Page 40 of Thanks for the Love
“Thank goodness,” she teases. “Okay, I’m off to my hair appointment. I’ll see you later tonight.”
After she leaves, I continue looking over the final contracts for the sale. It’s been a while since I earned a commission like this one, and I’m thrilled. Between my move and months of emotional trauma, I burned through almost everything I had saved. I was one phone call away from asking my parents for money, which I haven’t done in years.
Selling the Sims condo is helping me rebuild both my savings and my confidence.
I send Danielle a text before I leave the office.
Everything looks great. Thank you for giving me a chance to work with you.
I really like Danielle. You never know what you’re going to get when you take on a new client. She’s also given me two new leads, including Kevin’s co-worker, so with those combined with the contacts Elizabeth shared with me, I’m feeling hopeful.
Moving to Miami has restored my faith in people. I left behind several strained relationships in Orlando, so these new friendships I’m forming have been such a blessing, and this includes Theo. Other than the unforgettable kisses we shared, it’s safe to say that Theo and I are only friends. The issue is—as more time goes on, I realize I want to be more than that. I feel like I’m in a battle between what I think is good for me and what I really want.
* * *
After scarfing the salad and soup I ordered for dinner, I venture out onto the patio. I love this time of year in Florida. Although we don’t get the traditional change of seasons, you can feel a difference when the weather changes, especially in the evenings. I still haven’t gone near the hammocks, even though my sprained wrist is basically healed. I think someone should be with me before I attempt them again.
The sun hasn’t set yet, but it’s starting to cool off from the heat of the day. I kick off my flip-flops, sit on the edge of the pool, and dip my feet in. When I glance over at Theo’s house, I can’t help but wonder if he’s home from his trip yet.
All of a sudden, a wasp starts buzzing around, landing on top of the water near my feet. The only thing I’m more scared of than parallel parking is wasps. I quickly hop out of the pool just in case I need to make a quick getaway. Thankfully, the hideous insect lurks around for a few seconds and then flies away.
I breathe a sigh of relief as I go to sit down again, when the evil creature returns, heading straight toward me. I’m in such a panic that I step to the side and lose my balance, screaming as I fall into the pool.
The warm water engulfs me, and when I lift my head out of the water, I see Theo dropping to his knees next to the pool. He reaches his hand out and helps me out of the water. As soon as I’m out, he looks down at my clothes and gives me a confused look.
Ugh. It’s just another typical day in my life and another moment of pure humiliation in front of Theo.
“I fell into the pool.”
The corners of his mouth curl up, and he bursts out laughing.
I try to act like I’m annoyed, but his laughter is contagious.
After he runs inside my house to get me a towel, he asks me what happened. I tell him about the wasp and losing my balance.
“So, you were running from a wasp?”
“Yep.”
He shakes his head as he continues to laugh.
“What are you doing here?” I ask.
I’m not surprised Theo showed up, but I’m so happy he did.
“I was outside heating up the grill to make some chicken when I heard you scream.”
Of course he did.
“And you came to my rescue—again.”
He shrugs nonchalantly. “You weren’t drowning.”
“No, but you were here when I needed you.” I pull the towel tightly around me.
He rubs his forehead. “For some reason I have a hard time staying away.”
There’s a familiar flutter in my chest. Why am I fighting this? There are obvious forces at work that continue to put us in each other’s paths.
