“I’ll say, Elise grumbles. “I’m never sharing anything personal with Oliver for the rest of our lives. Jesus Christ.”
I dramatically embrace Elise, taking both her hands in mine and pressing them to my chest. “Thank you, Elise. That means so much to me.”
And just like that, everything returns to normal.
At least for a little while.
Friday, October 3, 2025
Theo
hey, so I put your gray duffel bag in the car - was that your only bag for this weekend?
Oliver
yep, that’s all I need
I appreciate you waiting up for me man
my lab is at MLK, and I’ll be out at 2
Theo
no worries bro!
I’ll see you soon
Right on schedule, Theo pulls up to the curb in his bright red Honda hatchback and unlocks the door before I tug on the handle. I gently toss my backpack into the backseat, then climb into the passenger seat.
“Eileen, my love, we meet again,” I say as I buckle my seatbelt and adjust the seat back to accommodate my legs.
“She’s missed you, too,” Theo teases, cautiously merging back into traffic. “How was your bio lab?”
“Ugh, so boring,” I whine. “We didn’t even do anything today. It was basically another lecture.”
“That sucks,” Theo says, carefully checking his blind spot before changing lanes. I’ve always considered Theo the safest driver I know. Now, he and Jude share that distinction.
“I’m glad the week is finally over,” I say with a relieved sigh. “Now it’s time to party with a bunch of preteens!”
“God, I can’t believe Charli’s turning thirteen,” Theo muses, shaking his head.
“Right?! It makes me feel so old. Did I tell you that Bella got her learner’s permit, too? Ashley and Dad are teaching her how to drive.”
Theo shudders. “Oh, that’s terrifying!”
“So terrifying. But fortunately, I think they’ll be too busy with Charli’s birthday shenanigans to let Bella drive this weekend.”
“Yeah? What are y’all doing?”
“No idea. I’ll find out when I get there.”
Theo laughs. “Lucky you. I’m working all weekend.”
“Damn, really? Even on Sunday?”
Theo nods. “I’m working five to close tonight, then I’ve got morning shifts tomorrow and Sunday. We’ll head back to school around five or six, if that works for you.”
Jesus. Just thinking about Theo’s schedule makes my muscles sore. “Yeah, man, whatever you need. I’m simply along for the ride.”
