Page 29 of Thanks for the Love
He tells me about traveling with his job in sports marketing and living in different cities. His mother passed almost two years ago, and his father recently got remarried to the nicest woman he’s ever met.
“When my father married Maggie, he moved into her house,” he tells me. “That’s why I’m here now. After I came back from Dallas, I figured I’d live here until I decide what’s next for me.”
I nod. “I’m sorry about your mom.”
“Yes, it was difficult, even though we weren’t very close. Don’t get me wrong—she was a good mother, just not very warm or nurturing.” He stops and stares off into space for a moment. I’d love to learn more about Theo, but I don’t want to force him to talk about a difficult subject. Just like he didn’t force me to talk about Dustin and Amber.
“Anyway, I’m relieved my dad has someone now,” he continues. “He told me I could stay here as long as I need to, and then we’ll put it on the market.”
I look around. “It’s a great house. You’ll have no problem selling.”
He smiles. “About that, do you think you could recommend a good realtor?”
I give a thoughtful look. “I’m sure I could.”
Theo yawns widely.
“Okay, it’s time for me to go. You’ve been up since five.”
He shakes his head. “I’m fine.”
I stand up and begin to fold the blanket. “You’ve been so great. Thanks for … everything.”
We both lean down to pick up the popcorn bowl, and as we rise up our faces are a few inches apart.
I’m reminded of the perfect kiss we shared in his kitchen earlier this morning, and while I’d love more than anything to repeat those few moments, it’s not the right time.
“I’ll walk you out,” Theo says softly.
I’m not sure how he knows what I’m thinking, but once again he surprises me. He could’ve totally taken advantage of my state of mind, and I wouldn’t have resisted. This makes me like him even more than I already do.
Chapter Eight
When I open my eyes, the sun is pouring into my room. It’s seven o’clock, and I can’t remember the last time I slept in this late.
Clearly the insomnia had finally caught up to me because as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out. I exhale loudly as roll over and pull the comforter up to my chin. All the memories from last night come rushing back to me, starting with the news of Dustin and Amber’s engagement and then hanging out with Theo.
Ahh … Theo.
Even though we just met, there’s a part of me that feels like I’ve known him for longer. He’s so easy to talk to and so funny. And he was so attentive last night—the way he brought me food and gave me a blanket. I can’t remember the last time anyone fussed over me like that. Dustin and I had been together for so long, everything became so routine with us. Of course, now I know where his attention was.
And I know Theo was exhausted, but he still forced himself to stay awake to be there for me. He could have politely asked me to leave, but he didn’t. He’s a keeper for sure, and I have no doubt he’ll make some woman very happy one day.
I give myself a few more minutes before I throw the comforter off me and sit on the side of the bed. I can’t change what’s happened in the past, but I can make the best of what’s to come. It’s another new day, and I’m ready for it. Tomorrow I have my meeting with Danielle Sims, and fingers crossed—we get her condo up on the market.
When I go into the kitchen, Lila is drinking a smoothie. She’s wearing a matching sports bra and yoga pants.
“Good morning,” she says. “I’m a terrible roommate.”
I snort. “Are you kidding? Why would you say that?”
“I totally forgot to invite you to join Reagan and me at Pilates,” she says. “I was in the middle of a side plank when it hit me.”
As soon as she says the words "side" and "plank" together, it's enough to make me cringe. That’s a big fat no for me. Give me a treadmill or a stationary bike any day, but twisting my body into intricate positions isn’t for me.
“Hmm … I appreciate you thinking of me, but Pilates isn’t my thing.”
Lila shakes her head. “It’s easier than you think.”
