Page 17 of Booked for the Holidays
“What else does she like to read?”
“Anything she can get her hands on. She’s fast, too, which isn’t great for my bank account.”
“How have I worked next to you for three years and never seen her?”
“I’m careful. You know how nosy the people in this town are. One strand of hair out of order and the gossip starts. The rumor mill runs wild. She’s akid, and that isn’t fair. She goes to school. She socializes, plays sports, and has tons of friends. I don’t flaunt her around because I’m disappointed orwantto keep her hidden. I just… Sometimes I think the less people she meets, the safer she’ll be. And all I care about is her safety.”
I nod, placated by his answer. “Okay. I understand.”
His smile–that big, emphatic smile–changes to a mirthful smirk. I make a mental note to mark today down in my calendar as The Day Theo Gardner Grinned. It’s a momentous occasion, one I doubt I’ll ever forget.
“So few words, Boylston?” he asks. “That’s unusual for you. If I had known this is how you’d react, I would have introduced you two years ago. It’s quite entertaining.”
I grab the rag draped over the dishwasher handle and swat him, nicking his arm above his elbow. He barks out a chuckle at the slap of terrycloth. I freeze, processing the noise.
It’s deep. Not quite a full and complete laugh, but close. Close enough. It matches the baritone of his voice, loaded and vivacious, ringing in my ears. That’s a sound I want to bottle up. To replay again and again. One I want to hold onto forever.
“You should do that more,” I whisper. His eyes, cautious and guarded, meet mine.
“Do what?”
“Be happy.”
“Not many people give me a reason to be happy.” A pause, then, “But I think you might. Maybe.”
It’s shy, soft. I don’t know if he meant to say it out loud, but it’s in the world now, and he’s not taking it back. So I tuck the confession away too, right next to his smile and laugh, a perfect trifecta, my heart quivering in the aftermath of discovery.
“Are you married?” I ask. A question I should have put forward earlier, before I got greedy. Before I wanted to take and take and take whatever Theo was willing to give me. My eyes dart to his hand, discovering his finger is void of any ring or symbolic piece of jewelry.
“No,” he answers. “Not married. Are you married?”
“No. Girlfriend?”
“Nope.”
“Boyfriend?”
“Also no.”
“Something complicated with her mom?”
His smirk drops, turning fraught and tight around the edges of his mouth. The previous displays of glee crash to the floor, and he steps back.
“No.” One word, so full of hurt, so full of pain. “She’s not…” He shakes his head. “It’s just me and Mac.”
I want to ask why. By choice? By accident? Has he had his heart broken, scuffed up, and bruised by a former love? Is she in the picture? Was sheeverin the picture? Has Theo gone through life so alone, he thinks no one could care about him?
As if on cue, Mac walks over, arms full with a half-dozen books. I can barely see the top of her head over the stack. “BB, I found so many books I want to read! You have a great selection. Can I get these, Dad? I know there’s a bunch, but I couldn’t pick just one. I promise I’ll read them all.”
Theo doesn’t hesitate. He doesn’t stop to think or argue. His wallet is out of his pocket before she can finish the question, credit card at the ready. “Of course you can, sweetheart.”Oh, hell, he calls her sweetheart. “What’s the damage, Boylston?”
My mouth works faster than my brain. “Nothing. It’s free. On the house,” falls out before I can think twice.
“What?” He shoves the card under my nose. “No. Don’t do that.”
“I’m not taking your money. I want her to have the books. Also”–I cut a large chunk of brownie and place it on a paper plate, handing it over to him–“this is for Mac. Not you, because otherwise I’d have to charge you for one too many scowls thrown my way. That’s what we call the jerk tax.”
Mac bursts out laughing. “Oh my god, Dad, I like her. No one’s ever said that to your face before, even if it’s deserved. I told you we needed to come here sooner. Thanks, Bridget!”
