After freshening up, Alex returned downstairs with the takeout pack which Vanessa had given him earlier, to see Sophia at the dining eating from the box of pizza and Buddy, who was circling her seat and wagging his tail at her expectantly as he waited for her to feed him his share.
Alex's first instinct was to ask where Vanessa was, and why she wasn't eating with her, but he resisted the urge. It wasn't his business. He was going to make deliberate efforts to not be concerned about Vanessa's business.
Sophia raised her head when she noticed Alex's presence and smiled at him, "Do you want to see something cool?" She asked, and Alex gave her a nod as he sat down on the seat opposite her.
"Buddy, seat!" She ordered, but instead of doing as she asked, Buddy let out a short bark.
"No! Not bark. I said, SEAT!" She ordered again, and Alex's lips twitched in amusement when he saw the flicker of disappointment on her face.