Page 21 of Stuck With the Billionaire Grump

“I thought what you said about mindsets was really interesting and I wholeheartedly agree with it. Having a positive outlook can change everything.”

There’s a quiet scoff on the other side of the circle. Beside me, Trina groans quietly.

And thenhespeaks up.

Theo Danvers. My nemesis.

It doesn’t matter that he’s super hot. He’s alsosuperannoying. And, for whatever reason, he really doesn’t like me. The only time he ever speaks up in these group sessions is to disagree with me.

“Having a positive outlook doesn’t change anything,” he inserts, without even bothering to raise his hand. Hello,rude. “In fact, too much positivity in a difficult situation can become toxic.”

“Toxic?” I snap back, sitting upright in my chair. “Seriously? How can looking on the bright side ever be considered poisonous?”

I feel Abby’s hand on my arm, a silent reminder that I decided arguing with Theo Danvers in group therapy isn’t worth it. It’s impossible not to rise to the bait, though.

He’s just so… ugh.

“It can be harmful to force positivity in a situation where being pragmatic is more helpful,” Theo replies, refusing to back down. “Like, if we were in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, it wouldn’t help anyone to be like, ‘Hey! At least the sun is shining!’”

Beside him, his friend Brandon stifles a laugh.

“Well, we’re talking aboutdivorce,” I snarl back at him. “Not zombie apocalypses.”

“It was an example.”

“A bad one.”

“I think everyone else got my point.”

“Oh? Should we ask them? Trina, do you think what Theo said made literally any sense at all?”

Trina gapes at me for a moment, wanting to side with me, but too shy to know what to say. I flinch, hoping she can see the apology in my eyes.

Dr. Sans comes to her rescue quickly.

“Alright, alright,” he croons, waving his hands as if he’s clearing the air of smoke. “Let’s make room for these turbulent emotions and handle them with openness. And remember, it’s okay to disagree with your friends.”

I snort humorlessly. Theo isnotmy friend.

We glare at each other across the lopsided circle of chairs. For a long moment, everyone else remains quiet, waiting to see which one of us is going to start hissing first. Even Dr. Sans shifts nervously in his seat.

Abby clears her throat quietly. “Um, I think Lucy makes a good point…”

At that, Theo rolls his eyes. He doesn’t even look like he’s listening to what Abby actually has to say. He’s just annoyed that she agrees with me.

Typical. Really, he is justsoannoying.

Chapter Eight: Theo

Another day, another charming small-town wedding festivity.

“Bride or groom?” asks an older woman with a warm smile as I awkwardly position myself near a cooler of drinks. I regret my choice almost instantly, of course. Nothing draws people over to you faster than standing next to a tub of ice on a hot, sunny day.

“Oh, um…” is my idiotic answer.

The woman chuckles. “It’s an impossible question, isn’t it? Most of the wedding guests are here for both of them. Such a beautiful couple, don’t you think?”

“Yes,” I answer truthfully. “Very beautiful.”

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