Page 58 of Reckless
Stupid questions get stupid answers.
“Winter, hold up!” Theo calls, coming down the sidewalk from the same direction I just did. When he clears the hedge that was hiding him from the hot girl on his front step, she brightens.
“Theo! Hi!” She rushes down the front steps and toward the front street.
Theo pulls up, blinking. “Cindy. Hey.”
She flushes and smiles at him, sparing me a quick glance before going straight to him and wrapping him in a hug.
A very comfortable hug.
Her hand rests on his cheek when she pulls away. “How are you feeling? Sorry I didn’t make it to the hospital again for a visit. Got tied up with work in the city.”
He steps out of her reach, and her hand falls between them. “Feeling pretty good. And no problem. It was nice to catch up with an old friend.”
She visibly winces, and okay, now I feel bad for her. It doesn’t seem likeold friendis what she was going for.
“Well...” She straightens, brightening her tone even further. “I couldn’t get a hold of you at the number I have for you. But Rhett told me you were staying here for a while, so I figured...” She shrugs, lips forming a small curve, making the apples of her cheeks fill. “We could catch up?” She holds the bag up. “I brought you a housewarming present!”
From the bag, she pulls out an expensive-looking bottle of tequila and a set of ornate shot glasses. “We could party like we used to.”
Theo laughs politely, taking in the gift and the woman before him.
And once again, I’m gawking at Theo.
Except, this time, I’m not embarrassed. I feel like I want to break something.
Preferably those shot glasses. Because tequila isourthing.
I turn away, letting the gate close with a loud, petulant crash as I head up to my front door.
Vivi is asleep, which means I’d be an idiot to move her. Usually I’d get a book, sit in a sunbeam on the porch, and soak up the peace and quiet. But hot Theo is here with his hot fuck buddy and I would rather drink a glass of thumb tacks than watch them interact.
I’m about to reach in and take my chances with moving Vivi when I hear the rumble of Theo’s voice. “This is really kind of you, Cindy. Thank you. But I’m in a new place now. Partying like I used to isn’t in the cards.”
He’s kind, but direct.
Bent behind the shade of the stroller, I pause and eavesdrop.
She laughs, but I know that laugh. I use it to cover being disappointed. “Fair enough. It has been a couple of years since I left the circuit. Dinner sometime instead?”
I clench my molars, prepared for him to say yes. Why wouldn’t he say yes?
His hand swipes through his hair and he steps away. “Ya know, I’m in the middle of something. Something I have a good feeling about. So it’s a no.”
My stomach goes hot, like it’s melting in on itself.
Her responding laugh is shriller this time, her tone not as sweet. “Oh, my bad. I didn’t realize you were with someone.”
His eyes slice over to mine, busting me.Again.“I’m not. Yet.”
16
Theo
Theo:Pick you up at 4.
Winter:For what?
