. Sophie hesitated for a moment and pulled Ryan into a hug. Renee opened Jordan’s passenger door and greeted the younger Moore, while the dates had their moment. 

“Great first date huh?” Sophie pulled back from their embrace but remained close. 

Ryan laughed. “I would have settled for a simple dinner.” She used a joking tone, though she was being truthful.  

“I’ll make note of that for next time.” Sophie had delivered the line flawlessly. It was flirty, it was teasing and it was those same words that she spoke that made her frown. Because this was all this was going to be. A one time thing. A thing that Renee had orchestrated solely to get on her nerves. And now it was coming to an end and she was frowning. 

Maybe she could find her on socials somehow. She was sure her team of tech nerds could find her at the drop of a dime. But Ryan had hated the spotlight. It would never work out. But maybe it could? Other celeb couples kept their private lives private. Not that they were a couple. But they could be? Someone finally catches her attention and of course doesn’t vibe with the celeb life. She just sighed heavily. Just her luck . 

…..

Renee interrupted the silent car ride. “I didn’t expect this to go as well as it did.” 

Ryan chuckled. “You were hoping to get under her skin?” 

“It’s only fair.” She shrugs with a smirk. 

A silence fell between them again. 

“My wife would definitely discourage my next statement but…you and Sophie would be a good balance. My wife and I met under…unusual circumstances too and it all worked out.” 

Ryan glanced at the woman sideways with skepticism as they pulled up in front of The Hold Up. There was no way she was suggesting that Ryan could possibly be worthy of Sophie Moore. 

She was met with a similar expression. “You live at a bar?” 

“There’s a loft.” Ryan chuckled as she opened the door and turned back toward the publicist. “Thanks Renee.” She smiled before closing the door and walking toward the loft entrance. It had been more than a memorable night, and it was all over. She felt a little Cinderella-y. But Gotham sure as hell wasn’t known for its fairytales. 

…….

“Soooo…” Jordan draws out the word obnoxiously. 

Sophie stared out the window, lost in the replaying of the events of the night. Specifically, on the patio that she didn’t even realize existed. Because she would never think to “get air” at an after party. But it hasn’t been the normal after party. She’d gotten stuck meeting and greeting with all of these colleagues and acquaintances. Normally, that would be fine and then she’d have a few hours to drink with her friends and usually Jordan who she’d often brought as a date. She felt like she didn’t have nearly as much time with Ryan. Though she wasn’t sure any amount of time would be quite enough. 

“Soph?” Jordan tried more gently. 

“Hm? Yeah?” 

“You wanna talk about it?”

“Just thinking about how I haven’t taken any time off in the last few months. Remind me to book an island vacation soon. Or at least somewhere that I could actually see the stars.” Sophie ignored her question. “I haven’t had a vacation in too long.”

“You’re deflecting.” Jordan eyed her with a knowing look before returning her attention back to the road. 

Sophie made a musing sound and continued to stare out the window. 

“Let’s pretend we don’t do that here.” 

“It was one night, a one time thing, Jordan.” Sophie’s disappointment leaking through her mumbled words. “She literally won a contest and she wasn’t even the one who’d entered her name.” 

“She didn’t?” Jordan sounded as surprised as Sophie was when Ryan told her. 

“Nope. Apparently her friends are just as annoyingly menacing as mine and my sister.” 

“Okayyyy.” Jordan exaggerated her syllables. “Things in common.” Her tone was just too optimistic. 

“Again, it was only one night. And it’s over.”

“And…you wish there was more?” She ventured a guess. She’d seen the photos from the red carpet and had been receiving updates from Sophie’s friends throughout the night. She also knew her sister the best. This Ryan Wilder had certainly made an impression. And if she was being honest, she was all for it which is why she planted a seed in her and her sister’s friends separate group chat. 

“Pfftt.” Sophie blew out dramatically although the twist of her lips gave her away.  

……

Ryan made the mistake of opening the group chat to 200+ messages. “Jesus fucking Christ.” She muttered to herself. 

Moore’s whores 

Kelly: sent a photo 

Kelly: uhm hello?! She’s so close to your face

Anissa: I would LOVE to know what was being said in that moment 

Mary: care to share Ry? 

