Page 41 of Thanks for the Love
“Gabby, I’ve been thinking—”
I hold up my hand to stop him. “Me too, but I’d really love to get out of these wet clothes.”
He nods. “Will you come over after you’re done—just to talk?”
Yes! Yes! Yes!
“I’d like that.”
I watch as he saunters back to his house, and I rush inside to dry off and get changed. I’m a ball of nerves as I think about the conversation we’re about to have. My main focus has to be my career but staying away from Theo doesn’t seem to be working out for me.
* * *
My mind is racing as I blow-drymy hair. Theo is back, and for some reason the universe has thrust us back together once again—maybe this is another sign telling me not to fight the inevitable. I try to relax before I put my makeup on. A shaky hand isn’t good when mascara is involved. I change into a pair of jeans and a V-neck pink shirt. It’s time for Theo to see me dressed like a functioning human being. And yes, I may be overdoing it, but I don’t care. It feels like I’m doing everything backwards when it comes to Theo. Shockingly, he hasn’t run away yet. And that might be the answer I’m looking for.
After one more look in the mirror, I take a deep breath and head next door. Even though I’ve always cut through the backyards, I decide to go to his front door and ring the bell.
When he answers the door, he looks me up and down. “Wow.”
I hold my arms up. “This is how I look when I’m not in my pajamas, or dripping wet, or crying my eyes out.”
He presses his lips together. “Hmm … I do like the cute PJs and the bedhead. But I’m not complaining.”
He holds the door open wider, and I step inside. “I expected you to come to the back door.”
I laugh. “Yeah, I figured I’d try to be as normal as possible tonight.”
“Normal is overrated.”
“That’s a good thing,” I say.
I follow Theo to his kitchen, where I’m met with a savory aroma.
“Would you like some grilled chicken?” he asks. “I should warn you, it’s not as good as my omelets.”
I shake my head. “I already ate, but I’d love a glass of wine.”
I’ll take all the liquid courage I can get right now.
After pouring me a glass, we talk about his trip while he eats, and then I tell him about selling Danielle and Kevin’s condo.
“Congratulations.” He holds up his wine glass, and I touch mine to it.
“I never would’ve had the opportunity if it weren’t for you.”
He shakes his head. “I only gave a recommendation. You made the sale.”
“Your recommendation was huge for me. I was pretty close to going broke and surviving on Lucky Charms alone.”
He laughs. “There are worse things.”
We both get quiet as we sip our wine.
“So, how is it living with my good friend Lila?”
I giggle. “Believe it or not—it’s great. In fact, I think I have her closer to considering a truce with you.”
He throws his head back. “Now that’s funny.”
