Page 15 of (Un)Planned

Trying to erase that thought from my head, I knocked on his door, clearing my throat to break him from his stare down with his cell phone. Was Natalie blowing up that phone as well? I shook my head.It’s none of your business, Calla. Professional. Be professional.

Theo’s lips curved into a half smile as I stepped closer, but as soon as I passed him the stack of messages, it fell. His jaw clenched tighter as he read each one. When he reached the end of the pile, he tossed them all on the coffee table. “This is fucking ridiculous.”

I chewed on my lower lip, trapped between comforting him and backing quickly out of the office. I settled on the former. “Is everything okay? I know she’s usually…persistent, but this seems excessive, even for her.”

Theo sat up in his armchair, resting his elbows on his knees. For a moment, I thought he wasn’t going to answer me or would toss me out of his office for prying into his private life. Instead, he exhaled slowly. “I have no idea. She’s probably got it in her head that I’m not paying her enough alimony. Last time we spoke, she threatened to take me to court.”

“Can she do that?”

“Probably not,” Theo answered. “But she’ll make my life hell until she gets her way. It’s easier just to ignore her until she calms down.”

I nodded, unsure what to say. “If you ever need a lawyer, my sister’s a pretty fantastic one. She doesn’tusually do divorce cases, but I’m sure she’d be able to help you out.”

“Thanks, Calla.” Leaning back in his seat, he ran his hand over his face. “This is why marriage is bullshit. Remind me never to do it again.”

I smiled at him, but for some reason, his words stirred something in my stomach. I hated that Theo had given up on love after one bad experience. There were times I was tempted as well, especially after watching my mother’s marriage ruin everything it touched, but I refused to let their toxicity ruin my view of love. Maybe I hadn’t found the kind that existed in my books, but I refused to be cynical.

As I went back to my desk, I started thinking about my social life since I moved to the city. I’d only been out a couple of times with my sister, and both times had been cut short by a work call. I’d been too busy trying to figure out how to make money to even consider dating. But now that things felt more stable, maybe I should put myself out there.

I glanced down at my phone, wondering if it was time to reinstall my dating apps. While they worked, I hated swiping through photos to try and find my soulmate. Call me old-fashioned, but I wanted that movie moment, the one where the couple looks across the room, meeting each other’s eyes, and they justknow.

I pulled out my phone, creating a new group chat.

CALLA

Which do you think sounds worse: speed dating, or one of those single-and-mingle events?

ALEX

This feels like the start of a cry for help

DEVYN

I’d rather get a root canal than go to either of those

CALLA

Who said I was inviting you?

DEVYN

Please. I can feel the puppy dog eyes from here.

ALEX

You really shouldn’t go to stuff like that alone

CALLA

…Fine

Any better ideas?

ALEX

For fuck’s sake, go to a bar

DEVYN

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