Ryan: no

Kelly: how do you expect us to live vicariously through you if you won’t tell us anything 

Anissa: Nah that’s fine I’ll just write my own commentary 

Ryan: for fuck’s sake, please no

Mary: #Wildmoore 

Mary: girl they’ve already got a ship name 

Mary: And all the lesbians of the world cried

Kelly: sent a link from Autostraddle: The Sophie Moore off the market? 

Anissa: sent a link: Sophie Moore shows off a new mystery date.

Kelly: sent a link: Could THE Sophie Moore finally be settling down? 

Ryan was about to click on one of the links featuring a photo of her and Sophie on the red carpet with Sophie smiling and whispering in her ear while she had smiled softly at the ground. It was a really cute picture. They did look like a couple. 

And so the onslaught of comments and questions began without anything resembling a greeting. 

Kelly: have you caught up in the chat or??

Kelly: Oh shit! Maybe you could do an interview.

Anissa: Same brain cell because yeah!

Mary: With Iris West-Allen!

Ryan: Iris West-Allen is a goddess who has many more interesting people to interview.

Kelly: I’d be surprised if she hasn’t caught wind of this already.

Mary: Girl Twitter is blowing up. Did you get your notifications?

Ryan: No, I haven’t had a chance. My phone is on DND.

Anissa: Just be prepared for an onslaught of tags.

Ryan: Shit.

Mary: Are you looking at them?

Kelly: How many exactly?

Ryan: Thousands…and counting.

Kelly: Are you going to read through them all?

Mary: We’ve been keeping tabs.

Ryan: I’m sure you have.

Kelly: You can’t even be a little bit surprised. It’s Sophie Moore and you two looked awfully cozy in some of those photos.

Ryan had set her phone down on the bathroom while she quickly ran through her night time routine. 

Anissa: Y’all make a fine ass couple.

Ryan: We’re not a couple, Nissa.

Kelly: Could be though.

Mary: Like the way she’s looking at you? Hello??

Kelly: If she looked at me like that I’d melt into the floor.

Mary: You and the entirety of the fandom.

Anissa: Yoooo they’re all jealous as fuck, Ry.

Anissa: Shit who am I kidding? I’M jealous as fuck.

Ryan couldn’t help but smirk slightly at that as she picked up her phone and flopped down onto her bed to settle in finally. You look beautiful, just relax. She sucked in a breath remembering the way Sophie leaned in close to whisper in her ear while they posed on the red carpet. As if Ryan could relax when the woman’s lips were practically brushing against her ear. 

Still half lost in her memories, she let it slip. She promised she wouldn’t. She knew the repercussions. 

The words just came out. “I’ll give you her number and you can shoot your shot.” She squeezed her eyes shut. Isn’t there a feature that would allow her to delete the message as if it was never sent? Too late. 

Anissa started a video call: Moore’s Whores…

Sigh. She hit the accept button. 

Mary: “She gave you her number and you haven’t used it yet? Are you even a lesbian?”

Anissa: “If you’re not gonna use it I will.”

Kelly: “You better text her! Immediately!”  

Ryan: “First of all, she didn’t give me her number.”. 

Anissa: “Nah explain because what the fuck?” 

Ryan: “Her friends, Riley and Deja. I think they exchanged our numbers when they borrowed our phones.” 

Mary: “Sounds like something I would do.” 

Anissa: “Irrelevant. You have her number.”

Ryan: “What am I supposed to say? That corny line about having a great time?” 

Anissa: “I mean like add something a little extra or something. Not that dry ass-“ 

Kelly: “What she means is… you can come up with something different to say. But say something.” 

Ryan: “The whole night was really amazing and so much fun. A little overwhelming at times but she was so nice and sweet, but guys it was just a one night thing.” 

Mary: “I’m not buying it. Have you looked at the photos yet?” 

Kelly: “Yeah Ry, you don’t just look at someone, the way she was looking at you in nearly every single photo that’s now circulating the internet.” 

Anissa: “Say something like-“ 

Kelly: “Oh, this oughta be good.”  She snorted into the phone. 

Anissa: “Wait.” 

Anissa: “Not you trying to say I don’t have game? I have a whole wife. Lemme wake her ass up and she can tell you.” 

