“She didn’t want to quit,” Theo adds. “But I convinced her it was the best option.”
No one says anything at first, and now my own stomach twists into a nervous knot. These decisions didn’t come lightly. Theo and I talked out each detail to the smallest what-if. While I’m not by any means financially secure, Theo strong-armed me and paid off my debts so I could start new.
We both have new paths, and while we don’t know where they’ll take us, we have each other, and that’s all that matters.
“I’m really happy for you two.” Brandy breaks the silence.
Her expression is genuine, soft and gleaming. I can catch Brandy in a lie from a mile away. So when her lips tilt into a grin, I nearly sigh in relief.
“I was happy first.” Mia cuts in.
“It’s not a competition.” Brandy sighs while massaging her temples.
“So, when’s the wedding?”
I almost choke on my water in response.
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Theo chuckles, squeezing my knee. “Wren wants to finish school first.”
Yes, thank you.
“But I have my own plan brewing.”
“What?” It comes out in a higher pitch than I intended. “You said nothing?—”
“Ms. Wren?” a familiar voice calls, and when I glance over Mia’s shoulder, I grin widely.
“Robbie?”
“I swear he has a tracking device on me,” Theo murmurs, but I can hear his amusement.
“There’s my two favorite people.” Robbie scoops me in his arms, wrapping me in a firm embrace.
“Okay.” I pat his back. “Kinda tight.”
“Please don’t suffocate my girlfriend,” Theo groans.
“Aw, is someone jealous?”
He drops me back onto my chair before aiming his sights on Theo. “Don’t.” He raises his finger using a stern voice. “How did you know we were here?”
“Mia invited me,” Robbie responds nonchalantly.
“You two met?” My brows arch.
“Oh, yeah. I ran into him the last time we hung out. He was going on and on about you two, and I couldn’t help myself.”
“Plus, he has nice arms.” Brandy speaks up.
“What is happening?” I try my best to hold back my laugh, but it doesn’t work too well.
“Anyway—” Robbie positions a chair at the head of the table and sits back.
“You’re going to drain my wallet, aren’t you?” Theo asks.
“Me?” Robbie points at himself in feigned insult. “Never.”
Theo’s arm brushes against mine as he leans in to whisper in my ear, “We might need to record another video to cover his cost.”