Page 50 of Perfect Matcha
Camdensawhim. How many times had Theo noted that in the last week?
Camden understood him. He cherished him. He welcomed Theo’s quirks and eccentricities. He was kind about Theo’s insecurities. Camden showed Theo care and love in a million tiny actions.
Camden saw him.
And Theo wanted to see Camden in return.
Thatwas what Theo had been hiding from.
He’d felt like shit after their conversation on Tuesday, had felt rejected and, honestly, a little heartbroken, even if he hadn’t been able to admit it at the time. He understood that Camden was scared of losing Theo’s friendship, but Theo had also never articulated, to himself or to Camden, that they could be friends and love each other. The two concepts weren’t separate when it came to him and Camden.
“Camden asked me to be his date for the wedding, but I suggested the matchmaking instead.” Theo covered his mouth with his hands. “Oh my God. I thought it was a pity suggestion.”
“You are many things, Theodore Punch. Pitiable isn’t one of them.”
“I think—” He glanced around the restaurant. It was intimate and quiet. He enjoyed this place, but it had nothing on eating enchiladas on his couch next to Camden. “I think I’ve been the worst date tonight, haven’t I?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Watching your realizations has been pretty fun.”
Theo smiled. “I hope we can be friends.”
“Me too. Now, as your friend, let’s gossip. What are you going to do about Camden?”
Theo took a deep breath, some of the turmoil settling in his chest. Since they’d embarked on this matchmaking scheme, he’d been relying on Camden to step up. On Camden to be in control.
Theo pulled out his phone. It was his turn to take charge. “I’ve got a plan.”
“Good. He deserves to know what’s put that hope in your eyes.”
* * *
Theo wasable to snag his usual table at Bold Brew after buying himself a tea and Camden a coffee.
He had no idea if Camden would show. He hadn’t answered Theo’s call, and the text message asking Camden to meet him here had gone unanswered. Theo knew that Camden had gone to a tux-fitting with Freddie and the other groomsmen, so he was probably occupied.
That was okay. If Camden didn’t show up today, Theo would try again tomorrow. Or the next day.
The bustle of Bold Brew flowed around him, and he closed his eyes, trying to enjoy it. He liked Bold Brew this late in the evenings. It was full of students studying and hives of social activity. There was a guy with a beard and long hair playing acoustic guitar and collecting tips in the corner of the room. The fireplace made the coffee shop cozy.
If this didn’t work, Bold Brew might be ruined for Theo forever.
A few minutes later, a ruffle of fingers in his hair almost startled him but didn’t. He knew those fingers. Loved them. Didn’t even need to open his eyes to see who they belonged to.
Camden sat down opposite him. “How was your date tonight?”
“Horrible. And wonderful. I got you coffee. Decaf since it’s late. I know you like coffee the most, but I buy you oddball things so I can, uh, liberate them from you. I’m sorry about that.”
“Don’t apologize. I love sharing with you. What’s wrong? What was horrible about your date?”
“Hawke’s not the guy for me. That was made abundantly clear.”
“What did he say to you?” Camden asked through clenched teeth. “Was he rude?”
The reaction surprised and delighted Theo. “He wasn’t rude. He asked me if I had feelings for you … And I do, so that made it awkward.” The words were out there now, said in an uncomfortable rush. Theo couldn’t pull them back in. There was nothing to do but soldier on. “I do have feelings for you. A lot of them. And they’re big and scary and important. I should have recognized what those feelings were before, but I didn’t, and I’m sorry. I want to tell you now, though. I love you.”
Camden stared, unblinking.
After ages of silence, Theo laughed a little. “Please say something.”
