Page 212 of Strange Seduction
Carmen: Thank you.
Theo: I love you so much, Carmen.
Carmen: I love you, too.
Two days later.
Theo: Hey, just checking in on you. How are you?
Carmen: I’m fine. Today was my first day back to work, so I’ve been busy. You?
Theo: Same here. Up to my eyeballs in work.
Carmen: Sorry to hear that.
Theo: I’ll live,Amore mio. Maybe I could call you tonight?
Carmen: I don’t think so. Still working through some things.
Theo: Okay.
Carmen: I’m sorry.
Theo: Don’t be.
A week later.
Carmen: Hey…
Theo: Hey, Sweetness.
Carmen: I know this sounds pathetic, but. I can’t sleep…
Theo: It’s not pathetic. Do you wanna talk about it?
Carmen: Just feeling a little sad about my dad.
Theo: Right. Funeral’s tomorrow.
Carmen: Yeah.
Theo: Do you want me to come?
Carmen: No, no. It’s okay, Teddy. It’s too last-minute. Besides, Alyssa told me you started building that project you were working on, so I know you’re busy. It’s gonna be a small service anyway.
Theo: I’m not too busy for you, Carmen. But if you say it’s fine, I won’t overstep.
Carmen: Thank you.
Theo: I’ll call you in a minute.
The next day.
Carmen: Theodore, you didn’t have to pay for the service. I could’ve handled it.
Theo: I wanted to. He was a good man, and I wished I could’ve met him in person. It was something I wanted to do to honor him. And you.
Carmen: …
