Page 15 of Thanks for the Love
“How long was it going on?”
“Over a year,” I say. “I’m still not sure how I was so oblivious, but they went out of their way to cover their tracks. Those two could cover up a murder, and no one would have a clue.”
He shakes his head. “I don’t know what to say. That’s awful.”
“Anyway, now you can see why my life was literally crumbling around me,” I tell him. “My whole world was intertwined with Dustin and Amber. We had the same social circle, went to the same places, and to complicate things more, our families are really tight. I couldn’t go anywhere without the constant reminder of how they broke my heart.”
He shakes his head. “I don’t understand how they could do that to you—and continue on like everything was normal.”
I shrug.
Theo places a perfect omelet in front of me, complete with a side of fresh berries.
“Here you go. This is your official ‘Welcome to Miami’ breakfast.”
I smile. “Wow. This looks delicious. Is there anything you can’t do?”
“Hmm … I’ll get back to you on that,” he says playfully.
I don’t waste any time taking a bite. As soon as the eggs hit my tongue, an explosion of flavors fills my mouth, and I close my eyes to savor it.
When I open my eyes, Theo is looking at me. “How is it?”
“Heavenly.”
While we eat, he continues to ask me questions about Dustin and Amber. It’s becoming easier to talk about it with him. For a long time, I kept it to myself because I didn’t want to face the embarrassment or make anyone choose sides.
“Amber and I have been friends since middle school. We’d been through so much together, I honestly never suspected she would do something so terrible to me,” I say in between bites.
“Are they still together?”
I nod. “Yes. As far as I know. Although I wonder how long it will take them to drive each other crazy. They’re actually a lot alike, both high energy and intense. I’m more easygoing—or at least I used to be. Unfortunately, this situation has made me more uptight.” I pause as I collect my thoughts. “It’s also been hard on my parents. Obviously, this caused a rift between them and Amber’s parents. Naturally, they sided with her, and my parents backed me. Dustin and Amber’s actions have had lasting effects on so many people, but I guess that didn’t matter to them.”
The worst part for me was having to walk away from everything. Yes, I could’ve stayed and picked up the pieces of my shattered heart, but everywhere I turned was a reminder of their lies.
“So, that brings me to now,” I continue. “My sister-in-law’s sister owns a real estate company down here. Not only was it a great opportunity, but living in Miami made it an even sweeter deal, and it was too good to pass up.”
He points his fork at me. “Well, if it’s any consolation, I’m glad you’re here.”
I feel a jolt shoot through my body. I can’t deny there’s some attraction between Theo and me. At the same time, allowing myself to get involved with anyone right now is not a good idea. My focus should be on work, not to mention I’m still healing from my broken heart.
“I appreciate that,” I say softly. “I didn’t have much support when I made this decision. I know a lot of people think I’m foolish for walking away from my job, and my mother thinks Miami is the most dangerous place in the world. I can’t tell you how many times she’s expressed her concern for my safety. She even bought me a Taser and a box of pepper spray.”
He cringes. “Damn. I’m glad you didn’t have them with you yesterday.”
I laugh. “Oh, my mother would’ve lost her mind if she knew there was a strange man lurking around my backyard.”
He folds his arms and rests them on the counter. “So, what would she think about you being here this morning?”
Something stirs inside me.
“She’d be furious. It was bad enough I go into a car with you. Now I’m in your house without my phone, and no one knows where I am.”
He raises his eyebrows. “Are you nervous?”
I shake my head and clasp my hands together. “Not at all. I feel very comfortable with you.”
He moves closer to me, his grey eyes staring into mine. “Good.”