Mary: “Do not wake that poor woman at this hour!” 

Kelly: “Can we get back on track here?” 

Kelly: “Circling back…have you seen the rest of the photos?” 

She hadn’t looked yet at the rest of the photos. The rapidly increasing number of notifications from her Twitter app was too overwhelming and it was late. 

Ryan: “No, I haven’t. I will now, Night.” And with that she hung up. 

She was curious to see what her friends and half or maybe the whole fandom were seeing. Sophie had been nice. They had tap danced on the line between flirting and friendly…maybe? 

She scrolled up through the photos in the group chat that they’d sent while Anissa and Kelly argued about Anissa’s game or lack there of. They kinda did make a good looking couple. If they were a couple. One thing was for sure, she did love the way that Sophie was looking at her. 

Ryan went to her messaging app and tapped on the top conversation thread. “Sophie freakin Moore” 

Ryan [3:16 AM]: you’re welcome, Soph! xx love Dej & Riles

Sophie [3:58 AM]: Let me just apologize. My  friends have no respect for personal boundaries it seems 

Ryan: Ha that’s okay, it was clever. My friends are the same way

Sophie: Which part? The faking hammered or the exchanging of our numbers?  

Ryan: Both can be true. 

Sophie: I guess you’re right.

Sophie: So, I might as well put their meddling to good use right? 

Sophie: Shoot my shot or whatever the youngins say. 

Sophie: I’ll be in Gotham for an event at the end of the month and would love to buy you dinner.

Sophie: If you’re interested?

Ryan couldn’t keep the dorky grin off her face if she tried. She was grateful that Sophie couldn’t actually see her in this state. 

Ryan: I would love that.

Sophie Moore started a Live with Iris West-Allen. 

Ryan watched the two women go back and forth with questions both personal and professional for a few minutes. Her eyes were falling shut. 

“So, I know it’s late and all but I’m dying to know. Well, everyone’s dying to know if you’ve checked Twitter lately. The uncertainty around your date this evening has sent all of lesbian Twitter into shambles.” 

Sophie chuckled and shook her head. 

“Does that mean we’re not going to get confirmation that THEE Sophie Moore is off the market?” 

Sophie bit her lip and tilted her head to either side contemplating an answer. Ryan’s eyes were now wide open. And her phone was blowing up with messages from Moore’s Whores . She was too laser focused on Sophie’s half of the screen. 

“You know Iris…” she started, chuckling lightly. “The story behind my date tonight, I’ll save for another time. However….” She paused again, an almost wistful smile on her lips. 

“Girl, it’s too late for this playing. If you don’t spit it out...” Iris nearly whined with teasing impatience. 

Sophie laughed again and held up her hands in front of her as if to surrender. “Okay, okay. Well, she has agreed to let me buy her dinner, so I’m hoping it works out the way I want it to.” She shrugged with a goofy smile on her face. 

Moore’s Whores

Anissa: BFFR

Anissa: So you did text her? 

Kelly: Uhmm helloooo? When were you gonna tell us about dinner??

Mary: Ohhhhh I’m soooooo I’m taking all the credit for this

Kelly: Like???

Mary: I get to be your maid of honor

Anissa: Hell no you don’t 

Mary: @Ryan you better break the news now. I’m the only choice for maid of honor in this situation 

Anissa: FOH 

Mary: No, I’m the MOH*

Anissa: Scram 

Kelly: Anyway, circling back. When is dinner? Where is dinner? 

A random message from Marquis came through the barrage of messages from the group chat. 

Bro: Sis with the dinner date?! See what happens when you ditch the flannel?  

Ryan chuckled sleepily and watched her friends spiral until her eyelids were too heavy to hold open. She would have to thank Mary one day. Today was definitely not that day. 

________

Moore’s Whores  

Mary: Oh? She’s like in your apartment? 

Ryan: You act like this is the first time

Kelly: Did you get the good wine? 

Anissa: So y’all are gonna like “watch a movie”? 

Kelly: Netflix and chill

Kelly: I think that’s what the kids are calling it 

Ryan: Quit it

Anissa: That’s a yes

Ryan: No 

Mary: No? 

Anissa: No you’re not gonna watch a movie orrrr?? 

