Page 36 of Thanks for the Love
She looks back and forth between Theo and me.
“Thanks for checking,” she says, setting her bag on the counter.
“No worries,” Theo replies.
Lila starts digging under the sink for air deodorizer spray. “Where’s Reagan?”
I tell her about meeting Kennedy and the argument over Reagan’s shirt.
“She’s got it bad for Chef Dante,” Lila says.
I shake my head. “You’re not kidding. She definitely wanted him to notice her tonight.”
Theo listens as Lila and I discuss Reagan and her crush. I should probably get him out before he overstays his welcome.
“I’ll walk you out,” I tell Theo.
“Sounds good. See ya, Lila.”
“Bye, Theo.”
As soon as we’re outside, Theo lets out a sigh. “Brr … it was chilly in there.”
I giggle. “I haven’t had a chance to talk to her about the truce.”
“Hmm … that might be a long shot,” he says. “Anyway, how about dinner? Are you in?”
I hesitate before finally saying no. “I really want to, but I have so much to get done around here.”
He nods. “I understand. Rain check?”
There are so many thoughts swirling through my head that it’s almost overwhelming.
“Yeah,” I say unconvincingly.
Theo looks as confused as I feel.
I can’t believe I already let myself get to this point.
“I’m sorry, Theo,” I say sadly. “Believe me, I’d love nothing more than to have dinner with you. I really have to get my life in order before anything …" I trail off and rub my forehead. “I just got here and …” I continue to fumble over my words as I struggle to put the brakes on whatever has been happening between us.
Theo holds up his hands to stop me. “Gabby, you don’t owe me an explanation. You’ve been through hell and back.”
Ugh. It’s no surprise that he’s being so understanding.
“Remember, I’m right next door if you need anything.”
He gives me one last wave before turning toward his house. It takes everything in me not to run and throw my arms around him, but I know this is the way it has to be for now. Sometimes temporary sacrifices lead to the best endings.
Chapter Ten
It’s so wild how life takes us down different paths. A year ago, I was happily planning my dream wedding, completely oblivious to the curve ball that was coming my way.
Today I have a job in a new city, and I’m waiting with the highest amount of anticipation for a phone call about an offer on Danielle Sims' condo. We’ve had two showings, and one couple fell in love the second they stepped out onto the balcony overlooking the Atlantic. They made an offer an hour after their tour, and the Sims countered it. Now we wait to hear if they will take it or if the condo is still on the market.
It’s been six days since I almost burned down Lila’s house, and I’ve forced myself to stay busy ever since. I finally got unpacked and organized, signed up for a salsa class with Lila and Javier, and even stayed late at Fun in the Sun one day. Basically, I’ve been doing anything and everything I can to keep my mind off of Theo. I haven’t seen him since I turned down his dinner invitation, and although it’s been difficult, I’m proud of myself for making the decision to slow down. Not that I haven’t been tempted to pop over to his house on a few occasions. When I received the potential offer for the Sims condo, Theo was the first person I wanted to call because it wouldn’t have happened without him. It took quite a bit of willpower to refrain from reaching out even just to thank him. Of course, it would’ve been a nice gesture, but I don’t trust myself around him.
The sound of my phone buzzing pulls me out of my thoughts. It’s a text from Danielle.
