Page 32 of Where We Call Home

Even the sound of the door opening wasn’t enough to pull my attention from Theo—until her smile faltered, replaced by an expression of pain. My focus snapped to the entrance, desperate to identify the source.

Paint me as fucking shocked when I saw Aspen and Penny come through the door. Were her two best friends really the reason for her change in mood?

My gaze returned to Theo. She pretended not to notice them, redirecting her focus to the guys she was photographing, moving them into different poses. I’d thought she’d be happy to see Aspen and Penny. After all, I’d asked them to come to the bar to support her. Clearly, that had been a mistake.

Taking a swig of my drink, I tried to swallow the lump forming in my throat.

“Hey, Rhodes!” Aspen called, sliding onto the barstool to my left. On my right, Penny mirrored her.

“What’s up, ladies?” I smiled, nodding and tipping my hat in acknowledgment.

“We decided to take you up on your offer,” Aspen said. “I wanted to see Theo in action.”

“I’ve never watched her work before,” Penny added.

I glanced at Theo, still engrossed in her task. She seemed determined to keep herself busy, her body language screamed avoidance. Mac and Dudley wandered back to the bar, leaving Theo alone with her thoughts.

The room closed in on me. The voices around me dulled, and my attention narrowed on Theo. Her face looked like she was about to cry.

“Excuse me,” I muttered, sliding off the barstool.

With one foot in front of the other, I approached Theo cautiously, just like I had that night a few months ago. This time, she sensed me. She sniffled but didn’t turn around. A soft sob escaped her lips as she tried to regain control.

Her features struck me: the tip of her nose red, her hazel eyes glassy, her pouty lips pressed into a tight line.

“There’s no way the wall is that interesting,” I teased, nodding toward the wooden paneling she was pretending to photograph. It held a few faded photos of patrons and old metal signs.

Theo scoffed, wiping her nose with the back of her hand. She looked up at the ceiling, drawing a deep breath.

I placed a gentle hand on her arm and guided her to a bench near the bathrooms. I didn’t say a word, waiting for her to speak first.

“It’s the hormones,” she mumbled, still refusing to meet my gaze.

“Okay. What are the‘hormones’saying?” I asked, adding air quotes for emphasis.

Her head snapped toward me. “It’s a pathetic story. It’s hard to explain.” Tears spilled down her cheeks, and her bottom lip quivered.

“Try me,” I said softly, bumping her shoulder with mine.

She exhaled, her words shaky. “I’ve been feeling lonely. When I told people I was pregnant, I thought I’d be fine on my own. But everyone got so excited, and I started to believe it too. I painted these pictures in my head, got my hopes up... instead, I feel like a burden. People don’t want me around because I can’t do the things they want to do.”

“By people, you mean…” I nodded toward Aspen and Penny, who were deep in conversation with Mac and Dudley.

Theo hummed in agreement. “I feel stupid even saying it, but… I can’t go out dancing or drinking. I can’t hike or stay up late. My body just can’t handle it. I feel like they don’t get that. I don’t want to hold them back.”

She’d been withdrawing, isolating herself because she felt misunderstood. Welcome to the club.

“Have you talked to them about it?” I asked, unsure if I should reach out to comfort her or keep my distance.

Theo let out a dry laugh. “No way. I’d sound crazy.”

“No, you wouldn’t. They love you. The people who care about you will never see you as a burden. They’ll help you through your lows—you just have to let them.” I didn’t know if I was overstepping but, it had to be said.

She didn’t respond, sitting in contemplative silence. I leaned back against the wall, mirroring her posture.

I knew the feeling all too well. When you go through something no one in your circle understands, it’s isolating. I’d been there. Trying to explain heartbreak to people who’d never experienced it felt impossible.

“I get it,” I said finally, breaking the silence. “I’ll spare you the details, but if you ever need to talk, I’m here.”

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