I sigh, pressing a hand to my stomach as if I could physically silence it. “Apparently.”
He chuckles. “I was just about to make dinner. You’re welcome to join.”
It’s a nice offer. And after my conversation with Pee-Pee, I know there’s no actual reason to say no. Spending time with Theo isn’t dangerous, it isn’t breaking any rules. It’s just dinner.
But something in me hesitates.
Maybe it’s because I’ve spent all day talking about my feelings, and I need to just exist in my own space for a while. Or maybe I just want to sink into a hot bath and not think about anything for a bit.
I shake my head, offering him a small smile. “Tempting, but I think I need a long, scalding-hot bath to recover from yesterday’s yoga session.”
Theo’s frown makes him look concerned for a moment. “That bad?”
I groan dramatically. “My hamstrings are crying out for some relief.”
“Well, in that case, I won’t stand between you and your recovery.” He grabs a tea towel and tosses it over his shoulder. “But you’re still coming Monday, right?”
I hesitate, but only for a second this time.
“Yeah,” I say. “I’ll be there.”
Again, he doesn’t gloat, doesn’t push—just gives a small, satisfied nod. “Good.”
I shift on my feet. “Alright. I’ll let you get to your dinner before your child stages a real revolt.”
Theo chuckles. “Appreciate it. But take this.” He pushes the box he filled with cake earlier my way. “Dessert is on me,” he winks.Winking needs to be outlawed.
I am about to politely reject but I am supposed to do what Ireallywant, and I really want that cake.
“Thanks, Theo!” I turn toward the door, but just before stepping outside, I glance back over my shoulder. “Enjoy your evening.”
His gaze flicks up from the counter, his mouth twitching slightly. “You too.”
And then I’m stepping into the cool evening air, carefully balancing my precious cake.
Monday.
I’m going to yoga on Monday.
Not because I have to. Not because I’m worried about expectations. Not even because of Lucy.
Just because I want to.
10
The Frozen Hulk
Theo
By the time Iunlock my front door, I’m running on fumes.
Closing shifts at the café aren’t usually that bad, but tonight had been one of those long, slow slogs where I spent more time wiping down already clean surfaces than actually serving customers. And then there was Ivy, dropping by, keeping me on my toes with her usual sharp wit and warm smile. I’m not going to lie, it caught me off guard when she opened up. So far, she has kept details about her life to a minimum. But I like to get to know her… all of her, even her heartache. Even if I can’t fix it, as much as I would like to.
I shake my head as I step inside.She’s coming on Monday. That’s all that matters.
What I’m not prepared for, though, is the absolute carnage that awaits me.
It looks like a unicorn exploded in my living room.