Ryan: PLEASE

Kelly: Nissa let Ry have this 

Anissa: And why on earth would I do that? 

Anissa: There’s bets to be won

Kelly: Jfc 

Mary: What bets? 

Ryan: Yeah please enlighten us. What bets? 

Mary: Why wasn’t I invited to bet? 

Anissa: You don’t get invited to bet 

Mary: Okay so how do I bet? 

Anissa: I’ll group you with me Marquis and Kelly

Mary: Kelly got to bet too? 

Anissa: Yup. 

Anissa: and Luke but he “doesn’t do group chats” or whatever the fuck 

Ryan: Anissa Raye Pierce. 

Kelly: Oop 

Anissa: Sh, why are you shouting my government name like that? 

Kelly: She’s gonna forehead flick you into the next century. 

Mary: Wait.

Mary: What exactly are we betting?

Kelly: Mary, please 

Ryan took a screenshot of the group chat and quickly sent it to her brother. She’d deal with them later. 

She and Sophie had gone back and forth for most of the day via text message deciding and debating movie options for tonight. They have vastly different tastes in movies and were equally as indecisive. Ultimately, Sophie played the, your house, your choice card. She poured the popcorn in a bowl while Sophie was pouring wine in the living room. 

They had gone out on a few dinner dates since their first date at the GLAAD Awards. They’d gone out for brunch with Sophie’s friends and Jordan twice and had even done drinks with Ryan’s friends and Marquis, a few times in the last few months. 

Out and in restaurants, most people recognized Sophie immediately. She would often be stopped or interrupted for photos or autographs and it was quickly becoming too invasive for the two women just trying to get to know each other. After a few weeks, they agreed that it might be better for them to do dinners at home instead of in the public eye which had been working well since then. Although, they more so ended up at Ryan’s, since, if Sophie was in town, she was usually at a hotel. 

Sophie was staring quizzically at her phone when Ryan  brought the popcorn and placed it between them on the couch. She thought nothing of it. Sophie usually had her notifications on silent, especially with all the photos of them from their dates circulating around the internet as of late. But if Renee messaged or her friends, especially Jordan, she would usually try to answer right away. 

She focused on searching for the movie she chose for tonight. She sat her wine glass on the coffee table and picked up the remote. She hadn’t noticed Sophie had turned toward her and was now staring at her with a look of amusement. “Ryan.” Her tone was calm, level. 

“Yeah?” But Ryan was still typing into the search bar with the remote. 

When she didn’t answer, Ryan turned her head to look at her. “What?” 

“Uhm who are Moore’s Whores ?” Despite her effort, she failed to keep a straight face. The corners of her mouth ticked up as she attempted to suppress her laughter. “And…” She looked back at her phone screen. “…why are they betting on whether or not we have sex tonight?” 

Ryan’s mouth just dropped open as she stared. The heat in her neck and cheeks was instant. There was absolutely no way she sent that screenshot to Sophie instead of Marquis. No fucking way. Surely, she would die of embarrassment on the spot. “I-“ her mouth hung open and closed again as she shook her head in utter disbelief. 

Sophie was now cackling with laughter. “Ry, I’m gonna need you to find your words because I need an explanation.” 

She groaned, sinking further into the couch. She was willing herself to completely disappear. “Soph. Please.” 

“This totally explains the conversation Anissa and Kelly were having with Marquis at drinks last weekend.” 

Ryan knew exactly what she was talking about. They weren’t the least bit subtle but, then again, her friends and brother rarely were. “S’mores” was probably the least subtle code word for whores. 

“I have a question though.” 

Ryan groaned in response, waiting. 

“Why Whores?” 

“Mary…” She shrugged. “That’s what I asked.” 

“I guess the rhyming effect has a ring to it.” Sophie mused. 

“Seriously?” 

“What?” 

“I am mortified. Like ready to toss myself into the Gotham River level embarrassment.” 

Laughter erupted again as Sophie scooted closer to Ryan. “We’ve all sent something to the wrong person before.” She wrapped her arm around Ryan’s shoulders and picked up the remote to press play on the movie. “This was just like the worst case scenario.” 

Ryan was never going to live this down. 

“Just my luck.”