Page 74 of Claimed By my Frenemy

Madison bounces on the balls of her feet. “You got this, Mia. Just be honest with him, and I’m sure he’ll do the same.”

I nod, feeling a sense of resolve settle over me. “You’re right. I need to reach out to him and talk things through.”

“You’ll tell us when you do, right?” Madison asks. “You won’t leave us hanging?”

But I don’t have to answer. The waitress saves me by coming over to check if we need more drinks. The conversation changes to some drama at Aurora’s job, and we listen in rapt attention asshe describes her crazy co-worker. It’s a good distraction from the fact that I’ve been avoiding Theo for so long.

I walk back to my house, thinking through everything they said. If they’re right, then Theo has been doing everything in his power to save my property and my relationship with him. But if he’s really been doing it for me, then why hasn’t he reached out?

I pick up my phone, staring at Theo’s contact information. My thumb hovers over the call button, but I hesitate. I want to reach out, to tell him I understand now, but I’m not ready yet. I need to process my own feelings first, to sort through what I’m feeling.

The next day, I spend some time working on the bed and breakfast. It’s almost finished, and the truth is I don’t know if I’m ready for that. Hosting guests will be a different experience, but a tiny part of me is scared that no one will come. I’ll have made this big fuss over keeping the property for nothing.

I’m distracted from my heavy thoughts when Madison drops by. She has a batch of homemade cookies, and I couldn’t imagine anything better at the moment. “Thought you might need a pick-me-up,” she says with a smile.

I laugh, grateful for her thoughtfulness. “Thanks, Madison. I could use one.”

We sit on the porch, enjoying the cookies and the warm sunshine. “Have you thought about what you’re going to say to Theo?” Madison asks.

“I’ve been thinking about it a lot. I want to apologize for my reaction and tell him I understand why he did what he did. I want to hear his side of the story. I mean, it’s good to hear it from Aurora, but I want to know from him what he did and why. But I haven’t gotten up the nerve to talk to him yet.”

Madison nods. “Just be honest with him, Mia. He’ll appreciate that.”

“I hope so. I don’t want to lose him, but I feel like I already have.”

She reaches out and squeezes my hand. “You won’t. Theo cares about you. He’s shown that in more ways than one. Just give him a chance to explain.”

I take another cookie and think about what Madison said. I do tend to get heated and not listen when I’m upset. I have to let go of that and be a mature woman who can listen to explanations.

That night, I sit by the window of my bedroom, looking out at the stars. I think about the future, about the bed and breakfast, and about Theo. I want to build a life here, surrounded by the people I love. And I want Theo to be a part of that life.

I pick up my phone and draft a message to Theo. I keep it simple, just asking if we can talk. I don’t send it yet, but it feels good to have the words written out, ready for when I’m ready.

Maybe I’ll send them tomorrow.

36

THEO

I lookat the document my financial advisor printed out for me. I’ll have to sell two of my houses on Oak Island. One of them is the first house Mia and I walked through. I told my financial advisor I would sell all my properties, if necessary, but I wasn’t willing to give up the “cabin” property Mia had liked so much. She had mentioned wanting to spend a night with me there at some point, and that’s not going to happen if it’s in Steve’s hands.

The important thing is the buyout is complete. Steve has signed everything. It’s officially my resort. Sink or swim, it’s up to me now.

It feels like I’ve been running for miles and miles. A sheen of sweat has broken out across my forehead, and my muscles feel just as tired as though I’ve been continuously exercising.

I lean back in my chair, staring at the ceiling. The resort is eerily quiet, the only sound being the faint hum of the air conditioner. My thoughts drift to Mia. The last time we spoke, she was furious, her eyes blazing with betrayal. I can’t blame her. I kept too many secrets, thinking I was protecting her when, in reality, I was pushing her away.

I’ve done everything for her, but I’m putting off talking with her. And I realize, as I continue to sit there, that even if she doesn’t take me back, it will have been worth it. Steve was a stressor I didn’t need in my life. I’ll do better running this resort on my own without his constant criticism.

I have no idea if Mia will ever forgive me. I can only hope that when she learns what I have done, she might understand why I made those choices. It’s a gamble, but one I have to take.

As I begin to pack up my things to head home, placing files and personal items into boxes, my phone buzzes on the desk. I pick it up.

When I see Mia’s name on the screen, a jolt runs through me. She’s calling after a week of no communication. What can she want?

My phone continues to buzz, and I almost drop it. I suddenly remember that if I want to actually talk to her, I have to press the green “answer” button.

"Theo? It's Mia."

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